What does this application require?
Routers for panel working (milling, drilling and cutting) require a CNC and a CAD-CAM software, along the user interface. Sometimes also an optimization software is required in order to obtain the maximum number of pieces from a single panel. All these software must run on the machine console, so the simplest but most expensive solution is the use of a double hardware and two operating systems, one for the CNC and another for the CAD-CAM. As the CAD-CAM requires more hardware and software resources than the CNC, in order to avoid using dedicated hardware and software for each application, the CNC software must run independently from the operating system, and, moreover, it must run protected in one of the PC processor cores. Costantino can do that.
Some specific panel workings require a dedicated machine configuration, and this implies the choice of the working plane size, the number of axes and spindles, the tools, etc.
This allows to define the typical workings, and therefore a dedicated user interface, including CAM.
What does Costantino offer?
With Costantino we can provide a software especially designed for doors and windows working, that can be used in place of more expensive CAD-CAM designed for less specific applications.
Some panel cutting machines, while following defined templates, require specific interpolation algorithms in order to maintain the saw blade in a tangent position relative to the template to be cut. Costantino can do that.
When multiple heads are used, as in some more complicated machines, a CNC that can handle multiple interpolating channels is needed. Moreover, sometimes a great number of axis is required in order to place, lock and transport the working piece from and to the working heads. In such cases, all you need is a flexible and easy to program CNC.
Costantino satisfies the requirement, with its IEC61131 programmable PLC and its architecture that allows the dislocation of I/O peripherals on the machine, using various field bus.
Machines for panel working are also used to obtain specific shapes from solid wood, using rotating tools (milling machines or 5-axes machining centers), or rotating working pieces (lathes).
Costantino can satisfy all the requirements needed for these workings.
What do our competitors offer?
Many CNC on the market require an external PC to run the CAD-CAM software and the user interface.
Some of them can run the CAD-CAM, limiting it to run on their hardware and software resources (operating system), and not on the required ones.
Many CNC are not as scalable as Costantino, and force the operator to use distinct products according to the machine requirements.
Not all CNCs offer the facilitations given by the developing environments for application software offered by Costantino. Some less expensive CNCs do not even have a programmable PLC.
Some CNCs does not have the flexibility of interfacing with any type of servo driver or stepper motor, either using the new and traditional field bus or the classic Pulse/Direction and analog (with encoder feedback) interfaces.
Configuration Example
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