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Pacer Technology
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Pacer technology has a well
earned reputation for performance, reliability and ease of
use. New developments are continually evaluated to see
whether they can benefit machine performance or make their
operation even easier.
Some of the key features that contribute to the superb Pacer
machine experience are highlighted here. |
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Machine
Construction |
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The construction of the machine frame is fundamental to its
operation. A strong, rigid frame tends to eliminate causes
of poor quality cutting. It also allows higher feed rates
and accelerations to be used, particularly in 3D machining,
which will improve productivity.
All Pacer machines have strong steel frames which are welded
and then machined as a single unit to provide a flat and
highly accurate base.
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Vacuum Beds |
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Secure hold-down of the workpiece is essential for
stability, safety and good cut quality.
All Pacer machines have integrated vacuum beds coupled to
single or multiple high flow brushless exhausters. These are
designed to maximise workpiece hold-down and have built-in
protection to allow them to be run continuously if required.
The larger HDS machines have a specially zoned vacuum bed
which allows the airflow to be directed to the parts of the
bed where it is needed.
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Drive Systems |
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Precise motion of the tool on
most Pacer machines is achieved through the use of high
quality ballscrew drives with preloaded nuts to eliminate
backlash.
This type of drive gives superior positional accuracy and,
because there is almost no wear, they will last a long time
and require very little maintenance.
A variety of high quality drive motors
are used depending on the actual machine specification.
These include ac brushless digital servomotors and also 3
phase microstepping systems.
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Swarf Extraction |
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Swarf and dust extraction is an important consideration on a
CNC router. If the machine cannot remove all the debris
efficiently then the quality of cut will suffer and time
will be wasted by the operator cleaning the machine down in
between jobs.
All Pacer machines incorporate a unique ‘cyclonic’ swarf
cone with adjustable brushes. This is particularly effective
in extracting the dust and swarf from the workpiece and is
activated automatically by the machine controller for
complete ease of operation.
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Automatic Tool
Calibration |
Cutting to accurate depths requires precise setting of tool
length. For many years Pacer has offered ‘automatic
toolset’, a feature often not found on much more expensive
machines.
When the operator fits a new tool, he simply has
to press a button to instruct the machine to touch the tool
onto a very accurate toolset sensor which automatically
measures the tool protrusion. Apart from being a major
timesaving feature, this ensures that, whether routing or
engraving, the depth to which the machine cuts is consistent
throughout the job irrespective of the cutters used.
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Automatic Toolchange |
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Automatic toolchange is another important timesaving
feature.
This option allows complex jobs – which may need several
different tools - to be cut with no operator involvement.
The machine changes tool automatically at the appropriate
point in the middle of a production run.
This feature is rarely found on machines which compete with
those within the Pacer range. It is an example of the
importance Pacer places on providing such options which
embody the latest technology to maximise productivity.
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Machine Controllers |
Pacer’s machine controllers are designed
and built to the highest of standards.
The dedicated 32bit control card uses full program
look-ahead to ensure fast yet smooth motion at all times.
Firmware is easily updated to allow updating with new
features. This can be done remotely by Pacer's E-support or
locally by the customer.
The controllers are
well protected in their own console or cabinet but at the
same time, are easily accessible for maintenance. Component
parts are selected for their reliability as well as
performance and, should it become necessary to fit a
replacement part, this can be done quickly and easily.
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Control Software |
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The machine control software on all of the Pacer range of
machines is designed for ease of use but without sacrificing
advanced functionality. This Windows based software which
runs on a familiar PC platform will accept 2D design data in
industry standard formats, eg: DXF, DWG.
The machine program
is created automatically, based upon information entered by
the operator such as material thickness, cutter diameter
etc. 3D graphics are used to verify the program before
running on the machine. In the case of 3D machining, Pacer’s XMC-E software will import a standard g-code machine program
for running directly on the machine.
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