Spindles / Options

Frontal view of CMS' R8 revolver

A frontal view of CMS' R8 revolver. Each of the 8 stations is equipped with various tools and aggregates, including (by way of example in this case) vertical routing tools combined with a saw blade, profile cutters, horizontal 4th axis aggregates for V-folding, horizontal routing, and combination routing and sawing operations. In addition the R8's various spindles can be further adapted to each requirement by selecting the number of poles per spindle with their top end speed, which provides high power in lower rpm conditions. To this is added the R8's tool changing speed and its ability to select any station in either direction giving the shortest possible tool change time for your CNC wood router, being only a couple of seconds.

R8 with its dust enclosure

Another shot of the R8. Here the R8 has its full enclosure showing. The clear plastic protective cover provides not only protection and visibility, but also creates a highly efficient dust collection condition in which the kinetic energy from the dust particulate is lowered before being extracted by through the ports at either side of the revolver's enclosure. This condition makes the revolver ideal for working with parts placed on pods and raised off the work table surface, a condition in which dust collection can be very difficult and yet one in which the revolver will leave almost no dust on the table. In addition this revolver has the 4th axis unit on the front which can engage and disengage from any revolver station that has a 4th axis device. To the side of the 4th axis control device is a multiple spindle drill unit which can be used at any time during the cycle. To this is added the R8 protection bar to stop machine movement if the revolver senses any external obstruction in its work path.

Revolver equipped with a semi-automatic tool changing

As an option, revolver spindles can be equipped with a semi-automatic tool changing system, shown here in this photo.

Revolver with CMS' unique integrated tool changing system

To expand the revolver's range of capability, a tool changing system can be added. Here while the spindle at the bottom is machining, the opposing spindle is selecting and changing tools from a 24-place disc, which means that the fastest possible tool changing time is achieved from a greatly increased range of tools from which to select.

Independent revolvers mounted in pairs

Revolvers can also be mounted in pairs, controlled independently under CNC control. Here two revolvers are placed such that they can either work together on the same table at same time, or they can be working on completely different parts or sets of parts on both tables at the same time, which means more flexibility and productivity for your CNC router, to meet varying production demands and complexity.

A look at CMS' In-line spindles

An example of CMS' In-line spindles. Here a set of 8 CMS in-line spindles is shown. Each of these spindles also has mounted an additional "piggy back" spindle in front of the main in-line spindle, which means that 8 parts can be worked simultaneously with 2 different tools, or 4 parts with 4 different tools. This picture also shows a double table arrangement making possible a "pendular" or non-stop cycle, depending on the load/unload time involved. In-line spindles provide the maximum productivity for high volume - lower complexity demands.

Close-up shot of In-line spindles

A close-up shot of In-line spindles showing their tight center-to-center capability, dust hood with damper control via programmable m-code and micrometric tool adjustment capability via the rotating black handle.

8-place tool changing disc

An 8-place tool changing disc for either an ATC or TX3 unit. The disc can carry a range of cutting and routing tools as well as various aggregates.

Photo of TX3 head

Shot of a TX3 head available with a 12, 13, 15, or 28 kW spindle and an automatic tool changer. TX3 is available with 2 vertical Z strokes: 500 and 700 mm (200 mm of which is used for the tool changing stroke). TX3's design makes it possible to add a drilling unit on the same carriage or an additional unit in support on an independent slide; as well TX3 can take advantage of external (off to the side) tool changing magazines.

A look at the ATC operating unit

In contrast with the TX3 unit, the ATC operating unit is equipped with a dual-motion insertion slide that makes it possible to add a wide variety of optional units on the same carriage. The slide release action also makes it possible to carry out a tool changing in masked time, while the other units on your CNC router are working. The ATC unit has a Z vertical machining stroke equal to 300 mm.

In this picture there are 4 ATC units capable of working together or independently of each other. In addition, each of these ATC units is equipped a surface copying device to guarantee that the relationship of a particular tool is perfectly maintained to the surface regardless of any thickness variation of the part being machined.

Very high levels of productivity with high levels of complexity can be achieved with multiple ATC or TX3 units on your CNC wood router working together.

ATC in combination with other units

Here an ATC unit is working in combination with a multiple spindle drilling group and a label printing and application device, which means that before the machining operations take place, the labeling device can print and apply barcode or ID labels and then carry out the machining and drilling operations on a group of parts in a complete sheet.

A closer look at the copying devices

A closer look at the copying devices on an ATC spindle. The copying device is adjusted by the CNC program so that the relationship of each specific cutter to the surface is guaranteed. The ATC unit also has a blowing device to enable control of dust removal from the cutting surface as required.

RX4 working unit - fastest 5 axis tool changing time

RX4 working unit - The 5-axis unit with the fastest tool changing time

The RX4 combines freeform workpiece machining with the unequalled tool changing speed of the revolver. The electrospindle's power, which can be oriented in any direction in space, is multiplied by four of which any of these can be made available with a tool change time close to zero.

RX4's design offers important advantages in terms of rigidity and space exploitation as well as the possibility to configure its spindles and options. As with the other 5 axis working units, RX4 has servo-pneumatic brakes on the rotary axes (320 Nm on the C axis and 320 Nm on the B axis) resulting in high quality machined surfaces.

RX4's off-center position of the revolver with respect to the rotary axis enables it to cover a lager work area and to carry out machining operations on the lower side of a workpiece.

RX4 comes in a wide range of possible configurations for the electrospindles as well as an optional automatic tool changing spindle (with disc magazine) or quick release spindles (max 2) and the possibility to use tools up to 220 mm in diameter and 145 mm length in your CNC wood router.

PX5 - CMS' basic freeform 5 axis working unit

Shown in this photo is the PX5 working unit, CMS' basic freeform 5 axis working unit.

CMS provides the PX5 with its innovative and patented 5-axis dust collection system (in this picture shown in yellow), which can carry out its machining operations while following the tool in all directions. The PX5 working unit represents the latest evolution in five axis technology and is distinguished by its reliability, spindle power, speed and rigidity. The PX5 working unit performance levels equal those obtainable from a 3-4 axis unit. As with CMS' other 5 axis working units, the PX5 is engineered with exclusive servo-pneumatic brakes (320 Nm on the C axis and 180 Nm on the B axis), resulting in even better machined surface quality.

PX5 comes with a uniquely designed and spacious tool magazine of either 16 or 20 positions, which meets the need of the most diverse applications of your 5 axis CNC machining center. Its oblique frontal mount design reduces the space occupied by the tool magazine while reducing the movement required for changing tools.

PX5 in combination with other working units

As shown in this picture PX5 can be combined with other working units, such as drilling groups on an independent slide and a TX3 unit to further increase competitiveness over a wide range of applications. PX5 can also be combined with itself for increased productivity in tandem or completely independent work cycles at the same time.

TUCU 5 axis working unit - Power and control

TUCU 5 axis working unit - Power and control

CMS' TUCU bi-rotary operating unit, especially designed for heavy duty machining, matches the demands for accuracy, rigidity and movement fluidity where these must be combined with high level power performance. TUCU's special features make it absolutely unique. Its extraordinary rigidity is further increased by its pneumatic brakes on the rotary axes (500 Nm on the C axis and 450 Nm on the B axis) when these axes are not being used for interpolated moves but only for positioning purposes.

TUCU's range is extremely wide, reaching power levels (from 13 kW to 28 kW, 17.4 hp to 37.5 hp; 18,000 to 24,000 rpm) suitable for all needs. Its synchronous motor technology (continuous current synchronous motor) makes possible an unequalled torque control at very low rpm and CNC rotational control of the spindle's position with respect to the shaft on which it rotates, thus providing an additional axis which is available for the machining center to control.

The C rotary axis permits continuous 360° rotation of the spindle-holder brace. It is possible, as well, to use spindles with coaxial clearances for lubrication liquids or air. In addition, it's possible to install absolute rotary encoders on TUCU to guarantee higher accuracy.

TUCU's solutions for tool holding magazines makes possible the use of blades with diameters up to 800 mm; and TUCU's two configurations of vertical Z axis (770 mm and 1,200 mm) makes its large machining envelope unmatched.

TUCU with special dust collection enclosure

A picture of a TUCU with special dust collection enclosure, to which also can be added control of the height of the enclosure with respect to the working unit. This is but one solution for the collection of dust for 5 axis machining and depending on the requirement other solutions may be recommended.

TUCU shown with 800 mm saw blade

The TUCU unit is shown holding an 800 mm saw blade. TUCU's power is more than sufficient, even at the lower rpm required, to carry out this machining operation.

TUCU holding a chain saw aggregate

TUCU shown holding a chain saw aggregate, which is required for special joinery and blind machining operations. TUCU is more than capable to meet the power, torque and rpm requirements for these processes.

CMS' Advanced Vacuum Table solution

CMS' Advanced Vacuum Table solution...

CMS was the first company in the world to design and bring to market a vacuum table workpiece clamping solution, a solution that even nowadays proves ideal, due to its simplicity and speed in clamping workpieces and in positioning possible dedicated fixture/subpieces.

In this photo CMS presents a strategic advancement upon its already very flexible universal vacuum tables, the new CMS Advanced Vacuum Table version (a CMS exclusive, patented) makes it possible to add production efficiency to its already practical usefulness. Groups of three quick connections have been added to the Advanced Vacuum Table, which are uniformly distributed on its surface. The Advanced Vacuum Table solution eliminates space requirement problems previously caused by the management of the excess tubing needed to access all parts of the table.

In addition, the Advanced Vacuum Table has a wide range of modules available to choose from including: surface indexable vacuum pods of various sizes and shapes (activated when the part is placed on pod), reference stops, clamps, vices, and so forth.

CMS' Vacuum Belt Clamping solution

CMS' Vacuum Belt Clamping solution...

CMS is the only manufacturer in the world to propose this unique and exclusive panel clamping system. The Vacuum Belt Clamping system is the ideal solution for nested-based machining with your CNC router, even when the workpieces being processed are small-sized. The belt table allows automatic load/unloading of variously-sized panels without the use of a waste board, thus increasing productivity and flexibility.

The CNC controls vacuum zones beneath the Vacuum Belt Clamping system so that panels of various sizes are correctly and efficiently clamped. Venturi openings are strategically placed in the belt to further increase the depth of the vacuum created. Any chips that do not pass through the venturi are trapped in the venturi openings further increasing the depth of the vacuum in the now open areas created during the machining operation. Chips trapped in the venturi openings are removed from those openings as the belt moves the finished parts from the machine and passes the brushing/vacuum cleaning station on its return beneath the machine. Additionally, CMS uses a touch probe to make sure that the cutting bit length is precisely known so that this value is used by the control to allow the bit to protrude only a few thousandths of an inch beneath the panel surface. The cutting process creates minimal wear to the belt and is dispersed over the entire belt surface, lasting a very long time between resurfacing operations or its ultimate replacement.

Rails and Pod tables

Rails and Pod table...

CMS' Rails and Pod module solutions prove to be a particular advantage for producing panels of various sizes in medium-small batches with your CNC wood router. A quick set-up of the work table makes it possible to move from one batch to another quickly, without the need of special fixtures or subpieces for clamping the part.

Rail and pod tables can be setup manually and quickly by the operator moving the various pods and rails to preselected positions on a readout, or setup semi-automatically with the CNC indicating to the operator, through a change of LED lights from RED to GREEN, that the unit is in the correct location, or automatically by the CNC taking control and moving the various pods and rails into their correct position as indicated in the program.

As seen in the picture, each rail can be equipped with pods of various types, shapes and sizes. Pods can perform vacuum clamping operations, or be equipped with clamping or vice capabilities to hold small or oddly shaped parts too difficult to be held otherwise. In addition, each rail has a front reference capability and a side reference device is available to complete the correct positioning of the panel before the work cycle begins.

Tables with rails and vices

Table with rails and vices - Rail and pod table adaptations...

Rail and pod tables can also be adapted for particular types of work. In this picture the CNC router produces window and door frames and uses rails with clamps and vices to hold the window and door parts in place during machining. The parts receive heavy machining on their sides, ends or as assembled frames and the ability of the vices and rails to hold the parts firmly and accurately is essential. In this application, the machine will also move the clamping devices to their approximate final position, at which point the operator places the assembled frame over the clamps and the final lateral movement of the clamps toward the outside corners takes place followed by the vertical clamping, at which point the machining cycle is ready to begin.

Picture of CNC controlled rotation of a group of rails

This picture shows a unique and special application for a group of rails with CNC controlled rotation which have a gridded vacuum surface and on which a special fixture is placed to hold particular parts. When the parts to be machined are placed on these fixtures, the machining center can then manage their rotation as an additional 5th or 6th axis for the entire group of 6 parts at one time and in a non-stop (pendular) fashion. At the end of the cycle, the vacuum releases, the parts are rotated by 180° and released to the take away belt below which moves the parts to the center of the machine and then out of the machine by another belt to the operator for unloading.

Aluminum work table surfaces

Picture of an aluminum table surface...

Solid aluminum work table surfaces are also available. These work tables can be gridded for vacuum, solid with connection locations for fixtures, or with steel T-slot inserts for rigid anchoring. In addition, the table can be equipped with compressed air and vacuum connection points, as shown on the front of this table.

CNC controlled rail and pod tables for panel parts

Another adaptation of CMS' rail and pod tables is this CNC controlled version. This design makes it possible to solidly support a part surface while adjusting to its outside dimensions automatically, for example, as in the multitude of part sizes needed for cabinet and furniture production. The table can also be supplied to work, not just on one part at a time, or one part in a pendular cycle, but with multiple parts and in a pendular cycle, for high productivity of complex work with the demands of just-in-time production.

The vacuum pods raise and lower as requested for the cycle. The front right corner has a vacuum pod which is fixed and does not move. Along the right side is a column of pods that move under CNC control in a line from front to back, at the front is another column of pods under CNC control that move in a line from side to side. Then, as a block, the remaining pods to the side and back of these move in combination as required, side to side and front to back. These movements provide the correct placement of all pods to hold any sized rectangular blank and, as well, only the pods that are needed are selected for each cycle. Each cycle can then be adjusted to the specific size and shape for any particular part to be machined with your CNC wood router.

In addition, it's possible to drive the setup and loading of the machine program by use of barcode scanning, making the entire work fast, easy and accurate to produce, as well as to track.

Multiple spindle drilling groups

Multiple spindle drilling groups. In-line, T layout, vertical or horizontal double exit or a combination of both, CMS provides multiple spindle drilling groups in combination with its wide array of CNC machining center solutions.

CMS 4th axis horizontal working spindle

A shot of a CMS 4th axis horizontal working spindle. This horizontal spindle can be rotated through 360° and carry out milling, drilling, profiling, and routing operations through your CNC wood router. It also provides a full range of power to the work, avoiding power limitations through the use of mechanical aggregates or transmissions.

In this picture can also be seen CMS' unique 4th axis control unit on its revolver. The 4th axis control unit is available for any revolver position that is capable of working with a 4th axis device. At the end of the cycle, the 4th axis control unit will retract its rotational shaft and allow the revolver to rotate. At that point, if another 4th axis device is needed, the 4th axis control unit will insert its rotational shaft, connect with that station's 4th axis device and carry out the next cycle.

Aggregates designed with an HSK63 connection

A group of aggregates designed with an HSK63 connection. These aggregates show just some of the possible ways aggregates can be used to augment the capability or increase the productivity of your 5 axis CNC machining center.

• The top left shows a 5 place vertical spindle aggregate, capable of 4th axis control and with mechanical adjustment about its axis, as required.
• The top right shows a 3 place horizontal spindle aggregate, capable of 4th axis control and with mechanical adjustment about its axis, as required.
• The bottom left shows a 4 face horizontal aggregate, each face at 90°, each of which may hold a different drill bit, capable of 4th axis control and with mechanical adjustment about its axis, as required. The bottom right shows a vertical copying device so that the relationship of the cutter to the surface can be guaranteed, regardless of the changing thickness of the panel.

Aggregates fixed horizontally or adjustable from horizontal to vertical

A pair of aggregates for use with saw blades. The aggregates are designed for use with ISO30 connections. The aggregate to the left is fixed, horizontal to the work, has a saw blade at one exit and a drill bit at the other exit, both exits of which are under CNC control and available to any edge during the machining process. The aggregate to the right holds a saw blade which can be adjusted to any angle from horizontal to vertical as the process may require.

Touch probes

A range of touch probes from various suppliers is available. The probes are accessible to the machining center of your CNC router during a work cycle for various purposes including: part or fixture location, tri-angulation routines, surface information acquisition, part verification, etc.

Verification and data acquisition device options

In this photo is shown several verification device options. To the left is shown a laser option which can be used to check and verify tool integrity or acquire tool data information. To the right is CMS' B&C axes alignment device, which can be used for acquisition of tool data or for verification of the B&C axes positional integrity prior to work or realignment of the B&C axes, if needed.

CMS' special chiseling aggregates for inside square corners

A set of special CMS aggregates for inside square corner chiseling of doors with your 5 axis CNC machining center. These are specially fitted aggregates with solid carbide chiseling knives which match the profile of the cutter used during the machining process for the inside corner of doors, which must ultimately be square, as for example with square corner MDF doors. Following the routing operations which require the square corner, one of these chiseling aggregates is brought to a corner, oriented to one face of the corner and then several small chiseling moves are taken, just as would be done by hand, and so for each of the remaining corners, then the other chiseling aggregate for the remaining face is taken, rotated by 90° and brought to each of the 4 corners to finish the chiseling operation. The end result exceeds the touch of a hand-craftsman.

Choice of CNC control mounting

A picture showing the CNC control mounted either in the electrical cabinet or in a mobile pedestal.

CMS portable keyboard

The CMS portable keyboard makes it possible to handle the machining center completely and to carry out all basic functions - ideal for program testing.

CMS portable console

The CMS portable console is complete with a TFT color 10” touch screen, an integrated microprocessor and a joystick. The console provides remote control of all management functions of the numerical control - ideal for on-board programming.

FANUC portable keyboard

The FANUC portable keyboard ideally compliments the numerical control for which it was developed. It comes complete with an LCD display, a centesimal hand-wheel, as well as with the main functions for the machining center handling and movement.

CMS POWER ARM software

CMS POWER ARM software, starts with the digitization phase, generates the 5-axis program, and is ready to be installed on a CNC router machining center.

The Power Arm software package makes it possible to digitize the points of a solid model by means of a measuring arm or by using the machining center itself. Power Arm also makes it possible to modify the digitized points, simulate the machine’s performance as well as generate the programming code of the machining center.

FANUC control electronics in the cabinet

A shot within the electrical cabinet and some of FANUC's control electronics.

OSAI control electronics within the electrical cabinet

Some of OSAI's control electronics mounted within the electrical cabinet.