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smart machinery - intelligent price |
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Intelicam |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Yes. The controller automatically translates the G-code into individual commands sent to each motor so that the final movement of the business end of the cutting tip looks fluid. Some models are available with an optional 4th rotational axis but still moves in 3-axis simultaneously. |
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Do Intelicam machines move in three-axis simultaneously? |
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Yes, the three axis routers can cut in 3D. The preferred file format of the 3D object is STL, which is the most generic 3D file format available. This file is brought into the Cut3D CAM software. In a step by step process you describe how you want the object to be cut. There is the ability to cut only one side or multiple sides by rotating the material. You can also resize the object, reduce or exaggerate the 3D contours (Z-axis), choose from a variety of router bits. Cut3D automatically generates the g-code. The process produces remarkable results with very little effort. |
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Can the Intelicam machines cut in 3D? |
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The intelicam is a high quality industrial CNC machine, built to precision standards and definitely without cutting corners. We can bring them to the market at much more affordable prices than the we could in the past due to our proprietary manufacturing and component sourcing. Our experience and our network gives us an advantage to choose the best parts at the best price. That’s what we do and this allows us to offer low prices while remaining a strong viable business—which means we’ll be around for decades to come. |
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Why are machines so low priced? Are they missing anything? |
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Delivery times vary depending on availability of stock, from one week up to 8 to 12 weeks for a custom order machine. Please ask the sales person for available stock. |
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How long does it take to receive the machinery once ordered. |
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Yes, but don’t be confused as there are two main types of CNC machines and the common definition of Machining Centers usually refer to machines in metal fabrication shops that cut and shape steel blocks (Type 1). These machines are usually enclosed by large housings to contain the cutting lubricant. Intelicam machines (Type 2) are mostly open gantry based machines (except the intelicam mini-mill which is enclosed for sound and safety reasons). Intelicam type CNCs cut and shape a wide range of flat material including wood, plastics, aluminum. Both Type 1 & 2 CNC machines use G-code based CNC control. G-codes are “move-to” instructions that define a specific location in the X,Y,Z space, as well as feed rate (speed) and other instructions like turning on the spindle and other instructions the machine needs to operate. It is unlikely that a metal machine shop would have an intelicam “type 2” CNC, just as it is unlikely that a sign maker or millwright shop would have a “type 1” machine, though both groups may well call the machinery a CNC Machining Center. |
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Are the Intelicam machines “CNC Machining Centers”? |
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The Series are divided by accuracy, with Precision coming in the best, and ValuePro the least. SpeedPro combines high speed and high precision. FoamCarver is the newest model:
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What is the difference between the Intelicam models of CNC router? |
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How does it work? The machine controller reads the picture the same way a printer reads a picture, but instead of firing ink the laser fires a burst of energy which burns the wood or explodes the granite. The result is stunning and permanent. The process to go from scan to laser setup usually takes just a few minutes. It’s that easy! |
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How does the laser create pictures? |
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What is a vector, and how does a CNC use a vector? |
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A vector is a line drawing done on a computer that defines the outline of a shape. In real terms it's a mathematical representation of that line. If you looked at the shape drawn on a sheet of graph paper where the X direction is along the bottom and the Y direction is going up the side, each point along the line could also be represented as an X,Y coordinate. A CNC router follows the x,y coordinates of each point along that line when it cuts out the shape. If the shape has depth, then there is another coordinate added in the Z direction (thickness). That's why a cnc router is often called a three-axis cnc, because it can move to (and thus cut) the three coordinates X,Y,Z at any point on the shape. That's all it does. |
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No. The machines only follow precise instructions from the CAM file (usually called the toolpath and written in the machine language of G-code). They are good at following instructions, and they don’t need a lunch break or ask for a raise, but there is no inherent intelligence in the control system. |
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Does the CNC anticipate what I want cut and correct for mistakes? |
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Not quite. There are three separate steps for making an object on the CNC. They are (1) CAD; (2) CAM; and (3) Machine setup. The Intelicam machines come standard with all you need to complete these three stages. The one exception is if you are wanting to create a 3D file from scratch you will need to acquire separate 3D design software. Here are the three stages: 1. First stage is to ensure the design file, called the CAD file, is in vector format (like dxf, eps, plt or ai), and not raster format (like jpeg, bmp, tiff). Vector is based on lines and outlines. Raster, of which a photograph is one type, is based on a grid of pixels, or points. V-Carve Pro, which comes with the Intelicam routers, has an easy to use utility to convert raster into vector files. But count on some extra time to clean up the finished conversion before cutting. V-Carve Pro also has some excellent design tools built into the software. I created the Intelicam logo quite easily using only a few design tools in V-Carve Pro. A lot of clipart is vector based (you can tell by its saved format). If you’re not changing your clipart then the first stage is already completed. As a bonus if you want to make changes, vector files are easily adjusted right in V-Carve Pro. 2. Second stage is the CAM. This stands for computer aided machining. The goal of this stage is to create the set of instructions, called a toolpath, that the intelicam machine will understand to cut the object out of real material. It’s easier than it sounds. Toolpathing is included in V-Carve Pro. It’s a simple step-by-step procedure, leaving very little room for messing up. You do not have to “program” the computer. It’s more like a video game where you just pick the various inputs and let the game create its own results. Inputs include material dimensions, tool diameter and shape (all preloaded in V-Carve Pro), depth of cut, starting points, and cutting strategy, for example, if you want the cut out part released from the material or held in place with tabs so it won’t be damaged if it moves. You may decide to use a bigger roughing tool and then switch to a more slender finishing tool. With the click of a button V-Carve Pro automatically generates the toolpath. The path is graphically displayed and can be examined in three dimensions. You can preview the finished toolpath. The simulation is remarkably true to the finished result, even accounting for stepover patterns, material color and grain. If it doesn’t look right on the computer then it won’t look right when it’s finished. The simulation also gives you statistics, like machine run-time, maximum cutting depths. For many clipart designs, of say a drawing of a swordfish, the CAM stage can be completed in less than one minute. The final stage is to save the CAM file as an intelicam “.nc” file - a one button procedure. The saved file is detected automatically by the intelicam machine controller ready for cutting. Even complex 3D toolpaths that generate hundreds of thousands of lines of g-code, the CAM stage seldom takes more than 5 minutes. 3. The third stage occurs at the machine. Secure your material to the machine surface using standard clamps or optional vacuum hold-down. At this point is important that the machine setup matches the CAM setup. You must use the input parameters created during the CAM stage. Generally there are only three things to remember: (1) ensure the material dimensions match the CAM settings; (2) insert the correct tool bit (diameter and shape) into the router; and (3) set a home position (0,0,0) to match the CAM file. Usually the home position is the upper left corner of the material but it could also be the center or any other corner. Setting home involves zeroing the machine’s XY coordinates at the home you chose in the file, then zeroing the Z-axis at the proper height (most often it’s aligning the tip of the cutter with the top of the material you wish to cut). Intelicam routers make zeroing the Z-axis easy by using the material height sensor that comes standard with the machinery. Now all you do is select the name of your CAM file and click START. The spindle powers up before cutting begins and powers down after cutting ends. |
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What’s the process? Can I choose any type of clipart and just send it to the router for cutting? |
