Wood Division
Avant - Moving Gantry
The CMS North America Avant moving bridge system is a rigid, accurate and rapid CNC router for wood machining. With a moving bridge construction, the Avant moving bridge is an ideal system for facilities with limited floor space. The Avant is also easily implemented into existing production lines with the help of an innovative and unique moving vacuum belt component option.
For a versatile machine that conserves time, the Avant moving bridge is a winning solution. With a pendular cycle option, working cycles run continuously thereby increasing output and eliminating down time between machining cycles. With an automatic loading and unloading feature combined with the pendular cycle, much of your wood machining requirements can be automated and streamlined with the Avant moving bridge. An automated solution is ideal when the machining of parts is needed in high volumes. This machine is excellent for the machining of window frames or doors millwork.
The Avant moving bridge is a multitalented system with 4 different width options, 7 different lengths and a variety of work table options. The Avant moving bridge can be customized with a vacuum table, special clamping units and moving belt. The Avant’s moving belt option is the only one of its kind in the world. The belt’s innovative design prevents excessive cutting of the belt by the cutting tool. Longevity of the belt is improved, as it is exposed to less wear.
Avant - Machine
AVANT - CMS' moving bridge versatile machining center. Moving bridge machining centers have always been one of CMS’ strong points and the AVANT series CNC router represents the latest generation. All new concepts in mechanical and electronic design have been transfused into this series, which represents the state of the art in structural and dynamic terms: rigidity, accuracy and speed. AVANT is particularly suited for the machining of large-sized workpieces due to its bridge stroke that may be extended up to about 10 meters, 33' 4", (and even further with special versions). Accessibility to the work area is remarkable throughout all of AVANT's table sizes, even for a pendular production mode. The AVANT series comes in 4 different width sizes and 7 mobile bridge sizes (the Y stroke)! Various work tables are available from AVANT's catalog: vacuum table, small beds and moving belt, besides additional specific solutions. The moving bridge structure is suitable for being integrated -- from automatic workpiece load/unload systems, to an in-line just-in-time production logic, with the benefit of total system productivity. The AVANT series CNC router can be configured with all of CMS' operating units developed in its more than 30 years of experience. AVANT has the right size and the proper model for maximum flexibility.
AVANT - with a standard vacuum table
AVANT - shown with a standard vacuum table, which can be used to support customer part fixtures, flexible setup pod and reference devices of various sorts or dedicated fixtures.
AVANT in a flow through version for nested panels
This AVANT flow through version is specifically designed for nested panel processing. The special flow through belt makes it possible to covey a full panel through the machine, perform an end and side alignment, and activate vacuum under the panel allowing for individual zones to be turned on according to standard panel sizes. High volume vacuum pumps overcome loss of vacuum due to the small area exposed by the cutter. Chips created during the routing process are quickly blocked by the venturi openings in the belt (thus raising the vacuum level again) or filtered out by the vacuum pumps filter. Any chips that remain on the belt are removed by a rotating brush as the belt returns under the machine. This AVANT design works well with in-line operations and automatic infeed/outfeed requirements.
Avant used for manufacturing large travel trailer and mobile home components
The Avant is also a perfect solution for manufacturing the large panels, sides or other components required for mobile homes, travel trailers and caravans. Here Avant works in a flow through line with special power rollers designed to move the components through the machine while protecting their surface, side and front align them, raise the panels off the roller table on vacuum pods during the machining cycle and to provide removal of the heavy scrap from the machining process via the belt take away system beneath the work table.
Avant - a special solution for passage doors
Avant comes in a special solution for passage doors. Here the Avant can work either in line or as a separate machine cell for door production. Avant controls the door's movement through the machining process, alignment, selection of vacuum pods and scrap removal. In addition Avant's capabilities cover the range of required machining processes from the top, sides and bottom.
Avant - in a version dedicated to window frame production
Avant has a version dedicated to the needs of window frame production. Here the Avant comes equipped in a special pod and rail version making it possible to machine all the window frame's parts individually and then after assembly to return and machine the final unit. All the unique requirements of holding, aligning and machining are managed with ease, and Avant's design also makes it possible to do the work in a nonstop pendular cycle for even higher efficiency.
Avant - for complete stair systems and component parts
Avant for Stairs provides a versatile CNC machining center solution for manufacturing complete stair systems or the wide range of components that are required for either American or European stair styles: treads, risers, stringers, posts, handrail and many other special features. In addition to Avant's flexible pod and rail table with alignment system, Avant is also available with the stair manufacturing software system designed especially for American style stair producers, PowerStairs.
Avant - roller hold-down system for nested based cutting in a stack of panels.
Avant also comes with a special system that makes it possible to rout, drill, saw, in short to machine parts from a stack of panels with CMS' roller hold-down technology. The panels are loaded at the entry of the machine and aligned. Avant's flow through vacuum belt moves the stack into the machining position holding the stack from beneath. From above, a double set of rollers under CNC control provide the required hold-down in any machining position.
Application - Motorhomes
CMS' Avant CNC machining center technology gives optimum control to motorhome, travel trailer or caravan production either in-line or in a cell for their sides, floors and roofs. Avant's large machining area makes it possible to work sandwich panels ranging in size up to 8,000 x 2,650 mm. Avant can easily be integrated into a production line due to its moving bridge structure and its working plane with a motorized roller group. Part clamping takes place via rails with vacuum pods, having CNC controlled independent vertical movement and vacuum cycle, which means flexibility of use for every shape, without the operator’s intervention. Avant's high level of automation extends to automatic cleaning of the vacuum pods, CNC controlled part referencing, an integrated conveyor for waste removal, giving greater safety and cleanliness and is completed with a full machine enclosure.
Infeed side view… a side has entered the Avant.
Infeed view of a small travel trailer side that has entered the Avant. The side was moved via the powered rollers, aligned and raised into the working position on the specific CNC selected vacuum pods.
Example of the sandwich panel for a side prior to machining.
A sandwich panel is ready to be machined. This shot shows a close up of the power rollers and the panel on the vacuum pods raised into the working position.
A side in the machining area.
A picture of the side in the machining area. Avant's moving bridge moves over the side during the machining cycle creating an enclosed work area while machining in that area of the part. The selection of machining tools and required devices is carried out by a revolver with 8 positions (R8).
The side exits from Avant on a roller table.
Following the machining cycle, the side exits from the Avant onto a roller table for off loading onto a storage rack.
Close up shot of several pods selected via CNC control.
Here the Avant CNC router shows its flexibility in placing and selecting the required vacuum pods to support the side while avoiding its openings.
Close up shot of the 8 position revolver (R8)
The R8 revolver has 8 positions each of which can be dedicated with specific tools or devices required for machining. In addition the revolver has the fastest tool changing time possible and provides additional flexibility in that each head can have the speed and power required for that operation.
A screen shot of the software for pod positioning.
Avant also is available with the software to determine which pods are used to support the part in work, where they're located as well as the code for all the required machining operations.
Application - Nesting
Avant is also used in one of today's important technologies, nesting. Nesting is a technology used in woodworking whenever chip reduction, machining optimization and just-in-time production are required. Cutting, shaping, profiling, and drilling of various parts that belong to different production batches is made possible in one set up, starting from one panel, or even from several stacked panels. Avant's through-feed machine structure makes possible a best integration into a production line. Automatic labeling and laser marking provide a high level of automation in the following production phases. Avant's nesting solution features: wide working areas, a vacuum belt working plane which doesn't require use of a waste panel, load/unload automation and integrated systems for minimizing down time, automatic and integrated systems for piece labeling or laser marking, high cutting speed, high productivity, and options for machining stacked panels.
A nested panel layout
Nested panel technology improves the yield per sheet, makes possible just-in-time or batch production, automates production processes, minimizes handling, can implement tracking technology and provide the software for optimization and cutting processes.
Nesting technology for stacked panels
Nesting technology can also be used for panels in stacks providing the same efficiencies as single panels and the benefit, where practical and possible, of even greater output.
Avant automatically loading the panels to be machined.
Avant automatically loads the panels from which to cut the nested parts. The stacks of panels can also be arranged beforehand so that batch or just-in-time manufacturing techniques can be employed. The panels need not be of the same thickness or color, but the panels in each stack can be arranged according the parts required for each specific order. The stacks of panels or each individual panel can also be bar-coded so that the particular nested programs associated with each thickness and color are executed correctly. Avant's vacuum belt then transports the various sized panels into the cutting area, aligns the panels, and activates the vacuum to hold the panel and the routing work begins according to the programs required for each part on each panel.
Avant executing a labeling cycle
Avant can also execute a labeling cycle so that each finished part will be labeled as required to permit part tracking during subsequent production phases. The labeling function can also be done in conjunction with the infeed cycle while Avant is routing parts so as to save time. The average time for a label and move command is from 3 to 5 seconds. The barcode label can be setup to contain all data required for later manufacturing steps.
Avant shown using laser marking for part identification.
Avant can also incorporate laser marking for specific requirements. The laser marking can take the place of barcode labeling before the machining cycle, or laser marking can be carried out on a part after machining in an inconspicuous place, like an edge of the part.
Avant shown floating from the panel surface.
Avant also provides solutions for unique problems, like floating from the panel surface. Since the panel is referenced from the bottom, if there is a specific depth from the surface to which all cutters much match up, as in the case of the surface rout designs for MDF doors, Avant uses specific technology to float the cutting tools so that no matter the variation in panel thickness, all the cutting tool depths will match and all doors will have the same visual look when finished and variations in panel thickness will not affect finished product.
Avant shown unloading the entire panel after it's been cut
Avant is shown here unloading the complete nested panel with a special vacuum unloading device. In this case the machine will never experience a potential delay due to manual unloading of the parts. But regardless of the specific situation, Avant can be provided with extra unloading area at the end of the machine for manual intervention or even robotic unloading, as required.
Application - Windows
The Avant solutions for window frames starts with the essentials for companies that manufacturer window frames by the order and according to a wide range of possible styles and options: large/wide working areas, a stiff rigid structure with a spindle power up to 15 kW (20 hp) to provide the best machining quality, 3/5-axis working units, either configured singly or as a pair coupled together, providing even more flexibility and productivity, automatic piece clamping devices, and large tool magazines in order to reduce machine retooling operations.
Avant is shown machining individual parts and complete frames in a pendular, non-stop, work cycle.
The Avant solution for window manufacturers is engineered to permit a pendular work cycle, so that the work cycle is continuous and yet variable with real production demand. In this picture in one zone of the machining center a piece of the window frame is being machined, while in the other zone, after the ends and a side of each of the individual parts have been machined and assembled, the assembly returns to the Avant CNC router and the final machining for the complete window frame takes place. Waste generated during machining which is not taken up through the dust collection system is allowed to fall to the bottom of the machining center and is carried out via Avant's waste belt.
Avant's CNC controlled clamping and holding technology
Avant's exceptional performance is based on its ability to securely clamp and hold each part to be machined and for the setup and adjustment of the holding system to take place automatically, all under Avant's CNC control.
Avant machining the profile and joints on a heavy rail part
A picture showing some of the heavy work which Avant is executing on a rail part for a window frame. The end and side work is perfectly executed because of Avant's powerful spindle and holding system.
Avant adjusts to hold the frame via CNC control for final machining
After the individual window frame parts have been machined and assembled they return to Avant for final machining. The frame is placed in a reference corner and then Avant automatically expands, adjusting itself to the shape and size of the window frame while under CNC control and will then machine the final profile shape on the outside of the window frame.
Avant preparing for final machining on the outside of a more complex window frame
Avant is shown preparing to execute the final machining on the outside of a more complex window frame with an arched top rail. The frame is placed in one of the pendular work zone's reference corners and the clamping devices move to the predetermined CNC controlled locations and, after a confirmation by the operator, clamp the frame securely. The reference stops move out of the way and the final machining takes place on the outside of the window frame.
Avant is shown with a wide selection of cutting tools or aggregates available
Avant is shown with a wide selection of heavy cutting tools specifically designed for various window profiles and joints and some special aggregates. Here there are two tool changing magazines each with storage for 16 tools for a total of 32.
Application - Stairs
Avant's design also provides an optimum solution for stair manufacturers. Avant's inherent length capability makes it possible to specify it with long vacuum working planes or working planes with a mobile pod and rail system, or with the possibility to work in a pendular cycle to obtain the maximum in versatility. Avant's powerful 3/5-axis working spindles, with power up to 15 kW (20 hp), ensure flexibility and productivity. Avant is also available in special solutions utilizing tailstock groups for the special machining of complex parts requiring a high finish quality like carved posts, spindles and balusters or specially developed fixtures for volutes including one piece volutes with up-easings. And the Avant CNC router can also be supplied with PowerStairs, the complete CAD/CAM solution for stair design, machining and generation of machine ready code.
Avant is shown here with a pod and rail system machining various stair components
Avant is shown here with a pod and rail system, and waste belt beneath, ready to work on stair parts in a pendular mode. In one zone a handrail part is held by special clamping devices designed for small hard to hold parts and in the other zone a pair of nested treads have been separated and completely machined from a single blank, which was held in place with vacuum pods which were moved during the cycle under CNC control to separate the treads and complete the machining.
A look at Avant's unique clamping system
A closer view of a curved handrail part with the rear profile and end cuts already finished. The handrail is repositioned, the last edge is machined and the angled holes for balusters are drilled. Avant's clamping system is also unique in that it never releases the part until the machining work is finished on all edges. To do this, after Avant has finished a cycle that machines one side and both ends of a part, it then moves the clamping pods toward the other set of clamping pods without releasing the part. Once the part is clamped again by the other set of pods, Avant releases the first set of pods and moves them out of the way, so that the final work on the last edge can be completed without the part position ever being compromised and no manual intervention by the operator is needed.
Avant can also come with CMS' advanced vacuum table
Avant can also come with CMS' advanced vacuum table. Here Avant shows an alternate approach to making a pair of nested treads. CMS' advanced vacuum table is flexible making it possible to plug in various devices directly into the table like vacuum pods, pneumatic reference devices, pneumatically activated clamps or as in this case, vacuum pods which raise and lower, and all of which is under Avant's CNC control. The advanced table also makes it possible to use vacuum fixtures, special fixtures, or special devices like a 4th axis head and tail stock for carving spindles, posts or balusters.
Avant shown machining long stair stringers
Avant's capability to work parts of long length makes it ideal for stair stringers. Here Avant is machining two long stair stringers during the same cycle. It's also possible for Avant to machine a left and right stringer pair at the same time with a double working spindle.
Avant shown machining posts in a stair project
In addition to stringers, Avant is also a perfect choice for machining the post joinery in a stair project. Here an Avant CNC router is shown holding sets of posts in clamping vices and having finished the machining for the tread and riser joints in a pendular cycle.
Integrated one piece volute with up-easing - special fixtures and CNC programs
In addition to everything else, CMS also provides special fixtures for unique requirements, such as the manufacturing of one piece volutes with attached up-easings. These special fixtures are available in right and left versions as well as standard height variations. The fixtures are used in conjunction with 5 axis machining techniques and special CNC programs, which can also be provided as part of a complete solution.
Application - Doors
Avant has a wide range of solutions specifically for door manufacturers. Avant is engineered to meet the needs of in-line, flow through, production or a standalone work cell, the various machine processes of cutting to size, routing light openings, milling and drilling for various hardware needs or the manufacturing of individual parts such as stiles, rails or panels. Avant starts with a rigid structure and an electrospindle power up to 15kW (20 hp) which ensures precision and quality production. Avant's high speed machining and tool changing operations, with powerful horizontal motors (up to 8.5 kW, 11 hp) ensure productivity. Avant easily integrates into production lines. Whether the door to be machined is a flush or panel door, Avant has an optimized holding, clamping, solution, and Avant takes into consideration the automated systems necessary for waste and light aperture removal. So whether it's full doors, or single parts, Avant has specific machining solutions available for each requirement.
Avant in a flow through line with a flush door ready to be machined
Avant is shown in a flow through line with a flush door ready to be machined. The door enters via powered CNC controlled rollers and stops at the front end reference. An initial side reference takes place and then Avant, at its program's instruction, selects the vacuum pods corresponding to the door length, taking into consideration any potential pods in conflict with hardware machining, for example a lockset, and then only raises the vacuum pods required to support the door. Before the machining cycle begins, Avant instructs pneumatic blow offs located at each pod to activate so that any remaining dust is removed and a perfect vacuum seal is achieved. Avant uses the CNC controlled roller system in two positions, either down to convey the door into the machine or up, just below the bottom of the door. When a light opening is to be machined, Avant instructs the roller system to raise so as not to allow the waste to fall free and then, when the light opening cutout is finished, the rollers drive the waste out of the machine so that it doesn't interfere with the remaining machining operations.
Avant machines heavy door profiles with ease
With Avant's powerful working spindle, it easily machines heavy door profiles using large tools and works unobstructed since the door sets above the table, while cutting tools pass freely around the edge and horizontal units have comfortable access.
Horizontal machining for hinges or lock sets
Machining for hinges or lock sets takes place easily with a powerful horizontal double exit spindle equipped with a CNC controlled 4th axis, which makes it possible to use it on any edge with either end. The picture also shows the pod in the area of the lockset has been lowered out of the way to avoid the through machining required for the lockset.
Avant shown with a special CNC controlled horizontal group for hinges
Avant also has a special CNC controlled horizontal group for hinges. One or more hinge groups can be used on one side of the door at the same time, while machining with another working spindle is taking place on the other side of the door for the lockset or even a light cutout. The hinge group is equipped with a surface sensor so that the hinge depth always corresponds to the surface and in addition to the normal edge can incline to +/- 3 degrees, if required. The hinge group is also equipped with a powerful horizontal spindle to take care of routing for the hinge plate as well as a spindle for drilling the hinge holes, all of which is done quickly and accurately.
Avant is shown with a number of milling groups working at the same time
Avant is shown in a flow through line using belts which bring the door to a front end reference and vacuum pods located at the sides of the infeed belts to hold the door during machining. On one side is a single hinge milling group and on the other side is a powerful horizontal spindle for milling out the lockset. Above are two vertical spindles to machine as required the top and bottom edges of the door, light openings or by setting them under CNC control to the finished door width. Both sides of the door are machined at the same time.
Avant shown with more flexibility, more machining options
When a range of doors requires more machining flexibility, Avant can be specified with a very versatile working group. Shown here Avant has a Revolver with 8 working stations (R8), each of which can be specified with specific RPM and torque curves, or with aggregates to meet certain requirements which can also be controlled via 4th axis. Not only does the R8 have the fastest tool changing time possible, its structure provides robust dust collection and also makes it possible to mount additional devices on the front of the revolver that can be used during the machining cycle such as a powerful horizontal spindle with 4th axis and two additional vertical spindles.
Avant reading a barcode label to obtain a specific door's program
For in-line machining and production driven by the order, Avant can read a barcode label on the door at its entry, access the machining program for each specific door and carry it out.