3D milling of rigid foams, plastics and associated materials by Milled Shapes & Profiles of Benoni.
“Tectra Automation supplied the aluminium structure for the frame, the ball screws that move the spindle and the axes, the high precision linear guides, as well as the complete electric drive and control package,” says Georg Venter, electric drive and control divisional manager, Tectra Automation. “This project bears testament to our commitment to offer support to business in general, and of our innovative automation solutions and specific capabilities. It proves that we do not only cater for large industrials, but also for smaller businesses.”
The motor control centre, a Bosch Rexroth MTX Micro CNC controller, was the first to be installed in the country by Tectra Automation; this controller provides ease of use with advanced performance and precision. “Machine tools that are optimised for frequent types of milling are steadily winning market share, and Bosch Rexroth’s IndraMotion MTX control platform is ideal for automating up to four feed drives for turning or milling machines as a CNC controller with integrated PLC,” explains Venter.
The user panel offers various standard functions that enable commissioning and optimisation without a programming unit. This control centre can be either manually controlled from the HMI or via a mobile hand-wheel. Further commissioning functions, such as axis commissioning and backing-up the controller and drive data have been added and can now be used straight from the control panel. Graphic input masks enable intuitive programming technology cycles, thus making the reading of input parameters unnecessary.
“Without the assistance of Tectra Automation, we would not have been able to build this machine. Not only was the structure easy to assemble, the advice and technical expertise they offered and continue to offer is a major benefit to us,” says Robin Murgatroyd, co-owner of Milled Shapes & Profiles.
The long bed milling machine, with its 15 mm thick base plate and 4 m length, was made in two sections for ease of transportation and installation. Built with versatility in mind, machining capabilities of 3500 mm (X-axis), 1250 mm (Y-axis) and 900 mm (Z-axis) are featured. The machine also boasts a thermal guillotine using a hot wire on the z- or x-axis for precision, clean cutting. “Able to machine 7 m work pieces in one go, the machine also features vacuum plug fasteners to hold pieces safely and allow multiple pieces to be processed simultaneously,” says Murgatroyd.
The MTX Micro CNC controller is pre-programmed via a personal computer where after the data is transferred to the motor control centre for the machine to complete the run. “With the help of our specialised Bosch Rexroth control centre, the machine switches itself off once a programme has been completed,” says Murgatroyd. “One of the advantages of the system is its flexibility. It doesn’t tie us down to a specific programme; rather it allows a wide range of functions making it ideal for our specialised applications.”
The customised machine is perfect for cutting intricate patterns and moulds with high accuracy such as those for surfboards, ski-boats and motor car bodies. “Our aim is to specialise in styrene patternmaking and in the production of moulds for specialised applications,” says Murgatroyd. Recent projects included assistance to engineering students from the University of Johannesburg with a mould for a solar-powered car and a body pattern for a Unimog vehicle.
For more information contact Georg Venter, Tectra Automation, +27 (0)11 971 9400, [email protected], www.tectra.co.za
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