The 2011 AWFS Show promises to be an exciting opportunity to visit Las Vegas and see the very latest in CNC Router technology from Thermwood!

At AWFS we will be demonstrating the machining of custom nested based cabinets along with a variety of other applications including MDF doors, sheet plastics, and wood components.

Featuring the CabinetShop 45 with load/unload system:

Our demonstrations will include machining products on our CabinetShop 45 CNC, complete with our new optional load/unload system that reduces labor and eliminates the need to load and unload material from the router.  Also at AWFS we will be demonstrating the S400 and BEE Fravol edgebanders.  Fravol, known for high quality edgebanders, is exclusively represented and serviced in the US by Thermwood.

The CabinetShop 45 will feature our new QCore SuperControl system.  The QCore operates with Windows 7 Pro, has a massive 1 Tb Hard Drive for program storage, utilizes a Quad Core Processor and provides the highest level control platform for CNC router technology today.

QCore also features an all-new optional Hand Held Programmer that puts the expanded power of the QCore control into a compact, rugged hand remote.  This new hand held offers improved ergonomics, a color LCD touch screen display and a durable 24-key steel dome membrane keypad.  It allows the operator to perform a wide variety of tasks that were previously only available through the machine control.

Live streaming webcam from AWFS!

We will be showcasing Thermwood’s speed and quality by running LIVE machine demonstrations using different materials such as plywood, melamine, MDF, Acrylic and King Plastics’ Starboard throughout the day – and available via webcam. 

Hands-on Access!

Attendees will also have a chance to customize a product and run the machine yourself using our QuickCut software right at the control.  Just select an item, change the size and watch the machine do the rest.

If you’re interested in not just increasing throughput but also reducing assembly time, stop by Thermwood’s booth to see the latest in construction joints and assembly marks. 

Featuring the New Lock Dado Joint:

We announced the new Barb Dado Joint at the IWF show in 2010, this year for AWFS we will be demonstrating our new Lock Dado Joint which combines blind dado and KD Fasteners (available from Hafele) making assembly unbelievably fast and easy!

Plan to stop by Thermwood Booth #4210 and check us out!

The AWFS show is located at the Las Vegas Convention Center and runs from July 20th-23th.

Not only do students learn the basic technology but they also experience full scale, full production machining operations (assuring that they are well prepared for real-world applications).

Each machine is equipped with the powerful QCore SuperControl which gives students the most advanced automated production features available, insuring state-of-the-art training.

Thermwood also offers free copies of its eCabinet Systems software for classroom use as well as an individual copy for each student enrolled on an ongoing basis.

The Advanced Support Program assures that new features and technology are automatically added to Thermwood educational machines as they are released, pledging that students are always working with the most up-to-date technology available.

Thermwood machines and technology are ideal for training in today’s rapidly changing technical horizon.  Please visit our educational applications area for more information and examples of Thermwood CNC Routers used in education.

Thermwood will be exhibiting at the 2011 SAMPE Conference in Long Beach, CA on Tuesday May 24th through Thursday, May 26th (Thermwood Booth #1042)

If you are planning to attend the show, you can sign up for a FREE pass here. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Visit the Sampe Website

Once again, Thermwood is a proud sponsor of the FREE CabinetMakerFDM Woodworking Business E-vent.  The first such show (held last November), was a great success, and we invite you to attend this unique and interactive event on May 19th, 2011.

As an attendee, you’ll have the opportunity to view five educational sessions on innovations in the wood products industry, network with colleagues, visit our booth and chat in real-time in the Exhibit Hall - All from the comfort of your office!

Thermwood will also be running live machine demonstrations (nested based cabinets, moldings and various other items) on our CabinetShop 43 and Fravol Edgebander throughout the day - available via webcam.

Register online to join us at the Woodworking Business E-vent. We look forward to seeing you there!

ISA 2011 – What we learned

We just returned from the International Sign Expo in Las Vegas, and had a great time.  It was enjoyable meeting new people in this expanding industry.  We got a lot of interesting feedback from companies in the industry about their need to constantly evolve and expand what they offer to meet the growing needs of their customers.

From vehicle wraps to window graphics and three dimensional signs, today’s sign professionals have to be able to offer at least as much, and usually a whole lot more than their competitors to survive and thrive.  They have to be able to think outside the box to grab any piece of business that comes their way, and traditional sign trimming machines only meet some of these needs.

We have learned that these traditional machines are comparatively light-duty when it comes to any type of heavier material or non-traditional application.  Or, if they can machine the necessary material, it is oftentimes very unproductive (requiring multiple passes and valuable time). This can cause you to miss out on jobs that your equipment simply can’t do.

What now?

You’ve seen this in other industries.  There reaches a point when everybody’s product basically does the job.  Some do it better than others, but they all get the job done.  After that, the market is saturated with copy-cats until someone comes up with a new innovation or way to use the technology in a different way.  Just like cell phones gave way to smart phones and laptops are slowly going away in favor of tablets, there is a new solution to the problems facing the sign industry. 

A different approach

Using a heavy-duty sign machine like the Thermwood SignRouter 43 offers the ability to cut and trim printed graphic signs on rigid substrates as well as machining and carving three dimensional signs and letters (all much faster than traditional machines). In addition to those features, it can also operate as a high-production CNC Router, giving owners the advantage of being able to offer a whole additional variety of products to their customers. 

The SignRouter43 is capable of machining flat and three-dimensional signs using wood, aluminum, composites, chip core, rigid foam, plastics, acrylic, non-ferrous metals and other various types of materials as well as operating as a traditional sign-making machine using optional i-cut Vision camera and software (these highly capable systems accurately trim printed signs, automatically compensating for distortion or rotation in the printed image).

At the show, we demonstrated the SignRouter 43 with a 5’×10 fixed table, featuring a 12 HP HSD spindle and an eleven position automatic tool changer. It features both high acceleration and high performance motions in both positioning and cutting. This system includes quality features seldom, if ever, found at this price point including full stress relieved weldments, high-end Siemens drives throughout, THK rails and three-dimensional volumetric position compensation.  In addition to the 5’×10 table, we also offer a larger variety of table sizes (dual or moving tables/vacuum hold-down methods available). 

Thinking outside the box

A unique aspect of our technology is the ability to do a lot more than just signs.

Thermwood’s SignRouter43 with “QuickCut” technology also offers a revolutionary new approach for nested based applications. Just select and resize cabinets, closet components and POP displays, then make them…right at the machine. You don’t need design software. You don’t need extensive training or a painful learning curve. Pretty much anyone in your shop can make cabinets and closets with a few minutes instruction.  It’s not much more difficult than running a copy machine. 

This can allow you to greatly expand your product offering with the same machine you use to produce your traditional signs!

We are streaming live from the International Sign Expo in Las Vegas, starting today 4/28/11 at 11:00am CST.

See our SignRouter 43 with i-cut Vision technology in action direct from our Booth #5333.  It is like attending the show from the comfort of your office!

You can also interact directly with our folks at the show via real-time chat. Ask questions and also see what everyone is saying on Facebook and Twitter about our exciting approach to the sign industry (all in one place).

Visit the Thermwood Booth from your computer at:

http://www.livestream.com/thermwoodcnc

Featuring the SignRouter 43:

The SignRouter 43 is capable of machining flat and three-dimensional signs using wood, aluminum, composites, chip core, rigid foam, plastics, acrylic, non-ferrous metals and other various types of materials as well as operating as a traditional sign-making machine using optional i-cut Vision camera and software (these highly capable systems accurately trim printed signs, automatically compensating for distortion or rotation in the printed image).  Click for more info

Thermwood’s SignRouter43 with “QuickCut” technology also offers a revolutionary new approach for nested based applications. Just select and resize cabinets and closet components, then make them…right at the machine. You don’t need design software. You don’t need extensive training or a painful learning curve. Pretty much anyone in your shop can make cabinets and closets with a few minutes instruction.  It’s not much more difficult than running a copy machine. 

The SignRouter 43 is a robust, highly flexible production system capable of operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

A revolutionary new joinery system is on the way!  Thermwood is proud to announce our upcoming “Lock Dado” joint.   

A Lock Dado joint is an improved version of the old KD joint. It uses a machined dado and tenon to precisely align and securely hold the joint and cam-lock fasteners to clamp it in place.

This new joint can be assembled and disassembled with just a screw driver, yet the joints are rigid, solid and strong.  Combining Lock Dado joints with our patented Assembly Marks makes assembling easy and the joinery strong while allowing for disassembly.

This new joint will be available as a joinery selection in eCabinet Systems in the near future.  Stay tuned for more updates and information.

20 20 Technologies in partnership with Thermwood Corporation, has a special offer available to Thermwood CNC Router Owners:

For a limited time, register for ShopWare CAD training and receive a FREE TRIAL* of ShopWare CAD, the AutoCAD based solid model engineering software from 20-20 Technologies.

Like most other major software packages, ShopWare CAD links seamlessly to your Thermwood CNC Router (enabling you to send your designs straight to the machine).

Please Click Here for More Information

*Sign up now for 2 days of hands-on training and go home with a fully functioning trial version of 20-20 ShopWare CAD.  If you purchase the software before the end of the 90 day period, you will receive a full refund on the cost of training ($550 USD per person)*.

We recently held our 2011 Dealer Conference at our headquarters in Dale, IN. The purpose of this annual event is to get all the dealers together in round-table informative sessions to discuss sales strategies and also to present the exciting changes and new products we plan to release in the next year.

Of course, the conference isn't all work and no play!  It also gives everyone a chance to socialize and catch up on news, as well as the opportunity to award our top sellers special prizes at an awards dinner. 

This year, our top dealer was CNC Automation, who handles Canada.  Second and third place went to two US dealers, Automation Associates and Tech Con. Congratulations, guys!

Pictured above are: (l-r) Rob Volmer (Tech Con), Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood) Glenn Suss (Tech Con), Andrew Legault (CNC Automation), Mark Drone (Automation Associates) and Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood).

Bonus Depreciation extended for 2011

On Dec. 17, President Obama signed legislation that would extend and expand the depreciation bonus through 2012. 

What This Means:

This could be a huge advantage to anyone considering purchasing a new Thermwood CNC Router this year, by giving a business the ability to write off a huge portion of their machinery purchase on their 2011 tax return.

Depreciation Bonus At A Glance:

• This provides 100 percent depreciation bonus for capital investments placed in service after September 8, 2010 through December 31, 2011.
• Depreciation bonus is designed to help businesses cut their tax bill and buy new equipment.
• This bonus applies (among other things), to purchases of tangible personal property (including construction, mining, forestry, and agricultural equipment) with a MACRS recovery period of 20 years or less.
• The bonus applies to NEW equipment only.
• The bonus is allowed for both regular and alternative minimum tax purposes.
• Totally discretionary - Taxpayer need not claim the depreciation bonus

Links:

For more information on this incentive, please click here.

To calculate your potential savings, please click here

Please use the following links to view our line of 3 axis and 5 axis Thermwood CNC Routers.