Thermwood LSAM Now Available 

After an extensive development program, Thermwood Corporation, (Dale, Indiana, USA), has announced it is now offering a line of Additive Manufacturing Systems for the production of large to very large reinforced thermoplastic composite parts. Thermwood’s new machine line, called LSAM (pronounced L-Sam, short for Large Scale Additive Manufacturing), uses a two-step, near-net-shape production process. 

Two-Step Near Net-Shape Production Process

First the part is 3D printed, layer by layer, to slightly larger than the final size, then it is trimmed to its exact final size and shape using a CNC router. The process operates in free space and does not require molds or tooling.  

 
  

Thermwood’s target market for this new equipment is the production of tooling, masters, molds, fixtures, patterns and plugs for a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, boating, foundry and thermoforming. In addition, Thermwood believes it will find additional applications as various industries become aware of the substantial benefits of large part additive manufacturing. For tooling, the primary benefits of this approach are a substantially lower cost and a dramatically shorter build cycle. 

Print and Trim on the Same Machine 

 

Thermwood’s high wall, overhead gantry LSAM machines feature a ten foot wide, five foot high work envelope. Length of the work envelope can be as short as ten foot but as long as 100 foot or more. Machines include both a print gantry and a second trim gantry which is actually a five axis CNC router. Both gantries operate over the entire table surface. With this configuration, all functions needed to make parts are performed on the same machine. 

Thermwood’s print gantry features an advanced, Thermwood-developed, vertically-mounted PH Series print head that melts and precisely meters the polymer bead. It can process filled thermoplastic composite materials at temperatures up to 650 ^o F. Advantages of this unique triple servo design include a much more accurate print bead, the ability to change bead dimensions while printing, the ability to print at high output rates, better fusion between printed layers and a superior void free printed structure. 

Highest Output Rate Head Available 

Thermwood currently offers the PH15 Print Head on it LSAM machines. The PH15 prints at rates up to 150 lbs/hr which Thermwood believes is the highest output rate available today. Although Thermwood believes the PH15 is appropriate for many current tooling applications, they are actively developing even higher output versions of the PH Series Print Head. 

The size and typical geometry of parts to be printed, the number of part to be printed at the same time and the overall size of the machine will dictate how large a print head is appropriate. PH Series Print Heads include the ancillary systems required to dry and transport material from storage to the print head. 

The trim or subtractive gantry is a five axis CNC router system equipped with a 12HP (3,000 to 24,000 RPM) Automatic Tool Change Spindle and a ten position automatic tool changer. The vertical Z axis stroke is enhanced, so that the router head can machine from the print table surface to a point completely over the top of a printed part. The machine is also equipped with an automatic tool length measurement system and Thermwood’s patented impact resistant head. The machine uses Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives throughout, for both printing and trimming.  

 

Each gantry has its own, free standing Thermwood high performance Q-Core CNC Control for movement. The print gantry also includes an integrated print head control to manage melt, pressure and metering functions. Special control functions, not normally part of a CNC control, have been developed to operate the servo drive print head and bead compression wheel. These functions automatically perform tasks that would otherwise need to be incorporated in the CNC print program. This simplifies 3D print programming. 

Exciting New Manufacturing Revolution

“This is exciting”, says Thermwood’s founder and CEO, Ken Susnjara. “We are at the beginning of what appears to be a revolution in manufacturing and we look forward to the new challenges and incredible possibilities that this type of transformational change brings”. 

 

---

 

The 2016 IWF Show (August 24th-27th) promises to be an exciting opportunity to visit Atlanta and see the very latest technology from Thermwood (booth #6513)! 

Like the award-winning Cut Center (make virtually anything a cabinet shop would want to make - with no programming), the all-new Framebuilder 48 (for nested-based upholstered frames featuring an auto load/unload system and built-in chip collection hood) and the heavy-duty Model 45 utilizing pods and aggregate tooling (machining solid wood parts).

Try out the award-winning Cut Center for yourself at IWF 2016!

The award-winning Thermwood Cut Center (which can be operated as an easy-to-use Cut Center with no programming, or as a traditional CNC router - running programs generated with virtually any CNC software) will be in action during IWF 2016. 

You'll have the opportunity to see just how easy it is to run this powerful machine.  Just tell it what you want, and it makes it...it is that easy!  We'll be demonstrating live during the show, and you can be part of it by helping to operate the cut center.  Please visit our booth (#6513) and speak to a Thermwood representative to get your hands on this exciting machine! 

FrameBuilder 48 - Auto Load/Unload System and Chip Collection Hood

Thermwood is also proud to demonstrate our all-new FrameBuilder 48 (4'x8' table) CNC router equipped with optional dual 18 HP Spindles and dual electric drills for nested based upholstered frame production.  

Featuring an auto load/unload system to automate the process of feeding the machine sheet material and automatically off-loading the parts upon completion. The system is also equipped with a built-in chip collection hood that cleans the table as it executes the automatic load/unload cycle.  The FrameBuilder 48 will be in action at IWF 2016 in booth #6513.  

Solid Wood Machining on the Thermwood Model 45

 We will also be demonstrating solid wood door machining utilizing pods and aggregate tooling on the Thermwood Model 45. 

The heavy-duty Model 45 is designed for a variety of functions including the machining of rotary operations when equipped with our optional C-Axis. This expands the capability of this already useful machine to include volutes, carvings, chair parts, stair components and much more.  

 

 

Model 45 with Pod System Machining Poplar Hardwood Door:

 

See at IWF 2016:

All three of these machines will be on display and cutting live at IWF 2016 (August 24th-27th) in Thermwood booth #6513 at the Georgia World Congress Center - Atlanta, GA.  Make plans now to visit us and see this exciting new technology in person!

 

More Info

For more info on the Thermwood Cut Center, please visit cutready.com.  For more info on the FrameBuilder 48 or Model 45 CNC routers, please visit us at thermwood.com.

Most people looking at a router for the first time do not realize that the vast majority of their cost will not be in running the router, but actually in EVERYTHING ELSE required to run the router (preparation, programming, hold down, operating procedures and error handling are the main cost areas).

Ordinary routers do not focus on these areas. They simply rely on the user to take care of them and usually it is not that easy.  Thermwood smart routers address these areas in a big way. They focus on the areas where you spend the most money because that’s where you can make the most money.

Just like a smart phone does more than simply make phone calls, a Thermwood smart router does much more than just route parts. The “more” in a smart router saves material and labor and makes it very easy to use. A smart router may cost a bit more, but is substantially more profitable, making it a much better overall investment. 

---

Thermwood Smart Router Advantages:

Smart Routers Save Material

• Easily use material left from the last job
• Recover from broken tools without scrapping material
• Smart nesting keeps smaller parts from moving and being scrapped
• Nest around defects to use damaged or flawed material
• Save the sheet if parts start moving
• Warns you if spoilboard needs resurfacing
• Fly cut spoilboard in the middle of a job
• Machine back operations on the full sheet
• Alerts you when running critical parts

Smart Routers Save Labor

• Smart routers are easier to program
• Recut parts without programming
• Easily recover from problems without programming
• Run at the machine without programming each job
• During file selection, images help avoid errors
• Machine operator can safely do other jobs
• Avoid processing parts one at a time

Smart Routers are Easy to Use

• Run from virtually any software or any program
• The same file works on any smart router regardless of size or configuration
• Smart routers easily process material whose thickness varies from sheet to sheet
• Smart routers guide you step by step
• Uses smart labels to make parts easy to sort
• Assembly marks make parts easy to assemble
• Smart tooling avoids tooling errors
• Smart routers manage tooling for you
• Smart routers machine a profile edge without a profile tool

Smart Routers are Easy to Maintain and Service

• Automatically manages routine maintenance
• Helps you recover from errors quickly and easily
• Maintenance and operating manuals are right on the screen
• Watch how-to videos for service
• 3D CAD drawings identify every part quickly and easily
• Smart routers can be serviced over the internet
• Smart routers are updated online

Other Differences

• Smart routers are not limited by memory
• Smart routers can be monitored and managed with your smartphone or tablet
• Smart routers use a large touch screen like other modern devices

 

Thermwood is proud to present four $1,000 renewable scholarships to Colton Glenn, Kristina Nelson, Farrah Frakes, and Jacob Pund. 

 

Thermwood would like to congratulate all seniors and wish them the very best in their future studies and careers! 

What Do You Get With Thermwood?

When you join the Thermwood Family, we don't consider you a customer, but as a partner, friend and family member.  We believe in helping each other through a genuine relationship of mutual trust to make us both successful.

What Do You Get With a Thermwood CNC?

When you purchase a CNC router from Thermwood, you get a dependable machine, a superior control, reliable performance and the best service and support in the business. 

Our CNC Experts work with you during every step of the process to insure that you receive the optimum machine configuration for your specific application, and that you gain the knowledge and assistance you need to get into production as quickly as possible.  

You Are Never On Your Own

You are never on your own with a Thermwood machine.  Knowing that you have made the smart choice in partnering with a company that you can trust to stand behind you and do everything we can to make your business successful. 

Our Machines Just Work!

From Day One, Thermwood machines just work!  Day after day and year after year, our CNC machines will get the job done.  Made in the USA by hard-working Americans building custom machines just for you and not for stock.  And, because we build both the machines and controller, we support everything that comes from Thermwood...one company and one phone number to contact.

Thermwood Model 90 5 Axis 5'x12' Dual Table CNC router

---

Customize Your Solution

Thermwood's Total Solution means that we can customize your machine operation to suit your specific needs.  Our experienced program techs can create new programs or modify your existing programs, work with you on fixturing and tooling, and much more.  

Our ultimate goal is to provide the best solution possible with the lowest learning curve for you. We'll stay by your side during each step of the way. We also provide phone, email and forum support, always free of charge.

Thermwood Customers IDL Worldwide with their new Model 45 CNC router

---

Superior Support When You Need It

Our Total Solution also means that support doesn't stop with the sale.  We are by your side during your five-day training course at Thermwood's state-of-the-art factory as well as during installation at your facility.  And, if you ever need service or support, we have Virtual Service, free phone and email support, extensive parts inventory and the best support in the business!

Thermwood Customers learning programming skills during our five-day training class

---

The Thermwood Total Solution:

Training and Production Support

• In-Depth Machine Training at our state-of-the-art facilty
• Production Start-Up Assistance at your facility with a dedicated CNC Expert
• Help from our CNC Experts when you need it via phone/email/forum 

Customizing Your Solution

• Customizable Machine Operation (modify/create new programs and/or machine hardware)

Better Machines

• High-Performance, Highly-Reliable, American-Built Machines
• Full Function, High Performance CNC Control (future-proofed with an upgrade path)

Superior Service and Support

• Free Phone/Forum/Email Support
• Virtual Service (instantly address virtually anything a service visit can - fast)
• Free Ongoing Control Updates (not available from others - you're stuck with what you have)
• Quick Support Visits Directly from the Factory When Needed (single source responsibility)
• Extensive Spare Parts Inventory with Overnight Shipping

---

Thermwood Customer Byrne Custom Woodworking with their new Thermwood Cut Center

---

The Bottom Line:

Our systems install fast, start up quick, are easier to use and maintain, produce more and last longer, and just plain work!

The Thermwood Total Solution means that we work with you before you buy, after you buy and into the future to make sure you get the best performance and financial benefit from your Thermwood machine.

 

The Thermwood Multi-Purpose Three Axis Series are highly flexible, making them ideal for a variety of manufacturing applications. 

Multi-Purpose 63

The Multi-Purpose 63 is a large bed three-axis CNC router with a moving bridge and stationary table. Primarily designed for two dimensional machining of large composite parts, it is also highly recommended for the machining of three dimensional patterns.

Features of the Model 63:

• Dual 12HP (3,000-24,000 RPM) HSD Spindle
• Fixed Solid Aluminum Table
• Longer table sizes available
• Moving Gantry
• Optional Aggregate Tooling
• Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives
• 3D Laser Compensated Axis Alignment
• 4 Position Bar Style Tool Changer
• Optional Automatic Lubrication
• Optional 5 Position At the Head AutomaticTool Changer 
• Optional Drill Bank
• QCore SuperControl
• Optional Saw Aggregate
• Optional 10 Position Rotary Automatic Tool Changer
• Optional Probe System
• Machine Training and Installation
• Free Lifetime Phone/Forum Support  

---

Latest Update Summary

We are constantly adding new features and abilities to the Award-Winning Cut Ready Cut Center.  Our latest update now gives you:

• The ability to create stair stringers and free-standing stairs
• Merge materials for a more efficient nest
• Specify whether your material is sheet stock or board stock (with a whole host of options for each type)
• Add sheets as off-fall even if they weren't created from the Cut Center
• Resize the height on face frame base cabinets (while maintaining proper drawer front heights).

Stair Stringers

The Cut Center now has the ability to create Stair Stringers, and free-standing stairs. 

Merge Materials

This ability originated with the stair stringers development (you can nest treads, risers or stringers out of the same material, providing a more efficient nest), and this solution was so useful that it was implemented throughtout the entire system.

New Material Properties

We’ve updated the materials page to allow the user to specify whether their material is Sheet Stock or Board Stock (which affects direction of cut, feed speeds, and cut depths).  This allows you to make Solid Wood Drawer Boxes.

You can also specify if your material has identical sides (such as premium plywood), or if they are different (such as melamine that has 2 colors).  In the melamine scenario, the Cut Center will maintain all of one color to the inside of the cabinets.

For users who do not use material with grain (melamine, mdf, etc.), you can now turn grain off, resulting in a more efficient nest.

Add Off-Fall Sheets not created in Cut Ready

Prior to this update, you could only add off-fall created from previous jobs by using a barcode and scanner.  This update allows you to add rectangular off-fall that was not created from the Cut Ready system, and use it just like you would regular off-fall.

Resize the Height on Frace Frame Base Cabinets

We now allow users to change the height of Face Frame Base Cabinets while maintaining proper Drawer Front Heights.

About the Cut Center

The Thermwood Cut Ready Cut Center is an exciting alternative to traditional CNC routers for making a wide variety of products including cabinets, closets, furniture, doors, drawers and much more.  Just tell the machine what you what to make and it does it...it is that simple!  NO programming is required.

---

 

The Thermwood Multi-Purpose 45 is a heavy-duty, high-performance three axis CNC router available in either single or dual spindles with optional rotary axis used in the machining of cabinets, solid wood, millwork, phenolic, display fixtures and much more.

Features of the Model 45:

• Fixed table sizes from 5'x5' to 7'x12'
• Optional Rotary Axis
• Moving Gantry
• Single or Dual 12P HSD Spindle (3,000-24,000RPM)
• 4 Position Bar Style Automatic Tool Changer
• Optional Single or Dual 18HP HSD Spindle Available
• Optional 5-Position At-the-Head AutomaticTool Changer Available
• Optional Nemi Pod System Available
• Automatic Lubrication (optional)
• QCore SuperControl
• Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives Throughout
• 3D Laser Compensated Axis Alignment
• Automatic Tool Length Sensor (optional)
• Machine Training and Installation
• Free Lifetime Phone/Forum Support