2016年9月15日星期四

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.

2016年9月7日星期三

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.