A collaborative project between Anilam and RK International has led to the successful installation of a Europa Milltech CNC milling machine at one of the UK's leading modelmakers.
A collaborative project between control specialist Anilam and machine tool distributor RK International has led to the successful installation of a Europa Milltech three-axis CNC milling machine as the 'bridge' technology between a series of manual machines and high speed machining centres at A.T.O.M., one of the UK's leading modelmakers. With x, y and z axes travels of 720mm by 305mm by 115mm and fitted with Anilam 3300 MK CNC, the Milltech 1500VS was chosen over alternative machines for a number of reasons, according to A.T.O.M. director Nick Mines.

'As well as being the most cost-effective solution and providing the appropriate machining performance,' he says, 'it was important that the machine control technology was intuitive and would integrate with our company-wide Windows network.' He continues: 'The machine can be easily switched between manual and CNC operation, and because its Anilam control is a powerful, yet easy-to-use CNC, it is the perfect machine control technology that creates a bridge between our modelmaking craft skills and our high-speed (up to 60,000 revs/min) machining centre expertise.' Required to machine mainly Ureol, the Europa Milltech has a table area of 1,244mm by 230mm and a 2.25kW spindle motor that produces spindle speeds of 60 to 4,200 revs/min.

Importantly, from A.T.O.M.'s point of view, the machine's Anilam 3300 MK control combines user-friendly conversational programming (Machinist Language) with digital signal processing for high-speed data processing and motion control.

The control features a range of canned cycles, including: * Irregular pockets - a simple routine of prompts produces clearances of shapes; * Geometry - the geometry calculator, for determining points, lines and circles, automatically forms the program foundation; * Bolt hole pattern and drill cycles are created by simple question and answer routines; and * Graphics - program verification with user-friendly graphics and program text and CNC status displayed together.

'By making this investment and closing the 'gap' between our manual machines and high-tech machining centres,' adds Nick Mines, 'we have provided our modelmakers with a powerful machine that is so easy to use that some have actually taught themselves to operate it.

That can only be good for their personal development and overall job satisfaction.' A.T.O.M.

(All Types Of Models) has for a number of years been combining manual machining and hand finishing skills with stereolithography and machining centre work for the specialist production of models and prototypes for a wide range of consumer and trade industries, as well as the architectural sector.

Combined with complementary small batch production techniques of vacuum casting and vacuum forming, A.T.O.M.

has steadily expanded to today's 50-plus employees based in two sites at Sunningdale, Berks.

The company's continual success - which includes a DTI Smart Award and a Millennium Product - is based as much on harnessing the latest technology as it is on the skills of its designers and modelmakers.

This includes establishing a Windows 98 network that links all its machine tools.

The network eliminates the potential for machining bottlenecks by ensuring unrivalled speed of machining program download, and it guarantees program security because it uses files that are write- or password-protected on a central hub.

The set-up supersedes the traditional arrangement of having PCs with serial port links for each machine.

In terms of the Milltech Europa milling machine, the integration by Anilam was a relatively straightforward affair since all Anilam control systems are PC-based, have built-in networking boards and have standard networking auto-sensing at 100Mbit per second for data transmission.