Thermwood CNC Routers and Tooling Recommendations for the Plastics Industry

Posted by Duane Marrett on Thu, Jun 09, 2022

Tags: Thermwood, CNC, tooling, Model 43, Model 90, Model 67, Model 70, Model 77, Model 45, Recommendations

Thermwood 3 Axis CNC routers handle plastic sheet processing, billets and panel processing (Model 43 and Model 45). Our 5 Axis CNC routers handle trimming of thermoformed parts, molds and composite machining (Model 67 and Model 90). We also offer the Model 70 and Model 77, which are primarily used for large scale plastic work.

Our machines can work with a wide variety of materials including Starboard, PCV, HDPE, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, PETE, LDPE, PP, PS (Styrofoam), Polycarbonate, Acrylic, Nylon and more.

Some of the basic tooling we use and recommend:

  • For Trimming Operations/Sheet Operations - Single O Flute Up-spiral is used for chip evacuation.
  • For Finishing – 2 or 3 Flute Slow Helix Up-spiral is used.
  • For Composites, we recommend solid PCD or diamond-coated tooling.
  • For Fiberglass Trimming, we recommend using a burr style bit for best results.

For more information, visit www.thermwood.com or give us a call at 1-812-937-4476. Our CNC experts will evaluate your production needs to help determine how you can reduce costs and increase efficiency. We also offer free live demonstrations of our equipment and software using your application and product details. This can help identify inefficiencies and areas of your current process that our machines could help improve.

Thermwood Model 45 Trimming Plastic Sheet (HDPE)

Model 45 Trimming Machining a Plastic Sheet of HDPE

 

 

Thermwood Model 67 or Model 90 - Which is Right For You?

Posted by Duane Marrett on Fri, Feb 19, 2016

Tags: CNC, CNC Routers, 5 Axis, CNC Router, Model 90, Model 67

The Thermwood Multi-Purpose Five Axis Series are all great machines for trimming formed parts, patterns and molds using five-axis simultaneous motions, but you may be wondering which one would work best for your specific application?

To help you decide, we'll focus on comparing the Model 67 and Model 90 below.  These heavy-duty moving-table machines are ideal for high-speed trimming and pattern machining, and come in either single or dual table configurations:


Multi-Purpose 67

The Multi-Purpose 67 is an entry-level five axis specifically developed for three-dimensional machining, available with a variety of either single or dual moving aluminum table sizes.

Available Features:

  • Single table sizes from 5'x5' to 10'x5' or dual table sizes from 5'x5' to 5'x12'
  • Moving Solid Aluminum Table/ Fixed Gantry
  • 12HP HSD Tool Change Spindle (3,000-18,000 RPM, larger spindle sizes available)
  • 24' Z axis standard (available up to 48" Z axis)
  • QCore SuperControl
  • Full 5 axis simultaneous motions
  • Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives Throughout
  • 3D Laser Compensated Axis Alignment
  • Automatic Tool Length Sensor 
  • Tool Center Point Programming (TCP)
  • 5 Axis Chip Collection 
  • 10 Position Rotary Tool Changer
  • Bar Style Tool Changer
  • In the Leg Tool Changer
  • Remote Start/Stop
  • Gantry Lighting
  • Continuous C Axis with Impact Resistant Head
  • Machine Training and Installation
  • Free Lifetime Phone/Forum Support 

 

Thermwood Model 67 5'x12' Dual Table CNC Router

Model 67 5'x12' Dual Moving Tables


Videos


Multi-Purpose 90

The Multi-Purpose 90 is a heavy-duty five-axis designed for high-speed trimming and pattern machining, available in single or dual moving aluminum tables.  It is capable of full five axis simultaneous motions with extremely fast accelerations.

Available Features:

  • 12HP HSD Tool Change Spindle (3,000-24,000 RPM larger spindle sizes available)
  • Continuous C-Axis
  • Impact Resistant Head 
  • Moving Aluminum Table
  • Fixed Gantry
  • 24" Z Standard (available up to 60")
  • Full 5 Axis Simultaneous Motion
  • Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives Throughout
  • 3D Laser Compensated Axis Alignment
  • Thermwood QCore SuperControl
  • Tool Center Point Programming (TCP)
  • 5 Axis Chip Collection
  • 10 Position Rotary Tool Changer
  • Enclosure 
  • Gantry Lighting 
  • Multi-Function Gridded Pod Table 
  • In the Leg Tool Changer
  • Bar Style Tool Changer
  • Automatic Tool Length Sensor 
  • Machine Training and Installation
  • Free Lifetime Phone/Forum Support 

 

Thermwood 5 Axis Model 90 Dual Table 5'x10' CNC Router

Model 90 5'x10' Dual Moving Tables


Videos

More Info

 Request More Information from Thermwood

 

Large Sculptures created on a Thermwood 5 Axis Model 67 CNC Router at John Cox's Creature Workshop

Posted by Duane Marrett on Thu, Oct 08, 2015

Tags: 5 Axis, CNC Router, Model 67, john cox, sculptures, 67

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Model 67 5'x12' Dual Table CNC Router shown


Description:

The Model 67 is entry-level fixed-gantry, moving table 5 Axis CNC router that is used for trimming formed parts, patterns or molds using five-axis simultaneous motions.  It is available with a variety of either single or dual moving solid aluminum table sizes.


Features of the Model 67:

  • Single table sizes from 5'x5' to 10'x5' or dual table sizes from 5'x5' to 5'x12'
  • Fixed Gantry
  • Moving Solid Aluminum Table
  • 7.5HP HSD Dual End Spindle (3,000-18,000RPM)
  • 24' Z axis standard (available up to 48" Z axis)
  • QCore SuperControl
  • Full 5 axis simultaneous motions
  • Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives Throughout
  • 3D Laser Compensated Axis Alignment
  • Automatic Tool Length Sensor (optional)
  • Machine Training and Installation
  • Free Lifetime Phone/Forum Support 

Videos featuring large sculptures created on a Thermwood Model 67 at John Cox's Creature Workshop:

 

Request More Information from Thermwood  

Universal Plastics - Forming Customers for Life

Posted by Jason Susnjara on Wed, Mar 11, 2015

Tags: CNC, plastics, tooling, Model 67, aerospace, molds, medical, plastic trimming, vacuum forming, thermoforming, 5 axis plastics, pressure forming

Thermwood CNC machines are used across a wide variety of Industries.  One Thermwood Customer – Universal Plastics and Mayfield Plastics - are involved in the thermoforming of plastic materials.

Since Universal Plastics was founded in 1965, they have been a leader in the thermoforming industry.

The Universal plant has over 95,000 square feet and over 80 employees.  As Universal Plastics has grown, they have refined and further developed the thermoforming process to allow the manufacture of large and complex products that could never have been conceived in the previous generation. Today’s thermoformed products can match the quality and finish of injection molding, in high performance plastics, and in sizes that dwarf the capabilities of most molders.

Universal Plastics with one of their Thermwood CNC Routers

Universal utilizes Thermwood CNC machines for trimming of complex thermoformed parts as well as producing thermoforming tooling.  In fact, Universal and Mayfield Plastics have purchased 10 Thermwood C67 machines in the last seven years.

Thermoforming tooling can be built from wood, composite, cast aluminum, or machined aluminum billet. Temporary molds are commonly built of wood or composites, which can be easily machined. Permanent tools are either machined or cast aluminum, depending on the depth of the tool. Thermoforming tools can be modified easily, so changes can be made quickly and for much less money than the hardened steel tooling typical of molded parts.  For this reason alone, thermoforming is often the better process if your design hasn’t been solidified.

Universal believes quality parts are a direct result of quality tools, and take great pride in making quality machined or cast aluminum tools that deliver consistent quality products year after year. Our 5 full time toolmakers have a combined 100 years’ experience in tool and fixture making and they build many of tools in-house.

Mold makers use cast aluminum molds for larger quantities production. Aluminum molds are designed by CAD designers.  Once designed, these mold designs are transferred to Thermwood CNC routers that produce the patterns required for the final mold.

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Also of note, the Western Mass Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association conduct several tours of member companies each year to give the membership a view of the diversity of the companies that do machining.  About 25 members of the WMNTMA visited Universal in February for a tour of their facility and in particular, to review the mold making and machining capabilities. Universal produces about 30% of their tooling and the balance is purchased from tool vendors around the country and area.

The Western Mass chapter has machine shops as well as vendors to the machining industry in their membership.

For more information visit www.mayfieldplastics.com and www.universalplastics.com

Thermwood Model 67 and 90 for Trimming, Molds & Pattern Machining

Posted by Duane Marrett on Wed, Jan 21, 2015

Tags: CNC, 5 Axis, CNC Router, Model 90, Model 67, trimming, molds, patterns

The Thermwood Multi-Purpose Five Axis Series combines all the elements needed for trimming formed parts, patterns and molds using five-axis simultaneous motions.  

Here we look at the Thermwood Model 67 and 90.  These heavy-duty moving-table machines are ideal for high-speed trimming and pattern machining, and come in either single or dual table configurations:


Multi-Purpose 67

The Multi-Purpose 67 is an entry-level five axis available with a variety of either single or dual moving aluminum table sizes.

Features:

  • 12HP HSD Tool Change Spindle (3,000-24,000 RPM, larger spindle sizes available)
  • Impact Resistant Head 
  • Moving Aluminum Table/Fixed Gantry
  • 24" Z Standard (available up to 48")
  • Full 5 Axis Simultaneous Motion
  • Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives Throughout
  • 3D Laser Compensated Axis Alignment
  • Thermwood Q Core SuperControl
  • Tool Center Point Programming (TCP)
  • Chip Collection 
  • Bar Style Tool Changer
  • In the Leg Tool Changer 
  • Remote Start/Stop 
  • Gantry Lighting 
  • Automatic Tool Length Sensor
Thermwood Model 67 7x10 CNC Router

Model 67 7x10 Single Moving Table

Thermwood Model 67 10x5 CNC Router

Model 67 5x10 Dual Moving Tables


Videos

 

 

 

 

 


Multi-Purpose 90

The Multi-Purpose 90 is a heavy-duty five-axis designed for high-speed trimming and pattern machining, available in single or dual moving aluminum tables.

Features:

  • 12HP HSD Tool Changer Spindle (3,000-24,000 RPM larger spindle sizes available)
  • Impact Resistant Head 
  • Moving Aluminum Table
  • Fixed Gantry
  • 24" Z Standard (available up to 60")
  • Full 5 Axis Simultaneous Motion
  • Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives Throughout
  • 3D Laser Compensated Axis Alignment
  • Thermwood QCore SuperControl
  • Tool Center Point Programming (TCP)
  • Chip Collection
  • Multi-Function Nemi Pod Table 
  • In the Leg Tool Changer 
  • Bar Style Tool Changer
  • Automatic Tool Length Sensor

Thermwood Model 90 5x12 Dual Table CNC Router

Model 90 5x12 Dual Moving Tables

Thermwood Model 90 10x5 CNC Router

Model 90 10x5 Single Moving Table


Videos

 

 

 


More Info

To find out more about either of these two machines, or any of our other 5 axis offerings, please give us a call at 1-800-533-6901 or click below to fill out an information request form.  We hope to hear from you soon!

Request More Information from Thermwood

Thermwood 5 Axis Multi-Purpose CNC Routers

Posted by Duane Marrett on Fri, May 16, 2014

Tags: CNC Routers, 5 Axis, Technology, CNC Router, Model 90, Model 67, aerospace, Model 70, Model 77

The Thermwood Multi-Purpose Five Axis Series combines all the elements needed for trimming formed parts, patterns or molds using five-axis simultaneous motions.  

Whether you are interested in a moving table machine for high-speed trimming, a fixed table for large aerospace and composite fixtures or a high-wall machine, we have a solution for you:


Multi-Purpose 67

The Multi-Purpose 67 is an entry-level five axis available with a variety of either single or dual moving aluminum table sizes.

Thermwood Model 67 7x10 CNC Router

Model 67 7x10 Single Moving Table

Thermwood Model 67 10x5 CNC Router

Model 67 5x10 Dual Moving Tables


Videos

 

 

 


Multi-Purpose 90

The Multi-Purpose 90 is a heavy-duty five-axis designed for high-speed trimming and pattern machining, available in single or dual moving aluminum tables.

Thermwood Model 90 5x12 Dual Table CNC Router

Model 90 5x12 Dual Moving Tables

Thermwood Model 90 10x5 CNC Router

Model 90 10x5 Single Moving Table


Videos


Multi-Purpose 70

The Multi-Purpose 70 is designed for aerospace and composite applications utilizing large/heavy fixtures (various sizes available).

Thermwood Model 70 10x20 CNC Router

Model 70 10x20 Fixed Table

Thermwood Model 70 10x10 CNC Router

Model 70 10x10 Fixed Table


Video


Multi-Purpose 77

The Multi-Purpose 77 is a heavy-duty, high-speed contained system for the machining of large aerospace and composite materials (various sizes available). 

Thermwood Model 77 5x10 CNC Router

Model 77 10x20 Fixed Table


Videos


More Info

Click to Calculate the Value of a CNC Investment

Large Sculptures on a Thermwood 5 Axis Model 67 CNC Router

Posted by Duane Marrett on Thu, Nov 07, 2013

Tags: Thermwood, CNC Routers, 5 Axis, Model 67, Video, john cox, sculptures

This video shows a variety of large sculptures created on a Thermwood 5 Axis Model 67 CNC Router.  These were all done at John Cox's Creature Workshop in Queensland Australia. 

The Model 67 is a fixed-gantry, moving table 5 Axis CNC Router that features single table sizes from 5'x5' to 10'x5' or dual table sizes from 5'x5' to 5'x12'.  It has a 7.5HP HSD Dual End Spindle (3,000-18,000RPM) and Z axis height up to 60".

 

Thermwood Model 67 5x12 Dual Table CNC Router

Thermwood Model 67 5'x12' Dual Table CNC Router shown


Click to Calculate your CNC Router Investment

Thermwood Impact-Resistant Head and Continuous C-Axis Rotation Video Demonstrations

Posted by Duane Marrett on Mon, Mar 29, 2010

Tags: Thermwood, CNC, New, CNC Routers, 5 Axis, Technology, Model 67, Product Information, Continuous C-Axis Rotation, Impact Resistant Head

Impact Resistant Head - A positive locating joint between the axis 5 arm and the rest of the machine.  Decreases the amount of force applied to the head in the event of a collision, diminishes the need for realignment and reduces fixture and spindle damage.


Thermwood Continuous C-Axis Rotation with Impact Resistant Head on Model 67 - Video Demonstration

For the first time offered together, the Thermwood Continuous C-Axis Rotation and Impact Resistant Head. The Continuous C-Axis allows the machine to perform complex motions that require multiple rotations of the C-Axis, and then quickly return to home. With the Impact Resistant Head, the machine stays in tram even after a crash of the head.

Advanced CNC router and 3D laser technology for making prosthetics

Posted by Jason Susnjara on Fri, Jan 29, 2010

Tags: Thermwood, CNC, plastics, CNC Routers, 5 Axis, Model 67, trimming, molds, Cad, 3D laser, polhemus, military, orthotics, prosthetics, medical

 

This is a news broadcast of medical technology making orthotics and prosthetics for military soldiers. A 3d laser is used to scan the soldier's foot or other parts of their body and is rendered in software. It is then taken to a Thermwood Model 67, five axis machine, and machined to the custom shape.

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New web interface for 3 and 5 Axis CNC Routers

Posted by Duane Marrett on Fri, Aug 21, 2009

Tags: Thermwood, CNC, New, CNC Routers, 3 Axis, 5 Axis, Announcements, Model 90, Model 67, Model 70, Model 45, MTR, Model 41, Model 53, Model 40, Model 42

We've just completed updating and expanding our 3 and 5 axis CNC Router areas on thermwood.com. 

This new interface allows a wider variety of information to be accessed easily and more quickly than our previous version, and lists images, dimensional drawings (which can be easily printed), technical specifications, movies of the machines in action and brochures all in one convenient place.  I've included some screen shots below - to visit, please click on either:

3 Axis CNC Routers

5 Axis CNC Routers

Thermwood's New CNC Router Interface on www.thermwood.com

Thermwood's New CNC Router Interface on www.thermwood.com

 Thermwood's New CNC Router Interface on www.thermwood.com

 Thermwood's New CNC Router Interface on www.thermwood.com

 Thermwood's New CNC Router Interface on www.thermwood.com