We are looking at purchasing a used CNC router and have a few questions before we go ahead with it.
The machine is a 1997 Thermwood C 53 model with an upgraded 91000 Super Controller.
Are parts readily available?
Would we be able to upload drawings with MasterCam or Solid Works?
Thanks in advance
Jim
Info needed on used Thermwood C 53
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Ryan Hochgesang
Re: Info needed on used Thermwood C 53
Hi Jim,
We should be able to comeup with the parts you would need for that machine no problem. Thermwood also has a retrofit dept. that can assist you with future updates or add on tooling.
Yes, this machine control and even prior to the upgrade would have been capable of running M and G code programs that are posted from Mastercam. You would need the correct post processor which takes the tool path layout you setup in Mastercam and converts it to M and G code in a text format type file that you load and run on machine. As for Solid Works, this is typically a design package only, however, I do know now that Mastercam has an addon that allows you to run directly in SolidWorks once you've designed a part. Mastercam will also let you perform CAD operations to design parts as needed prior to putting toolpath to them.
Also, depending on what the control has been upgraded to, you may also have the Control Nesting software on it which gives you another tool for progamming. Control Nesting is standard on all controls running the Thermwood Version 5.05 B9 and up. To see what version is running on a particualar control system: select CTRL+V with control powered up. For easy nesting and writing of CNC code, Control Nesting allows you to load a DXF file with layer names and in which can be created in nearly any CAD system. Files from eCabinet systems can also be loaded into control nesting and written as CNC code. See more at our web site: http://www.thermwood.com/software_manuals_main.htm
Thermwood does offer Free programming and technical support via email and phone after you've completed a formal training course with one of our qualified technicians, either here at our facility, or we can also travel to your shop. We also offer custom programming services which are done for a minimum service fee.
Hope this helps get you an idea of what your looking at.
We should be able to comeup with the parts you would need for that machine no problem. Thermwood also has a retrofit dept. that can assist you with future updates or add on tooling.
Yes, this machine control and even prior to the upgrade would have been capable of running M and G code programs that are posted from Mastercam. You would need the correct post processor which takes the tool path layout you setup in Mastercam and converts it to M and G code in a text format type file that you load and run on machine. As for Solid Works, this is typically a design package only, however, I do know now that Mastercam has an addon that allows you to run directly in SolidWorks once you've designed a part. Mastercam will also let you perform CAD operations to design parts as needed prior to putting toolpath to them.
Also, depending on what the control has been upgraded to, you may also have the Control Nesting software on it which gives you another tool for progamming. Control Nesting is standard on all controls running the Thermwood Version 5.05 B9 and up. To see what version is running on a particualar control system: select CTRL+V with control powered up. For easy nesting and writing of CNC code, Control Nesting allows you to load a DXF file with layer names and in which can be created in nearly any CAD system. Files from eCabinet systems can also be loaded into control nesting and written as CNC code. See more at our web site: http://www.thermwood.com/software_manuals_main.htm
Thermwood does offer Free programming and technical support via email and phone after you've completed a formal training course with one of our qualified technicians, either here at our facility, or we can also travel to your shop. We also offer custom programming services which are done for a minimum service fee.
Hope this helps get you an idea of what your looking at.