Our Proven Method - Schedule for Success

When any new project is begun, the learning process starts. Now matter how much you know about everything else, everyone has to start at the beginning while learning something new. We have a regemented attack that brings you to the ultimate level of CNC ability in a way that is comfortable for every individual. You learn at the speed you chose, not force fed the day the machine is delivered. This insures that a vast amount of knowledge is not forced upon you at an unretainable pace. You dictate the schooling rate that is comfortable for you. Below is our recommended steps for a new candidate for CNC 5 axis tech training.

Basic Computer - This is a course that is available at community colleges across the country and in many nations. Again, take this course with the idea it is for your own knowledge and not for college credit. If you are familiar with basic computer hardware components, hard drives, a mouse and basic file management; then you might want to take a more advanced Windows '95 orientation or literacy course. The idea here is to become familiar with operating a computer and being comfortable doing so.

Basic CNC Programming - Before you spend the first nickle on a piece of equipment, you should enroll in a technical center and take a basic cnc programming course for non-credit. The commands that a cnc machine reads while 5 axis machining a cylinder head are few, beleive it or not. However, the basic understanding of cnc machine language will be very helpful for you to know. Taking a course of this type will get you familiar with these commands and also give you an indication if this is truely something you want to pursue. Nothing is lost except a few hours of your time.

Computer Aided Manufacturing - You have heard these words but not spelled out; CAM is the acronymn we all use and probably did not know what it ment. More importantly, you need to know how to get around in a CAM system before the week long 5 axis training school. It does not matter what type of CAM system. We would prefer that it was Surfcam, but not all trade/vocational schools have Surfcam. Most have Smartcam, fine, I don't care what it is! As long as it is a 3 axis/3D basic training course. It will provide you with functional knowledge and exposure to computer software operation in a CAM environment. Autocad is not really what we want here but if nothing else is available...it's better than nothing. The reason we want CAM schooling is that it is a true 3D environment. When we machine cylinder head ports, we will be working in 3D space...not a flat 2dimensional plane. Any experience you obtain will enhance your ability to advance while learning cylinder head port surface construction.

Machine Tool Purchasing - There are many choices and there are good and bad choices to be made. All I will say here is go with what you can see. Look for a machine that has actually cut ports with full 5 axis simultaneous motion. Then look at the finish in the ports and make a determination if this is something you want associated with your product. There is no reason to polish a port after it has been cnc machined with true 5 axis. Look for an exact reproduction of the model that was digitized. Just because the machine has cut the port does not mean it will flow the same air, cc the same or make power when assembled to the engine. Remember that other companies have and are going to set up to machine ports with cnc machines. Some have made and will make good and bad decisions when it comes to the machine tool manufacturing company they chose. The buyers that make the right choice will set the standard that the buyers making the wrong choice will struggle to attain.

Scanning Equipment - We are a provider of Renishaw Retroscan and Renscan digitizing systems. This is the beginning process that collects chamber and port data for later machining. The method for 3 axis scanning is quite different than the method used for 5 axis. Machining in 3 axis is done with the Tracecut software that is provided with the Renishaw system. Tracecut will produce cnc programs for machining chambers and ports but not in 5 axis. We teach you our 5 axis method which reduces the scanning time required to "map" the port model.

CAM System - Three letters that mean so much...success or failure. There is no need to say that building port surfaces is easy, 'cause it ain't. If someone tells you it is, it's someone that hasn't done it. It's not just making a surface that looks like a port...it's a surface that has to be machined into be a port! CAMplete Port is the best pc based 5 axis machining software I have seen. The training you receive will be the latest techniques developed by CNC Cylinder Heads. The support that follows is on going keeping you up to date on new methods. We invite you to observe the cutting of a port by visiting our facility. We have an open door policy as to not hide the technology but to share it with our system customers. Ultimately, we intent to host a yearly conference for end users to meet one another and discuss new development in the technology.
Hand Porting Techniques - Believe it...it makes a difference. Through our mistakes while hand porting a cylinder head, we have developed the proper way to layout a model for digitizing. I am not saying that the port was a bad port...it was just a nightmare to reproduce for 5 axis machining.

System Integration - You can purchase all the components we offer, except for our superior 5 axis fixture, from other vendors. We are the only source that provides you with the correct information to tie these components into a system that works "right out of the box". After all, none of the others can demonstrate the process from start to finish. Nor will they guarrantee that your purchases will produce a usable cnc 5 axis cylinder head...we will!