Shapemaker is the new five axis routing centre from BDG Machine Tools. With it's fantastic price, it makes high technology available to a wide range of industries. Shapemaker provides a quantum leap forward in versatility, economy, speed and user friendliness. Shapemaker is fantastic for cutting plastic, aluminium, wood and cast iron to close tolerances. Standard features include full guarding and dust management, an eight position tool changer and simultaneous five axis look ahead contouring.

By utilising a router spindle motor that can be tilted and rotated to any compound angle, the Shapemaker is able to not only machine an incredible range of geometry but can gain access to cut parts that would be impossible to machine on a two or three axis router. The Shapemaker can not only move all five axes simultaneously to rapidly shape curved surfaces but can also process all sides of many jobs in a single setup. BDG worked closely with industry to create a machine that greatly improves on the usefulness of other five axis routing machines.

As an example, Tooling Solutions are using a BDG Shapemaker to CNC machine patterns and moulds for the metal casting and rotational moulding industry. Tooling Solutions have a large team of Master Patternmakers and Tooling Solutions are using the Shapemaker to satisfy customer demands for ever increasing accuracy and tight delivery times.

Whilst three axis routers are capable of profile cutting, using a five axis Shapemaker allows the parts to have more complex features such as bevelled edges or even holes drilled in from the edge. By using a large flat cutter, complex compound surfaces can be machined to greater accuracy and smoothness in a fraction of the time compared to using a ball nose cutter on a three axis machine.

The Shapemaker has a 3m by 1.5m T slot table and up to 800mm of vertical travel. The machine is relatively compact being 2.3m wide by 6.25m long and only 2.7m high. With rapid traverse speeds up to 40m/minute and a 24000 rpm, 8kW spindle, parts can be machined very quickly. The Shapemaker uses a fully digital motion control that is especially good at handling long programs with complex motion profiles. The controller uses G codes and is compatible with common CAD/CAM programs such as Pro/Engineer, Delcam, Unigraphics and Mastercam.

Shapemaker is Australian made and uses top quality components sourced from Japan, USA and Europe. AC servo motors, resolver feedback, ball screws and profiled linear rails with ball bearing cars provide maximum reliability. Unlike many other routers that rely only on dust seals on the bearings, all axes have comprehensive bellows covers to provide an additional level of dust protection to the motion components.

Users will appreciate the full guarding and dust management. The control console is ergonomically designed with a flat panel LCD monitor, full keyboard, touch pad and joystick.

The eight place tool changer adds a level of versatility usually only found on machining centres. The Shapemaker can rapidly change tools and can handle a variety of router cutters including straight, ballnose, profiled cutters and saw blades.

From fine engraving work, to profile cutting, rapid proto-typing, heavy roughing, large size pattern making and high speed contouring, the Shapemaker is a versatile and productive machine that can manufacture a vast range of tools, products and shapes.