| The development of computer numeric | | | | incorporating two different lettering styles |
| controlled (CNC) routing, using affordable | | | | and a graphical logo. Having launched OSS |
| personal computers has already begun to | | | | Draw, the first step is to draw a box or |
| revolutionise all aspects of the woodworking | | | | boarder on the screen to indicate the overall |
| industry. In so doing it has created new | | | | area of the work. This can be either a simple |
| opportunities for large and small businesses | | | | rectangular boarder or a more decorative one. |
| as well as for individual craftsmen. | | | | This border then needs to have a depth |
| | | | assigned to it. This is done by using colours |
| CNC is a technique whereby the movement of a | | | | to define the depth of each area. |
| router head is controlled by instructions | | | | |
| from a computer. These instructions come from | | | | The logo is then created using the drawing |
| a computer program or list that the user keys | | | | tools within OSS Draw. The words are keyed in |
| into the CNC 860 console or into a computer | | | | using the text function. Again, colours are |
| as ISO standard commands called 'G' codes.As | | | | assigned to each area to produce a graphical |
| an example, the code G01 X100 Y100, instructs | | | | representation of how the finished sign will |
| the head to move in a straight line to a | | | | look. The next task is to define the routing |
| point horizontally and vertically 100mm away | | | | parameters. In the example, the red and blue |
| from its starting position. | | | | areas of the logo and the lettering have been |
| | | | assigned a depth of 5mm and the green area |
| The CNC 860 The Trend CNC package is based | | | | assigned a depth of zero. The same dialogue |
| around the Elu/DeWalt CNC 860 Machining | | | | box lets you specify whether a letter or |
| Centre, which has a machining area of 860mm x | | | | object is engraved or routed through the |
| 860mm x 90mm. These dimensions relate to the | | | | material. The cutter profile that will be |
| three axes, X,Y and Z (width, length and | | | | used can now be defined. With lettering, |
| height). Each axis is served by a separate | | | | particularly serifed fonts, the cutter used |
| stepper motor, controlling the movement of | | | | needs to have a small diameter, perhaps 3mm. |
| the routing head. Two head options are | | | | However, to achieve a 5mm cutting depth this |
| offered: a modified portable router or a | | | | will have to be routed in several passes. |
| continuously rated, high cycle motor, that | | | | |
| provides improved performance for intensive | | | | A simulation of the cutting path is now drawn |
| machining applications. | | | | on screen. Having then created a G-code file |
| | | | of the sign ready for the CNC 860 to cut, the |
| Programming directly in G-codes through the | | | | file is downloaded to the CNC 860. The design |
| console can be time consuming. To assist the | | | | can now be routed, the material being held on |
| operator, a PC software application called | | | | the bed by an adaptable clamping mechanism. |
| CNCTalk is included with the machine. This is | | | | From the simulation, the path that the tool |
| a basic computer aided design (CAD) | | | | will take is known allowing a datum point to |
| application which runs under DOS, the | | | | be set using the zero key on the console, and |
| original PC operating system before Windows. | | | | the program 8 INProfile is run using the |
| It is useful for intermediate applications | | | | start key. This type of routing operation |
| like cutting out irregular shapes. However, | | | | takes around 20 minutes to complete and |
| to gain the maximum versatility from the CNC | | | | requires no further involvement by the |
| 860,Trend's Open Sign System Software for | | | | machine operator. Other accessories |
| Windows is the most effective solution. | | | | Sign-writing is just one of the many complex |
| | | | and wide ranging routing operations that can |
| OSS consists of two separate software | | | | be carried out using the OSS and CNC 860 |
| applications: OSS Draw which provides the | | | | package. OSS also has a range of tools for |
| drawing tools to create any shape or sign, | | | | drawing component shapes and profiles |
| and OSS Work which handles all the routing | | | | directly or with an electronic sketchpad |
| and tooling-related parameters like depth and | | | | (graphics tablet). Vacuum Clamping To reduce |
| offset. Graphical simulations are shown for | | | | the through-put time for this kind of |
| all tool parameters enabling the user to | | | | operation, the CNC 860 can also be used with |
| perfect a design before routing any material. | | | | a vacuum bed. Trend offer a complete range of |
| | | | affordable vacuum pumps and jigmaking |
| Sign-writing As an example of how these | | | | accessories to enable all CNC users to |
| products work together, the method of | | | | produce a highly automated production system |
| producing a simple sign is shown, | | | | to suit their own specific requirements. |