Enhancing Stone Processing Capability via CNC Router

Understanding the nuances of granite stone sink making

CNC systems are the cornerstone of stone fabrication. Advancement of production techniques using stone is primarily due to the use of computer numerically controlled routing machines. One such machine that is getting appreciation all over the world is the OMNI-CNC Stone Carving CNC Router. This Chinese CNC router is becoming popular primarily for the robust construction, precision and affordability.

The stone carving router from OMNI CNC is a 3-axis machine equipped with a powerful 4.5kW water cooled spindle capable of 24000 rpm (revolutions per minute). The feature of this CNC router is the machine table with coolant tray on wheels that allows moving the stone plate easily.

Anatomy of Stone Sinks Routing

CNC machines can slab cut stone particularly granite which is the hardest stone. . After cutting the stone with bridge saws the edges are routed on the CNC machine for application of epoxy. The edge work involves half bull nose edges and sink bottoms with a radius generally measuring three eights of an inch. This prevents flat bottom edge of the sink allowing the slope to the drain. CNC machining forms the perfect shape.

The other advantages of CNC stone routing is there is hardly any wastage of the granite or engineered stone. Remnants (remaining pieces from a larger slab) are utilized in countertop production which has made the use of CNC router an important cog in the kitchen production industry.

China produces some of the finest granites as stone quarrying is big business. The evolution of CNC stone routing in China has taken the industry into world class status as Chinese engineers such as OMNITECH began the process of innovation. In less than a decade the name of OMNI CNC is synonymous with CNC routing. One of the hallmarks of the OMNI CNC Stone Router is the machine frame which has extra thick steel tubes welded providing stability to the heavy stone workpieces. Along with the gantry that also has reinforcing ribs constructed out of tubular steel the firm beam assembly is a fine example of OMNI’s precision engineering and quality of workmanship.

To understand the beauty of granite stone sink routing a quick perusal of the You Tube video (link at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_VRp2XTzMI.) shows the efficiency of the machining under a bed of water on the wheel configured table. The CNC machine’s chief feature is the accuracy particularly when making ogee edges. The quality of machining is exemplary – of course it does not matter if the CNC router has to bevel edges or straight edges or has to have a Dupont edge (a combination of ogee and half round). The OMNI CNC router is up to the task with its high spindle power and advanced control system.

Affordable CNC Routers for Aluminum Composite Machining

Aluminum composite materials are the most preferred material in the signage industry. There are several reasons for the popularity of the material the main is its relative affordable cost and the second being it very versatile. The material is waterproof, rust proof and the smooth finish is ideal for durability in outdoor signs.

Aluminum composites comprise the bonding of a non-aluminum layer sandwiched between two aluminum layers. The process of cutting through these three layers with a clean edge or finish requires engineering tools.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSYyF0uVFQ8

While it is true that a sharp knife can do the job for a straightforward cut it is very slow and when large sheets have to be cut it can be cumbersome. Also corners and rounded profile are indeed challenging to use a sharp knife. The other known tools are panel saws, circular saws and table saws that can easily cut through composites. Handling large sheets is an issue for these tools.

Fortunately the use of CNC routers has solved the problem rather admirably. These routers such as the OMNI CNC Basic Type Router are perfect for indoor and outdoor signage cutting as well as engraving. The Router can cut several types of material such as

•  Plastics

•  Composites which include
o  ACP – aluminum composite panels
o  ACM – aluminum composite material
o  Other solid surface material

•  Non-ferrous material among others.

The CNC router from OMNI CNC is widely used in-
ACP Cladding of building facades. Thermoplastic core is bonded between two aluminum panels. The bonded ACPs are light in weight, rigid and strong. Patterns similar to other materials such as wood, stone or marble can be painted lending to imaginative interiors in partitions or as wall screen decorative paneling. ACP panels can be drilled, punched and cut into complex shapes making installation easy which saves cost and time. Other uses include

•  Creating signage for indoor and outdoor use
•  Models and prototyping
•  Architectural elements for decoration

The router is robust in build with strong machine frame and its high frequency spindle of 3kW or more is powerful and rated to work with minimum or zero maintenance. The spindle can handle 6000 to 18000 revolutions per minute which can tackle the most intricate cutting job with precision. Another feature that allows this high positioning precision is quality stepper motors. This motion system can divide steps into micro steps due to stall torque and high power at low speeds. This is an essential feature for accurate cutting of aluminum composites with smooth finished edges.

Precision Engineering of Shuttles by CNC Machine

CNC routers are the perfect machine tools for creating precision parts irrespective of its size. It can be a large part or a small part and the efficacy of machining master patterns for shuttles or inspection features for jigs. Even low volume production of components such as trialing shuttles is perfectly suited for CNC machining.

The textile industry is perhaps the biggest gainer of CNC technology. The ease with which shuttles are machined is a testament to the complexity of weave and weft. Jacquard patterns named after the founder Joseph Marie Jacquard (1752–1834) allowed Jacquard shredding facilitating automatic production of pattern weaving that had no limits. Jacquard is an automatic control mechanism that has made jersey machine-knitted textile very popular. The shuttle design is complex as the weft and weave need to match the pattern. The Jacquard process allows greater control with lesser repeats allowing large designs woven across the width of the loom.

CNC machining of shuttles is a major niche business and mostly in-house in large and small textile centers. The proper aligning of the thread in the shuttle follows the jacquard pattern and with slight alterations quickly machined on the CNC router allowing several variations of the design weave. An example of a jacquard weave used on a skater dress

With advanced CAD / CAM software, visualizing the design is very simple and alterations can also be seen before actual machining. The advantage of CNC machining is the freezing of the shuttle design and producing as many numbers as require. Importing the design at alter date on the PC platform is a simple task. One of the best CNC routers for shuttle making is OMNI CNC from China. They have developed superb logistics and design capability that specific CNC routers for just shuttle production are a niche specialty. The result being that OMNI CNC perhaps has the most affordable CNC routers for shuttle making.

The example of shuttle carving by a CNC router can be witnessed in this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjqIBGefErc). The modelling is simple and is used to explain the intricacies of the wear and tear of the eyelet that is precision engineered.

Accurate Engineering Modeling Via CNC Prototyping

CNC machining is most suited for creating precise parts be it large or small components. They are routinely used in

• creating master patterns for molds

• Large sample parts before using in production to verify the fit and form

• Display models

• Inspection fixtures for assembly jigs

• Production components for low volume use

• Engineering models

• Injection mold creations

Aerospace applications witness widespread use. Testing parameters in aircraft design is very stringent in the sense that components cannot be allowed to fail when operational. Prototyping allows quick development and performance improvement on the fly meaning parts can be improved constantly. The advantage of the CNC applications is the G code language technology that can save existing parameters, which allow minute changes in the tool path altering the configuration of the component ever so slightly. Most satellites are prototyped as there is no possibility of large volume production of satellites. The example of Cassini and recently Juno which is orbiting the planet Jupiter are excellent examples. The Rosetta spacecraft is already on its way in a controlled descent to meet its end on the Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko from orbit; this is another fine example of a prototype manufactured on a CNC machine. The Rosetta space craft has so many instruments onboard that space is perhaps the costliest in terms of real estate. Without CNC machining capability this mission by the ESA (European Space Agency) could not have created history and our knowledge of the cosmic origins would have remained static.

The best example of prototyping via CNC modeling is the latest iPhone 7 model. Countless software simulations were carried out to see how the removal of the headphone jack would make space more efficient. Once the software froze the design validating the design was turned over to 3D modeling. Technologies such as fused deposition in 3D systems simulated the iPhone 7 housing design. The next step of actually machining the housing from the material that would be used in volume production happened resulting in the iPhone7 still retaining the simplicity of design as envisaged by the late Steve Jobs with additional form and function. The net result of this prototyping has resulted in a larger battery and twin camera lenses which make the iPhone 7 perhaps the best camera phone just short of a top-of-the-line DSLR (digital single-lens reflex).

CNC machining for prototyping is preferred for the following attributes

• Speed

• Tolerance precision akin to large volume manufacturing

• Accuracy pertaining to original 3D design parameters

• Capability of machining wide variety of materials

• Concept stage to prototyping with fast turn-around times

• Simulation helps in pointing to problems in final part production

Types of materials used in prototyping via CNC Router machining

• ABS

• Polychromatic

• All type os plastics

• Polypropylene

• Acetyl

• HDPE

• PTFE

• Radel

• PVC

• Aluminum

• Brass

• Steel

• Titanium

• Brass

• Foams

• Modeling board

CNC machining allows precision parts prototyping that cannot be done by any other machine. The process also allows excellent finishing by removing machine marks, edge breaks and if required be ready for plating, priming or painting operations to obtain textures or high polish as required by the design.

Solid Wood Carving Routers

The woodworking video in the clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTkr9jl8cU8) is a fine example of wood-carving on solid wood pieces. The eloquence of the curved design is poetry in motion. CNC woodworking routers achieve harmony and engineering precision for two reasons. The first is CNC language called G-code that determines the speed of the object (in the video the solid wood piece) . The G-code also determines the depth of cut as well as the profile of the cut. This gives the curve design the precision that evokes admiration. Not to be forgotten is the fact that the object is held stationary primarily due to the vacuum effect of holding down the object although in the referred video the work piece is kept stationary with the use of clamps.The use of vacuum is desired for accurate machining and carving and there is a cost element due to the technology whereas clamping technology is simpler and costs less.

The wood carving element in furniture decoration is become  niche business with interior designers customizing designs as per customer's likes and the resulting G-code created tool paths makes the job off translating the design into reality. Furniture, wardrobe panels, custom cabinets are all up for exclusiveness in terms of furniture concepts. The legs of the furniture are becoming ornate and baroque designs of the Victorian era are making a comeback.

The CNC router from OMNI-CNC from China (in the video) is a versatile machine. OMNI-CNC has developed several innovations for solid woodworking by producing high volume machines with 3-axis, 4-xis as well as 5-axis operations. Importantly OMNI-CNC have tailored their manufacturing activities in producing affordable routers. They have more than 100 designs that are easy to use and produce high quality wood engraving. Among their best sellers are the basic linear type ATX CNC Router (ATC is automatic tool changer), and the Carousel type ATC CNC Router. For specialized woodworking applications, the synchronized multi-spindle CNC Router as well as cabinet and door making CNC router are particularly useful for high volume woodworking projects. At the heart of woodworking OMNI CNC routers is the innovative vacuum technology that allows increased efficiency as well as productivity. Solid wood routing is possible by using matrix suction platforms giving the object total shear force absorption while remaining steady.

The affordable OMNI 1325 and OMNI 1530 are standard machines the world over for woodworking as well as non-ferrous metal routing applications. Capable of handling solid wood sheet sizes of 5' x 10' OMNI-CNC have stepped their game up with the production of models 2030 and 2040 that can take solid wood sizes of 7' x 10' and 7' x 13'. All these systems have a matrix table and vacuum pump that is very powerful giving 140 cubic meters per hour capacity. Vacuum hold down is best-in-class along with positioning systems via linear rail systems on all axis.

Latticed Screen Partition by CNC Router

The films in the 50s and 60s had a very strong architectural connect when showing women within their homes. Particularly oriental themed films showed women behind latticed framework. These were wooden screens and in the film, the wooden screens actually lit up the scene as it showed glimpses of women behind them. People noticed these screens and were astounded at the workmanship of the artisan. These screens were works of art and quite expensive beyond the reach of the middle class. Only very rich and wealthy people were able to afford these screens.

The time spent by master carpenters and hand engravers was a lot and in fact not many could be produced. However technology has come to the rescue of this art as CNC routers have revolutionized partition grille screen production. The language of the CNC router is called G-code and this versatile technology has brought engraving and cutting application on wood to another level. Looking at an example of this video clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsyul6C_Wvg) gives an idea how this application used on a CNC router can produces breathtaking partition grilles. 

The CNC machine in the video is by OMNI-CNC that is one of the leading CNC router manufacturers in China. The speed of the machine is a phenomenal 5000 mm per minute using a tool bit that is 3.175 mm in diameter. The finished partition grille-screen size is 1600 mm x 500 mm (1.6 m x 0.5 m). The cutting edge is very smooth meaning that no further finishing is required. The OMNI linear ATC 1530 machine is very affordable as the video shows an 8mm thick MDF board being transformed into a wonderful grille screen.

This is a niche business for the use of CNC routers because partition grille screens are adorning many homes as the cost has become affordable. The use of screen dividers adds not only the decorative element but also manifests as a room divider. Geometric lattices are used in offices, restrants, shops and exhibition spaces. 

Shuttle Engraving for Looms by CNC Routers

Precision machining of a shuttle used in textile looms has undergone engraving iterations in the process. Man invented the shuttle to help the weaving process. A weaving shuttle is shaped like a boat carrying a bobbin of thread across the warp threads to form the weave. Repeated movement of the shuttle from left to right and back creates the weave ultimately forming the pattern of cloth.

Shuttle Carving

When it was first invented carpentry and carving skills was required. The basics of shuttle design began from a crude boat design (by the way this design is still used) that held the bobbin of thread. Employing a drill brace and a couple of bits to bore holes into the shuttle was enough to ferry the bobbin back and forth. From hand tools has the shuttle carving and engraving metamorphosed today to CNC router applications. Shaping the shuttle from the outside to fine placements of holes to create shuttle eyelets is just a matter of minutes for CNC routers. To prevent wear and tear in the eyelets as the thread passes back and forth small brad is precision-engineered. The complexity of engraving in the olden times with basic carpentry tools is indeed admirable compared to modern carving and engraving precision employed by CNC routers. This double technology process optimizes working times and productivity.

A fine example of using CNC routers for engraving shuttles is captured in this video 

The CNC router is manufactured by OMNITECH from China. They are one of the leading manufacturers of CNC routers. A basic Omni CNC router is all that is needed for precision carving and engraving shuttles. The built-in controller is input with predetermined tool path files that can be used repeatedly. The art of weaving extraordinary designs using thread of different materials like plastics, nylon, wool, synthetic silks among others has created a spin off industry in handwoven textiles. Design houses have sprung up all over the world. These spin offs have redefined shuttle manufacturing. Emailing tool paths to woodworking shops with CNC routers and receiving manufactured shuttles, via mail is as easy as posting letters and receiving a reply. The speed of CNC operation makes it possible to order as many shuttles as possible.

CNC Routers Enhance Architecture Facade Design

The versatility of CNC routers is incredibly vast in scope and application. There are many areas particularly industrial application that offers creative expression. The example of creating stunning facades in building construction is a prime example.

CNC routers are commonly used in profiling aluminum sections for fabrication service industry. Substrates include aluminum composites, high pressure laminates, Acrylic, MDF Corian, HDPE among others that is regularly profiled and cut using CNC routers. Miller Design in Australia is one of the leading votaries of using OMNITECH's cutting edge CNC routers.

They provide complete integration of design to installation of curtain-walling systems, shopfront facades and roof glazing. They are a name to reckon with and won many awards for the high quality of their installations that involve intricate aluminum joinery.

OMNITECH CNC ATC (automatic tool changer) Router is essential equipment in Miller Design's arsenal. OMNI also offer production, technical expertise and consultation to Miller and this partnership is more of actual creative minds meeting on a common platform to produce architectural beauty.

Miller Design specializes in curtain-walling design where two or more floors of a front facing façade appear to be continuous and seamless. Reflective glass mounted on structurally glazed mulions which are concealed help this stunning architecture. Engineering design and accurate cutting of aluminum profiles is the expertise behind this kind of architecture design. Retrofitting existing buildings is also possible with curtain-walling.

Dejan from Serbia is another of those enlightened visionaries who uses OMNITECH's ATC type CNC router for aluminum composite machining. He uses thick aluminum sheets of 4 mm thickness while his panels range in thickness from 2 to 10 mm. Some of his windows, glass facades and ventilated facades are a joy to behold for structural as well as aesthetic appearance.

How CNC Router Could Benefit Cricket Bat Processing Business?

Cricket is a sport played mostly in countries that have a colonial history. As the colonies broke up and the sun began to set on the British Empire the game of cricket continued to thrive in these areas. There was however a jewel in the crown of the breaking British Empire. India at the midpoint of 1950s had a population around 350 million people. In a span of five decades, the population soon touched a billion and along with China forms the two largest countries in the world population wise. The winner is cricket. India rules the cricket world in numbers. The demand for cricket equipment is witnessing boom time.

Bat Manufacturing

Cricket bats are at the center of the equipment business. The bat manufacturing centers in England pioneered the use of English willow. As demand, outstripped supply Kashmir willow became the wood of choice and bat manufacturing concentrated in Kashmir. Being a populous country, every aspect of the bat was handmade and no two bats could be termed the same. Professional cricketers would spend days with a reputed bat-maker to personalize weight and size (within the stipulated laws of cricket) of the bat. A top rated cricketer would have a dozen bats in his kitbag.

CNC Router Process for Bat Profiling

England started the manufacture of bats using machines and soon it became apparent that CNC Router machine was the perfect tool for creating bats. Two-piece bats dominate the manufacture. The body of the bat is married to a cane handle via a splice. CNC routers have simplified the operation by using a single piece of willow (130 mm x 130 mm x 850 mm) that clamped onto a 12 spindle OMNI CNC Turner/Lathe Router. A milling tool of 1/2 x 60 and 1/2 x 120 is mounted and the block of willow fixed to the rotary device after finding the center point of the willow block. The CNC Router has the profile of the bat input into the computer, which guides the milling tool and process the willow block into the desired shape in one single piece.

Bat Dynamics

Bats usually have a raised ridge at the back of the bat and a straight face on the front. The front face meets the incoming ball and imparts force that is termed as a stroke. The force of the stroke is either brute power or timed stroke without using brute force. Twenty-twenty Cricket has changed bat dynamics resulting in strokes played of the back of the bat. Profile of the bat includes scooped back that is almost similar to the front without sacrificing the sweet spot on the face. Sweet spot’s indication is the noise of a solid thump when ball meets bat. The scooped back enables a batter to hit off the rear of the bat or reverse the bat in his hands in a lightning fast movement (called as reverse sweep).

Allen Tells You How to Process The Cricket Bat by CNC Router China-

Bat manufacturing business using CNC Routers is a game changer. Small CNC Router with two spindles can personalize bat for a person taking into account height, weight and batting style of the sportsperson. Small profiling adjustments to the blade of the bat smooth edges resulting in faster carry of the ball. The game of cricket is witnessing rapid changes in attacking style; more strokes are played when compared to before and cricketers are making serious money both on and off the field. It is not only international stars but also the lower ranked cricketer making a comfortable living.

EPS Pattern making by CNC Router

The similarity between lost wax casting and lost foam casting (LFC) is almost the same. The main difference is the use of EPS (expanded polystyrene) instead of wax. EPS is the disposable element. The only difference is the pattern remains in the sand mold. The hot metal will decompose the mold. The origin of this process dates back to 1958. H. F. Shroyer the originator called it the full mold process. In the early days, the patterns were machined on expanded polystyrene blocks and molded in sand that had furan resin as a bonding agent. Luckily, the patent expired in 1980 and it became available in the public domain.

The process of casting using EPS patterns explained in the following steps

• Patterns machined with pre-expanded EPS 
• Pattern is coated with refractory
• Pattern is placed in a flask
• Sand is filled into the flask
• Liquid metal is poured into the flask
• EPS melts or vaporizes
• Pattern is shaken loose for the casting to emerge

The alternative for EPS is expanded polymethyl methacrylate (EPMMA). Sometimes the two are mixed together to obtain a blend. Polycarbonate is another material that used in the LFC process.

Forming the Pattern

These are the various steps in the pattern making

• Design the part
• Tooling design for the EPS foam
• Tooling design decides initial dimensions
• Different sections of foam design
• Ultimate foam pattern quality and fusion of foam to refractory coating

Tool design of foam patterns take into account holes in the foam and pullbacks for undercuts. The design also incorporates collapsible cores for making large internal hollow sections in the foam. The complexity of the design involves making several sections of foam that are joined together in a final assembly to arrive at the final pattern To carve each foam section a tool and suitable fixture is designed so that correct alignment of sections are glued.

Tool designs generally are a long process. With the advent of the CNC router tool design and foam section carving is automated. Prototyping involved gluing hand carved foam sections and the resulting cast was inferior in quality that needed careful machining. Today 3d printers have made complex designing of parts user friendly. The same design is transferred via CAD / Cam software to an EPS shaping CNC router machine. The router creates the foam patterns. When all the foam sections are assembled together the pattern is filled with unbonded sand. Hot metal is poured and allowed to cool. The foam vaporizes. The sand mold is shaken loose and reused for the next casting process. The resulting cast is almost perfect that requires very little machining.

Cylinder blocks for automobiles use this process widely. Formula one engine constructors like McLaren and Ferrari have their own pattern making workshops that are state-of-the-art.

OMNI CNC EPS shaping router machine is widely used in die and mold industries. The machine‘s versatility can be gauged because it is used on expanded polystyrene, wood, and other non-metallic molds.

They have found special use in

• automotive foam mold
• wooden ship modeling
• wooden aviation modeling
• model trains 

Multifaceted Use of Wooden Crown Moldings

Wooden crown moldings have been used as decorative motifs from time immemorial. The early wood workers used various profiles that gave different shadow effects. Wood moldings were made from solid wood until gypsum or plaster of paris made its entrance and provided an alternative. With engineered woods and plastics, profiling of trims has reached another level for interior decorative trim.

Moldings have beveled edgings on two faces that are at right angles to each other. This allows fixing them to the wall and the ceilings. There are plain moldings, sprung moldings, cyma moldings, and ogee moldings among others. Moldings were introduced to add the dimension of shadow play on a wall. Adding a small overhang to the surface of the wall created different patterns of light and shadow to give an architectural effect. By changing the shape of the overhang, graded shadow effects became possible.

Decorative moldings from stone, plaster and wood are normal. Cyclopedia printed in 1728 has a chapter devoted for various types of moldings under the heading Table of Architecture. Woodworking tools were commissioned that were termed as specialized planes. At one time, a woodworking shop had to have as many molding planes as were the designs. You can imagine the shop with hundreds of planes. In the 19th century, the English multi-plane became the wood workers choice for molding work. This tool allowed interchangeable blades. When the crown moldings became large (in the order of 6inches or more) then pushing the plane required great force Sometimes two people needed to push and pull a plane for oversized moldings.

Today this is not a problem. Any woodworking CNC router will do the job in a matter of minutes. Profiles of moldings are stored as readymade drawings. The design can also be tweaked and in no time, a new molding design can be carved. Interchangeable router bits can cut variety of profiles.

Other than using between ceiling and wall, crown moldings are used in imaginative ways to enhance modern architecture with an ornate look. Using below the countertop of a kitchen island is one of the best ways of enhancing kitchen architecture. Adding molding to a plain door will instantly transform the door into an architectural delight and make it the focal point.Moldings are increasingly used to frame mirrors that will make it look more like an art piece.

Creating Custom Designed LED Engraved Advertising Signboards

CNC Routers are versatile machines. One of the major strengths of CNC Routers is their capability to work with a variety of sign making materials. These include:

• Sign-foam

• Acrylic

• Aluminum

• Hardwood

• Plywood

• Wood Composites

• Polycarbonate Material

• Lexan

CNC routers are used to make 3D acrylic letters and parts for channel letter signs. In addition with a V-groove router bit, flowing cursive text of varying depth and width can be cut into wood or metal or acrylics and other translucent plastics.

Benefits CNC Routers

CNC Routers are exclusively used for their role in creating high end custom signs. 

• Precision fabrication allows the creation of quality signs

• Saved sign designs can be used repeatedly

• Can be used to create signs using a variety of materials

• Creative signage capability

• Reduces waste

• Allows faster fabrication and delivery 

Samples of business signs - a visual guide to the types of signs — many of them with the assistance of OMNI CNC Routers

Custom edge-lit signs draw attention. Storefronts are given a high tech look. Glamorize weddings and other special events with amazing signage.  

Professional sign fabricators depend on CNC Router. Without this versatile machine modern signage and advertising industry would have found themselves hampered by traditional techniques.

The CNC Router is a computer-controlled machine, and is mounted on a large router table. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. It can move in three dimensions and automatically cuts out the parts needed for a sign by following commands from a computer program. The CNC router follows a tool path that is accurate and allows sign manufacturers the capability to create extremely accurate designs and letters in a variety of materials.

Special software creates a new design that is sent to the computer workstation of the CNC router. The machine creates the different elements used in the sign's design. For example, the design may require 3D letters to be cut from a sheet of clear acrylic.

Omni CNC Router in action

In this video recorded at Omni CNC, you can see the versatility of OMNI CNC machine, cutting acrylic letters from half-inch material.

Creating Channel Letter signs

Individual 3D letters and shapes are formed from sheet metal. The CNC router cuts translucent acrylic front faces. With aluminum back covers, and internal LED lighting the photo shows a channel letter sign that was created for Amante Coffee. The LED illuminated channel letter sign gives excellent visibility at night. 

CNC Router Machines for Statues

The OMNI CNC router is a fine example of turning materials on a router. The process is very simple. A rotary device works as 4th axis on a conventional 3-axis router. The CNC router can carve exquisite newel posts, chair jambs, crown molding, statue profiling, modillion engraving, and wall moldings. The applications can only stretch the imagination

The rotary device works as a 4th axis indexer that allows machining of parts in the round profile. Free form ornamental turning is revolutionizing statue profiling. The Omni CNC router is making master craftsmen out of ordinary souls.

This also calls for introspection on a disappearing art of master carpenter. But technology is no more the servant of man rather it is breaking new grounds and with the advent of the Chinese company OMNI-CNC, new ground breaking technology is now available at an affordable price. The 4th axis with the rotary device makes the job of carving newel post and statues like 3d carving on Buddha.

The machine frame is of robust build quality. There are 12 spindles which can be employed on various materials like MDF (medium density fiberboard is an engineered wood product), solid woods, plastics and acrylics. The rotary device can process irregular objects as well as different columns. The digital servo brushless motor on all the axes is maintenance free and gives unmatched routing flexibility.  Sometimes this Omni CNC machine is dubbed as statues CNC router.

The design process for carving a statue profile will need the visualization of the concept. For this 3D modelling software or 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) is required. Instead of drawing the object via lines (by a pencil) the 3d object is built up by inserting and changing fundamental 3D shapes. OMNI CNC router machines for profiling statues come with the right software tools to execute a tool path for the visualized 3D shape and allow the CNC router to trace the tool path. The technical word is called creating the Part file for the CNC router to cut the profile. The Omni CNC router for statue profiling is fast and to watch it in action is itself breathtaking.

OMNI Name Synonymous With CNC Routers

All CNC wood routers have 3-axis. The addition of a 4th axis to a standard 3 Axis CNC router is a way to access more sides without adding more steps to the machine. To simplify it is woodworking with continuous indexing like engraving cylinders of columns that are generally machined for architectural projects.

It is ornamental turning work. An excellent example is a 3d CNC router with the 4th axis clamped at the side of the table. The 4th axis is particularly useful for custom guitars and pool cues. One of the well-known brands for purchasing CNC router is Omi from China. They are one of the top brands in China and with their focus on quality and the variety of models available they have become ubiquitous with CNC router woodworking all over the world.

At the top end is Omni's ATC CNC router. This automatic tool change (ATC) router is perfect for multiple operations. Just set the command and the timing and the router goes to work. It is a specialist woodworking CNC router capable of fast cutting speeds. The addition of a 4th axis as described above can do the job when required and for production oriented works Omni have produced the synchronous multi-head CNC router.

The other models in Omni's lineup is the specialty CNC stone router as well as the EPS shaping CNC router that is designed to work on unconventional materials like carbon hybrid non-metallic materials. Apart from cutting this machine can do shaping and different kinds of mold profiles.

Omni CNC machines are in almost all industrial sectors ranging from automotive, aerospace, recreational vehicles, marine, furniture, 3d sculpture, pattern making, wood workings, signage industry and plastics. The reason for their success is their versatility and attention to detail in their manufacturing process. If you are in the market to purchase CNC router Omni is your choice.

Cabinet & Door Making CNC Router With Auto Tool Chang & Auto Loading System

ACP Cutting Solution- Auto Tool Change CNC Router Combined Saw Taken in ...

This CNC cutting machine includes auto tool change and saw that can cut, router and drill aluminium composite and aluminium sheets. Max thickness 40mm. The video is about ACP cutting machine. 

The video is taken at customer's workshop,which is cutting aluminium composite in New Zealand. This company uses the latest computer technology to assist in structural and thermal performance of its solutions and has been involved in some of the most advanced technical solutions at local city.

How to wood carve like a master carpenter

Handsomely carved newel posts is now within easy reach for the prospective home buyer; the days where you had to depend on the craftsman's skill and time is now a thing of the past; you feel sad for a skill that is vanishing but that that is progress and mankind’s loss. The woodworking CNC router is here to do all the work of a skilled carpenter and much more.

What does CNC mean?

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control; and this term means exactly as stated; Computer - every point on a design is translated to a one or zero which means a mathematical representation of the point in space. Numerical - every facet of the design in three dimensions (popularly known as 3d) is plotted' Control- means exactly what it says; the machine obeys the design faithfully.

Principles of 3d wood carving

Wood carving in 2d was the start that allowed outlining a flat silhouette; the technology evolved into the 2.5d which meant creating recessed outlines and the cutting tool moved horizontally and sideways to replicate the x and y axis of a graph. From this point onwards technology took a quantum leap as the software allowed the tool cutter to assign depth thus creating the z-axis dimension for the 3d effect. By treating the design layer by layer, sculpting the required design in 3d is a snap. By changing the tool cutter profile interesting shapes like a chisel effect (to look as if a real craftsman has carved the design) can be had. The design capability of a CNC Router Woodworking machine is only constrained by the imagination. Curves, straight lines, angles, curlicues, whorls - all these elements can be designed to give a baroque look or creating spaces designed to heighten shadows  can enhance a wooden screen that will be the envy of any harem of a bygone era - conceal but yet be seen.

Woodcarving like a master carpenter

The woodworking CNC router can work at the same time on the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis cutting and milling simultaneously. The design literally stands out - to become outstanding (a rare case of pun intended to be literal). The process is tweaked on a 3d modelling software that differentiates the design process of yore when it was sketched by hand in ink on paper. This sketching and visualizing in 3D is a very skilled art that few traditional designers can do - a legendary name in this field is the Italian motorcycle designer Massimo Tamburini who designs extraordinary motorcycles (The classic MV Augusta F1) by sketching and sculpting (using clay) first and then computer modelling the finished design. This is the hallmark of genius - but using a CNC router woodworking machine can make you a near genius.

These woodworking router machines have taken the guesswork in design, execution accuracy and the vagueness of time out of the equation that allows you a freedom unmatched and unimaginable just a few years ago. Does it mean that you are ready to design your own F1?