Introduction
The CNC Panel Saw finds wide application in companies that handle custom orders as well as industrial-scale production of high-quality materials with frequent changes in cutting patterns. It is used for mass production of furniture and cabinets
Functionality
Equipped with state-of-the-art components for maximum speed and precision. The machine features three conveyor tables with pneumatic balls that feed the workpieces to pneumatic clamps/grippers, which guide the pieces into the machine and position them for operation. The position of the workpiece is adjusted using positioning rollers and clamps during cutting. The system incorporates a drive mechanism with servo motors and linear guides for absolute precision. All operations and processing parameters are entered via the Saw-CUT control software, which is accessible on the touchscreen computer integrated into the machine itself.
Operating Principle
A general system check, pressure level inspection, and review of the work surface must be performed before starting the machine. First, ensure that the emergency stop buttons are deactivated and released from the engaged position. This process involves turning the button counterclockwise until it pops out. The machine is equipped with two emergency stop buttons: one located next to the touchscreen control panel and the other beneath the first pneumatic ball conveyor table.
It is necessary to ensure that there are no foreign objects on the work surface, on the bridge guides and saws, or on the toothed racks, as well as to ensure that nothing obstructs the path of the bridge or the saw carriage
We need to check the air pressure in the system individually at each regulator and adjust it as needed.
The machine has four regulators, including:
The main regulator located at the primary air inlet of the machine
Regulator for the pressure of the grippers
Regulator for the pressure of the press
Regulator for the pressure of the auxiliary roller
The first step is to start the machine using the start button located on the left side of the machine, right next to the panel for changing the main and scoring saw.
Once the machine is turned on, it is necessary to execute the homing sequence for all the moving elements of the machine using the ‘Home’ option in the Saw-CUT control software, which can be accessed via the touchscreen control panel attached to the machine. If the ‘Homing’ function is not performed at startup, the machine will not operate properly and is at serious risk of damage to its systems.
Once we open up Saw-CUT, the machine’s operating software, it will display the main interface. In the top left corner, we need to select the Auto option (which will enable us to access the homing sequence), and at the top right corner, we can find the ‘Home All’ button, which will simultaneously bring all moving elements (the main and scoring saw, the pneumatic gripper/clamp, the auxiliary rollers) to the Home position. In order to execute the homing sequence we must ensure that we are in the correct
Once the machine elements complete the Homing Sequence (Home All procedure), we can place the workpiece onto the pneumatic ball transport tables towards the grippers/clamps, which will engage the workpiece and transfer it inside the machine where it will be positioned and prepared for cutting. The maximum thickness of the workpiece that can be processed by the cutter is 120mm, which also allows us to process multiple panels stacked on top of each other, as long as they do not exceed the allowed height
The pneumatic clamp is driven by servo motors and features a design with dual jaws that open and close with the help of pneumatics.
When placing the workpiece, ensure that it is aligned with the guiding rail located next to the first transport table and is clamped in place.
The clamp/gripper must be in position before clamping the workpiece. The button that moves it to the correct position is called ‘Loading Position,’ and we must ensure it has been clicked beforehand.
The next step is to set the dimensions of the workpiece and the final processing dimensions, which is done by selecting the ‘Insert Data’ button found in the Auto section
After clicking the ‘Insert Data’ button, a new window opens where we have several fields in which we enter the dimensions of the workpiece and the desired dimensions of the final cut elements.
In the ‘Length’ field, we enter the length of the workpiece, in the ‘Width’ field, the width of the piece, and the ‘Thickness’ field is for the thickness of the piece. In the ‘Qty’ or ‘Quantity’ field, we enter the number of workpieces.
In the next section, in the ‘Cutting Length’ field, we enter the length of the piece that we want to cut from the main board, and in the ‘Qty’ field, we enter the number of pieces we want to be produced
When we click the Add button, we gain access to new fields, one field for each given piece, where we can also change the dimensions of the selected piece depending on our needs.
It shows us the rest of the record after cutting off the back pieces.
The Saw-CUT software generates and positions the specified pieces on the worktable.
Once we finish entering the values in the ‘Insert Data’ window, we can press the ‘Save’ button if we want to save the template, or the ‘Confirm’ button to proceed with the processing.
By pressing the ‘Start Simulation’ button, the software provides a graphical representation of how the pieces will be processed, showing the saw, gripper, and workpiece during the entire processing sequence from start to finish.
Once we ensure that the simulation aligns with our parameters, the next step is to press the ‘Auto Start’ button on the screen and the physical ‘Auto’ button to initiate the processing operation.
In the Manual segment, we have options for manual control of the machine’s elements, including:
1. Activating and deactivating the grippers
2. Lowering and raising the fixing column
3. Lowering and raising the saws
4. Front auxiliary roller
5. Rear roller
6. Activating and deactivating the dust extraction gate
7. Moving the saw carriage forward and backward
8. Moving the auxiliary roller
9. Homing position of the gripper
10. Absolute position of the gripper
11. Moving the gripper backward
12. Moving the gripper forward
13. Testing functions for elements (carriage, column, and grippers)
14. Offset position of the auxiliary roller
15. Current position of the auxiliary roller
16. Positioning the carriage to the far-left corner for saw replacement
17. Positioning the gripper for loading boards
18. Starting and stopping the saw
19. Homing the auxiliary roller
20. Homing the gripper
21. Homing the saw carriage
22. Resetting alarms
23. Activating the keyboard
Constant maintenance of the machine’s systems in optimal condition is essential for a long service life and flawless operation of the machine.
It is strongly recommended to ensure that the oil level in the lubricators is at a satisfactory level. The machine has two lubricators: one located at the main air inlet and the other attached to the saw carriage
It is necessary to check the dust extraction hoses and ensure that there is an uninterrupted flow for dust extraction.
It is recommended to check the ventilation of the electrical cabinet and the computer to ensure free airflow and to remove sawdust or dust from the fans. This is necessary for the components to cool effectively.
It is necessary to regularly check the compressed air tank for water accumulation. The tank can be accessed by removing the panel on the left side of the machine, in the segment with the door for saw blade replacement.
If there is a need to change the saw blades, we need to bring the machine into the appropriate position to access the blades. On the far left front side of the machine, near the control screen, there is a panel where we can perform the saw blade replacement. To position the saw carriage correctly, we need to press the ‘Change Saw Blade’ button, which can be found in the ‘Manual’ segment of the SawCut software. Pressing the button moves the saw carriage toward the panel.
Additionally, it is necessary to ensure that the saw carriage has raised the blades to the upper position. This can be done by pressing the up arrow for the ‘Saw Blade’ option in the ‘Manual’ segment. Once the movement stops, we can open the door, gaining access to both saw blades, which will now be in position for replacement.
Ensure that all components are properly tightened and secured before using the machine.
Whenever we inspect or clean the electrical cabinet, it is essential to first turn off the power supply. Some components in the cabinet, such as the servo motor drivers, can retain a charge for 10 to 15 minutes after losing voltage. They have an indicator that shows whether they still hold a charge; as long as there is power in the capacitors, the indicator glows red. It is strongly recommended to allow the machine 15 minutes to fully discharge any remaining charges before touching the components
By following these instructions and adhering to regular maintenance protocols, you will ensure the machine operates efficiently, safely, and reliably for years to come.