Timber iQ October - November 2018 // Issue: 40 | Page 49

FEATURES
allows clients to be able to get the most out of their material,” notes Dudley.
When it comes to adopting CNC technologies, the commercialisation and
investment in new technology factories can be challenging. In this case, Dudley
says smaller businesses are faced with the greatest challenges.
“Firstly, the outlay on capital expenditure can be hefty in the beginning,
however, if companies lay all the pros and cons down, analyse how the
technology will change the way they run their production, and see the
opportunity to grow within their industry, then the challenges become new goals
instead. Welcoming the technology will also offer the possibility to enter new
markets,” she highlights.
FOREVER EVOLVING
With technology constantly fleeting, new innovations are frequently coming into
play. The latest technologies and innovations in this field include 3D simulations
and printing, scanners, automated factories, distance controls, energy and raw
material efficiency.
While not a new trend, nested-based manufacturing (NBM) is increasingly
becoming important for production processes, notes Dudley. “Nesting helps to
get the most out of your material – they allow for the advantages of accuracy,
repeatability and efficient mechanical movement,” she adds.
Dudley notes the future of existing technology can be reshaped by numerous
factors, including different concepts of design and manufacture, mass
production, as well as the versatility of cutting by extending the axis on
all machines – old or new.
“Future CNC trends include empowering machines to be guided by user-
friendly applications that can be integrated into personal computers for the
smaller business – making it more affordable. There are new trends popping up
everywhere you look – we have only skimmed the surface in South Africa.”
CNC WOOD ROUTER BENEFITS
• Speed and increase of production.
• Accuracy, less waste of materials.
• Repeatability.
• Learning new skills.
• Enhanced creativity.
CNC WOOD PROCESSING MACHINE CONFIGURATION
• Machine frame: A basic unit of the machine that houses the control
"There are new
trends popping up
everywhere you
look – we have only
skimmed the surface
in South Africa."
– Venetta Dudley, VVA CNC
Machines owner.
panels. The machine drive is generally also located here. The other
traveling units are installed with the machine frame as the foundation.
• Vacuum fixture with suction elements: Using the suction elements on the
vacuum fixture, the workpieces are precisely located in accordance with
the tool size. The vacuum fixture adjustment is controlled from the
computer. This is accomplished in part with laser technology. The vacuum
fixture and the suction elements can be controlled independently.
• Machining bed: Workpieces are clamped on the processing or machining
bed for subsequent machining. Some machines are equipped with
multiple machining stations that can be operated independently from
one another.
• Machining unit: The CNC machine functions are centrally located in the
machining unit. Various processing steps can be executed that depend on
the installed tools.
// OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 47