Pantocuts were initially fitted with the North East Electronics (NEE) PNC2C controllers, later machines were fitted with NEE PNC 4E controllers.

The past 20 years have seen an enormous increase in microprocessor performance. When this is harnessed by dedicated machine controller developers, focussed on maximising machine performance, and having a thorough knowledge of physics and motion control, resulting machine productivity and part quality improvements are dramatic.

A considerable number of Pantocuts and Millgravs have now been upgraded with NEE Apex AMC controllers, and NEE Programming aids have been replaced with PC based JLS software

In one application an NH Pantocut PNC and rotary table, manufactured 15 years ago and controlled by an NEE P4E controller, had been used to manufacture dies for company seals in brass or mild steel. The control finally failed and the company decided to explore their options. The numerous advantages of upgrading to a later NEE engraving controller and software made the decision a 'no brainer' and an Apex AMC 3 axis controller and PC compatible Job Layout Software was ordered.

Within 5 working days the new controller, the software and a conversion wiring harness was delivered by an NEE Machine's engineer. Within 1 hour the machine was running with the new controller. In a further 2 hours Apex AMC training had been completed and the machine was rapidly clearing the work backlog. JLS training was also provided.

Millgrav

Until now the die making process has been somewhat protracted. The required image was first digitized using NEE Remote Programming Software RPS and a Digitising tablet and one digital cassette based character font per job. Generating a typical job took 15 minutes. Once the job had been created it was transferred to the P4E which had been previously loaded with the relevant character font. The die was then machined.

Now the rotary table is not required, JLS permits the dies to be produced directly using just the machine XYZ movement. JLS can simply and quickly create circular dies which can be graphically mirrored and aligned to any arc. Required logos are imported as DXF, PLT or WMF files, and optimised to minimise production time. Jobs are then almost instantaneously transferred to the Apex AMC at 115Kbaud. Font data, for as many fonts as required, is transferred before it is required when the job is executed. The Apex controller looks sufficiently far ahead through the job program for the complete font to be transferred before it has to be machined.

The amazing power of our AMC controllers can best be appreciated when machining complex 3D models and moulds. Our customers frequently benefit from machine productivity improvements of 300, 400 and even 500% by replacing other machine controllers with ours, transforming the economics of making 3D parts.

Main benefits of the Apex retrofit include:

• Dramatically faster engraving as optimum cutting speed is maintained throughout the job.
  
  
• The machine is now far simpler to set-up and operate
  
  
• Machine and operator productivity improvements of up to 500%
  
  
• Precise, quiet, smooth machine operation from micro-stepping drives gives more accurate parts, and longer machine and tool life
  
  
• The rotary table is no longer required
  
  
• High speed (115Kbaud) job data transfer, the next job can also be transferred as the current job is being run
  
  
• The Open architecture AMC controller can be used with a wide range of third party software
  
  
• The machine versatility is dramatically improved, NEE Job Layout Software 'JLS' lets you rapidly create far more artistic and imaginative jobs
  
  
• AMC's have far more control features including, automatic tool length setting option, built in matrix function, true type font capability, and unlimited font usage in job programs
  
  
• PC compatibility
  
  
• Unlimited PC based job storage
  
  
• The WinAMC option gives you PC based custom control panelsto suit application and operator
  
  
• NEE can convert PNC job programs to new format
  
  
• Integrated programmable PLC enables machine to be used in a wide range of applications including production lines
  
  
• The AMC controller is supplied in one small rugged enclosure designed for use in harsh industrial environments