Wood Division
Ares - Moving Bridge
The CMS Ares moving bridge is a completely self-contained powerhouse that is a 5 axis CNC machining center for a variety of wood industry applications. With a rigid monobloc frame, the Ares moving bridge is constructed of large steel members welded together. The Ares’ monobloc construction allows for stability and rigidity in machining, improving precision and longevity of the system. The monobloc frame can also be fitted with guide rails and accessories, depending on the customization needed. This system has several table options including no table, a fixed steelwork table, a vacuum table, rotary tables, shuttle tables and pallet systems.
The working unit of the Ares moving bridge is a PX5 12kw (16hp) spindle, which lends itself to powerful high speed machining for wood parts and assemblies. Potential applications of the Ares 5 axis router include molds, models, and model boards. The Ares can machine 3 dimensional surfaces and other unusual surfaces and can also be utilized for intricate and aesthetic sculpturing applications.
CMS places a high emphasis not only on providing each machining center based on customer requirement, but also on safety and convenience. We offer an optional roof assembly for dust and debris control and noise/sound reduction on the Ares machining center. As a CNC router system it also is designed for quick easy clean-up, as operators and users can push debris to the three sides of the machine to chutes or funnels for cleanup. The Ares moving bridge can be integrated into a facility easily and quickly, as it requires no specialized tabs or footings. Essentially, the Ares moving bridge only needs a level surface such as a concrete floor to work upon.
Ares - Machine
ARES - The strength of quality. CMS' ARES range of 5-axis CNC machining centers features a large, fully enclosed working envelope, which ensures maximum operational and environmental safety. ARES' sturdy portal structure with driven bridge, high dynamic performance, modularity and power makes it possible to machine high quality 3-D surfaces and components in a 5-axis mode (even in a pendular cycle). The ARES range of CNC routers offers versatility, performance and programming user friendliness, beneficial characteristics that allow it to be used in 5-axis component machining for moulds and models, stamps and other complex formed workpieces. ARES is available in several versions: fixed table, extractable tables (APC) or revolving table (TR), which provides easier access to the loading table and easy integration for the use of automatic load/unload systems.
The basic ARES sizes and its pendular work cycle ability
ARES 5 axis routers are available in three basic lengths (X axis) - 3600 mm (141.75"), 4800 mm (188.98") and 6000 mm (236.22"); two widths (Y axis) - 1800 mm (70.86") and 2600 mm (102.36"), a 1200 mm (47.24") height (Z axis), a B axis (inclination) ± 120°, and a C axis (rotation about the Z axis) ± 270°. ARES is equipped with CMS' 12 kW, 24,000 rpm, PX5 liquid cooled working head with either a standard 8 or 16 place onboard tool changer rack for HSK 63 F toolholders. In this picture ARES is shown with one of its automatically controlled doors open to permit either loading or unloading, while the other zone is in work, which provides complete safety for the operator and makes it possible to carry out nonstop work cycles.
ARES CNC router shown with an APC table version and in a pendular cycle
ARES is shown in the extractable tables version, APC tables. In this nonstop A/B cycle, ARES is machining the A side of 2 parts in one zone and completing the B side of 2 parts in the other zone, providing finished parts in each cycle for the required production quantities. In addition, loading/unloading is even easier since it occurs outside of the machine and from 3 sides of the table.
ARES shown with a rotating table, TR version
An ARES 5 axis CNC machining center is shown here with a rotating table, TR version. The rotating table version means that in addition to a safe, quick nonstop cycle, the machine length is also reduced, since there is no need for the back and forth movement of the traditional nonstop cycle.
ARES' B & C Alignment device
ARES' technology includes its B & C Alignment device, available as an option. With this option, ARES' B & C axes can be realigned without the need of manual intervention, maintaining its accuracy. It can also be used prior to a machining cycle as a quality control confirmation.
ARES' basic CNC control
ARES' basic CNC control is FANUC, characterized by first-class electronics used for the management and motion of the machining center axes. The interface between the numerical control and the operator is handled by a specially developed user-friendly software, installed on a Personal Computer, maximizing the numerical control's computation power and combining it with the PC’s user-friendliness. The terminals, keyboard and TFT (thin-film transistor) screen can be either integrated into the electrical cabinet or remotely-controlled from a mobile trolley. ARES' motion control system is powered by brushless servomotors with a high inertia. Full digital converters and digital signal transmission guarantee the reliability and freedom from interference, as well as high speed and acceleration. CMS' use of digital technology means superior quality of movement and machining; in addition, it allowed CMS to develop special macro-instructions usable within the CNC program to provide optimization of the machining center's parameter sets based on each specific type of machining (roughing, contouring of sharp-edged paths, contouring of complex paths, and so on).
ARES' digital technology
A close-up look at some of the full digital technology used in ARES CNC routers.
The FANUC portable keyboard
ARES 5 axis routers use FANUC's portable keyboards with the numerical control. The portable keyboard comes complete with an LCD display and a centesimal hand-wheel, including the main functions for the machining center handling and movement.
Ares - Structure
ARES begins with a sturdy portal frame structure with driven bridge, high dynamic performance, modularity and the power to make it possible to carry out high quality 3-D surfaces and components in a 5-axis mode, and is designed to permit a pendular cycle.
ARES' structural design and component parts use the same technical foundation from which are derived the unequalled performances of all CMS Machining Centers. Maximum care is taken in the machine design phase; and all the best available state-of-the-art technology is utilized such as:
- Structural dimensioning through finite element computation programs (FEM).
- Optimization of strength/weight ratio.
- Accurate analysis at the planning stage of first resonance frequency. Normalizing by heat treatment of all structures.
ARES uses a closed circuit pneumatic balancing system which optimizes the Z-axis dynamic response at the acceleration stage, thus improving the finishing quality. In addition, the closed circuit eliminates any compressed-air consumption, which is otherwise necessary for open circuit systems.
A view from above of ARES' heavy portal structure
ARES CNC routers begin with rigid, heavy portal structures as seen in this picture. The moving bridge is driven by a set of servomotors (master/slave configuration) from both side of the bridge to ensure rapid, smooth, uniform movement from end to end of the its structure. Of fundamental importance, the portal structure makes it possible to enclose the machine so that the operator is ultimately safe from any accidental projectile exiting the machine.
Another view of ARES' portal structure
A view of ARES' portal structure from the end. ARES' large portal structure makes it possible to machine large format parts. The ARES portal structure becomes the foundation for mounting its CNC controlled safety doors, which open and close according to the program cycle, as well as the possibility to totally enclose the machine from above with a roof utilizing downdraft dust extraction.
ARES' portal structure making possible an enclosed roof structure and telescopic safety doors
A picture of ARES' portal structure, providing for the possibility of a totally enclosed roof structure, when needed, and its standard telescopic safety doors.
ARES increased spans with a central stabilization post
Fixed central support is standard for the 6000 mm length ARES due to its increased open span. In situations requiring an unobstructed access throughout the entire length or additional structural rigidity for reduced opening lengths, ARES 5 axis routers can be provided (as shown in this picture) with a mobile central stabilization post. The stabilization post pivots out of the way under CNC command allowing clearance of the extractable APC tables or a large part.
The central mobile post pivoted up out of the way
The mobile central stabilization post pivoted up and out of the way to allow extraction of the tables or a large part.
A view of ARES bridge, Z mast and head structure
A view of ARES moving bridge, Z mast and head structure. ARES’ CNC router structure is positively driven from both ends of its heavy cross-sectioned and rib reinforced bridge via servo-motors (master/slave configuration). The robust Z mast is also controlled by a heavy duty servo-motor and balanced with a closed loop circuit for responsiveness and efficiency and provides an extremely stable platform on which to mount ARES' 5 axis PX5 head. In addition, the PX5 head is equipped with CNC controlled pneumatic annular brakes to increase the 4th and 5th axes' stiffness when not performing an interpolated movement.
Ares - Spindle & Tool Changing
ARES comes equipped standard with the CMS PX5 spindle, a high performance, 12 kW (16 hp), S1 rating, 24,000 rpm, liquid cooled spindle, with HSK 63F connection. ARES can also be equipped with other spindles for specific performance requirements, such as it's 6.5 kW (8.7 hp), 40,000 rpm spindle, with HSK 32E connection. ARES carries on-board an 8 place toolholder rack, with a second optional on-board rack for 8 more toolholders. ARES can also be supplied with two additional 16-place toolholder disks, one on either end of the machine for a total of 48 tools.
ARES with PX5 spindle and standard 8 place toolholder rack
ARES CNC router shown with its PX5 spindle and standard on-board 8 place toolholder rack for fast tool changing anywhere in the work envelope. The spindle also is equipped with an optional dust hood with opening and closing M-codes for toolchanging or use of an aggregate.
ARES is available with extra tool holding storage capacity, if needed.
When lots of tools need to be available at any time, ARES 5 axis routers can be supplied with extra tool holding capacity. Here ARES is shown with two 8 place racks and an additional 16 place tool holder rack (NOTE: it's also possible to equip ARES with a second 16 place tool holder rack on the other end of the machine, for a total of 48 tools or aggregates to select from).
Extra rack storage for tools too long or too heavy
When some tools are too long or too heavy to be positioned horizontally, ARES can be supplied with an additional tool holder rack from which to select these tools.
ARES pneumatically clamped tool holder fork solution
ARES 5 axis CNC machining center also has an on-board solution for holding tools that are too long or too heavy. In place of the standard compression tool holder fork, ARES here is shown with a pneumatically clamped tool holder fork providing all the pressure needed to make sure extra heavy tools or tools so long that they might not remain horizontal can be held correctly and securely.
ARES on-board rack for heavy or long tools
The ARES on-board pneumatically clamped tool holder fork rack for tools too heavy or too long, available either in a single 7 place rack or a double 7 place rack, for a total of 14 tools.
Close-up view of ARES 16 place tool holder disk
A close-up view of an ARES 5 axis router’s 16 place tool holder disk at one end of the machine for additional tool holding storage capacity. The disk is shown with its protection cover, which opens and closes during tool changing and the tool holder disk moves in and out to provide the PX5 head the requested tool.
ARES supplied with optional total roof enclosure
ARES CNC routers can also be supplied with an optional total roof enclosure (as shown in this picture) and down draft system beneath the work table to provide complete dust control in any 5 axis processing and machining situations, regardless of the tool length and dust tail collection difficulty that might otherwise exist.
Ares - Work Tables
Loading flexibility - ARES 5 axis CNC machining center is available in several versions: fixed table, extractable tables (APC) or revolving table (TR). The APC and TR table versions also provide easy access to the work table, and easily integrate with automatic load/unload systems and robots.
ARES' standard vacuum table
A view of ARES' standard gridded rexilon vacuum work table, prepared for 8 mm gasket, on which vacuum fixtures can be freely placed and through which ARES' vacuum is available throughout the entire table via threaded access holes. The standard vacuum table also makes it possible to work with waste boards, clamping devices, or as an option CMS' advanced vacuum table pods and reference system.
CMS' optional advanced vacuum table
A view of CMS' optional advanced vacuum table showing the table's easy access to discreet vacuum and pressure connections in the table and used for holding vacuum pods, various reference or even clamping devices. The unique system makes it possible to have a quick, flexible and easy set up for parts, getting them up off the work table to permit edge profiling, sawing, horizontal work or other processes requiring freedom of access to the part. In addition the pods come in various sizes, shapes and are adjustable to fit with the demands of a part's contour.
ARES shown with an aluminum work table and t-slots
ARES 5 axis router's standard gridded vacuum table can also be optionally supplied in aluminum, as well as incorporating steel t-slot grooved channels so that special fixtures can be rigidly anchored to the work table.
ARES shown in the extractable APC tables version
ARES CNC router shown in the extractable APC tables version. The APC tables make it possible to set up a nonstop work cycle. While the machine is working on one table, the other table is extracted fully outside of ARES making it possible for the operator to unload and reload from the 3 sides of the work table. When the table has been reloaded for the next cycle, the operator presses the "ready-to-continue" button and ARES will transition to the other table to continue its nonstop cycle minimizing lost time. The APC tables also easily integrate with automated load/unload systems or robotic devices.
ARES with its rotating work table, TR version
ARES 5 axis router with its rotating work table, TR version. The TR version provides a fast nonstop cycle and can be an ideal solution where space is limited or integration into an automated work cell is desired. As with the APC version, while the machine is working, the operator can unload and reload the table from 3 sides while completely protected on the outside of the machine and the press the "ready-to-continue" button when his work is finished. The TR version also integrates easily with load/unload systems or robotic devices.
ARES equipped with special pod and rail tables
ARES 5 axis CNC machining center can also be equipped with special pod and rail tables, which can be controlled by the CNC program for automatic setup. The pod and rail table includes a range of pods whose base design permits interchangeability for other shapes and sizes as well as reference devices.
Pod and rail table with clamping devices
The special pod and rail table also permits the use of interchangeable clamping devices. Shown here ARES is clamping a pair of rail parts not easily held with vacuum and machining their mortise and tenons. This picture also shows how ARES is working with a laser alignment light for fast accurate part placement by the operator.