New Sizes From Xpert - Step four
New Sizes From Xpert - Step four
New Sizes From Xpert - Step four
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
No. 30 | March 2011<br />
www.step-<strong>four</strong>.at<br />
MagazinE<br />
SF-C3:<br />
<strong>New</strong> control solution<br />
by <strong>Step</strong>-Four<br />
Exclusive:<br />
Novograv Laser at<br />
<strong>Step</strong>-Four<br />
Addition to the family:<br />
<strong>New</strong> sizes from <strong>Xpert</strong> S<br />
Update: <strong>Xpert</strong> MILL V2 | Model Making in Greece | Trade Fair Schedule
Editorial<br />
Ernst Ramberger<br />
Director<br />
<strong>Step</strong>-Four GmbH<br />
A new start with a new force ...<br />
Dear readers!<br />
The year 2011 began with a number of innovations<br />
at <strong>Step</strong>-Four. On the one hand,<br />
two dear colleagues left the company after<br />
many years of valuable service, on the other<br />
hand, their successors bring new life,<br />
new energy and new ideas to our company.<br />
Personnel changes can present a great<br />
challenge to small companies. We want<br />
to take on this challenge with a new force<br />
and place our trust in the positive, innovative<br />
aspects that such changes can provide.<br />
The old saying “<strong>New</strong> brooms sweep<br />
clean” is our maxim this year.<br />
We will soon present to you the cost-effective<br />
<strong>Step</strong>-Four SF-C3 electronic control<br />
units for external systems. More information<br />
can be gathered from the inside pages.<br />
Our programme now includes exclusive<br />
Austrian marketing of the high-performance<br />
laser devices from NOVOGRAV providing<br />
practical software solutions for a<br />
number of special applications.<br />
We want to further improve the proven<br />
<strong>Step</strong>-Four characteristics, such as the excellent<br />
product and service quality or the<br />
proverbial customer orientation.<br />
Take our word for it! We look forward to receiving<br />
your valuable feedback. That’s the<br />
only way that we can create a more efficient<br />
offer for you, both in terms of products<br />
and service.<br />
On this note, I would like to wish you a happy<br />
and healthy year in 2011.<br />
Yours sincerely, Ernst Ramberger<br />
Content<br />
3 NEWSTICKER<br />
<strong>New</strong> at <strong>Step</strong>-Four<br />
4 Exclusive<br />
Novograv Laser<br />
5 Update<br />
<strong>Xpert</strong> MILL V2<br />
6 <strong>Xpert</strong> S<br />
<strong>New</strong> machine sizes<br />
7 Shop<br />
Great savings opportunities<br />
9 <strong>Step</strong>-Four SF-C3<br />
<strong>New</strong> control solution<br />
10 Model Making<br />
Example from Greece<br />
Masthead: Publisher: STEP-FOUR GmbH, Bayernstrasse 77, 5071 Wals-Siezenheim, Austria,<br />
Phone: +43 (0)662/45 93 78-0 Fax: +43 (0)662/45 93 78-20, E-mail: office@step-<strong>four</strong>.at, Internet:<br />
www.step-<strong>four</strong>.at; editorial staff: Ernst Ramberger, Reinhard Leithner; layout and production:<br />
JAGER PR, www.jager-pr.at<br />
10<br />
2 STEP-FOUR | March 2011
<strong>New</strong>s<br />
<strong>Step</strong>-Four internal<br />
Even the most successful teams occasionally<br />
have changes in staff. The aspiration to<br />
explore new horizons has always been and<br />
will always be a strong driving force of human<br />
existence. Bearing this in mind, <strong>Step</strong>-<br />
Four bids farewell to two loyal colleagues<br />
after many years of valuable service.<br />
The <strong>Step</strong>-Four rock of ages, quasi the inventor<br />
of the milling and cutting machines,<br />
Dieter König left our company at the end<br />
of November after many years of service.<br />
The <strong>Step</strong>-Four team wishes him the best<br />
of luck and success for his future activities<br />
and will always remember him as an<br />
excellent colleague and dear friend.<br />
Design engineer Roman Tutschka left our<br />
company at the end of last year. The <strong>Step</strong>-<br />
Four team also wishes him all the very best<br />
for the future and expresses its gratitude<br />
for many years of excellent collaboration.<br />
There have also been some changes in<br />
management. Since the beginning of November<br />
2010, graduate engineer (UoAS)<br />
Clemens Dungl has taken over responsibilities<br />
for the areas of development and<br />
production in his capacity as technical<br />
director and co-partner. This move provides<br />
Ernst Ramberger, the sole director<br />
of many years, the necessary dynamic support<br />
to meet future demands.<br />
.<br />
<strong>Xpert</strong>MILL V2 in<br />
Windows 7<br />
Do you want to operate <strong>Xpert</strong>MILL V2<br />
under Windows 7? No problem! It would<br />
be our pleasure to provide you with the<br />
respective drivers for both the 32 and<br />
the 64 bit version.<br />
Just send an e-mail to office@step<strong>four</strong>.at<br />
!<br />
Director Ernst Ramberger (left), modelling expert Hannes Schmalzer (right) and the Chairlady<br />
of Kinderkrebshilfe (children’s cancer charity) in Salzburg, Heide Janik (centre).<br />
An interested crowd at the in-house<br />
exhibition.<br />
On the 15 th and 16 th of October, 2010, the already<br />
traditional <strong>Step</strong>-Four in-house exhibition<br />
was held for the seventh time. An incredible<br />
crowd arrived. A large number of<br />
potential customers and customers from<br />
the areas of industry and commerce came<br />
to the beautiful province of Salzburg to get<br />
an overview of the <strong>Step</strong>-Four products. The<br />
presentation of the <strong>Xpert</strong> milling and cutting<br />
machines was the main attraction at<br />
the exhibition. Visitors were also provided<br />
with a bite to eat and refreshing drinks.<br />
Within the scope of our in-house exhibition,<br />
we were particularly pleased to be<br />
able to give the chairlady of Kinderkreb-<br />
Farewell to a reliable companion<br />
After more than 5 years of successful milling<br />
under Windows with <strong>Xpert</strong>MILL, it is<br />
now time to retire the meanwhile outmoded<br />
DOS milling software. As of the<br />
1 st of May, 2011, we will cease to provide<br />
free support for the DOS milling software.<br />
In order to make the changeover to the<br />
<strong>Xpert</strong>MILL milling software under Windows<br />
even easier, we have put together a<br />
special “Last Chance Offer”.<br />
Individual offers<br />
• Send us a request for your personal update<br />
offer before the 1 st of May, 2011,<br />
including the serial number of your<br />
software licence, via e-mail to office@<br />
shilfe (children’s cancer charity) in Salzburg,<br />
Heide Janik, a check with a donation<br />
of € 700.00. This sum was the proceeds of<br />
a <strong>Step</strong>-Four promotion event at the Salzburg<br />
Spielemesse in September 2010. Another<br />
reason to celebrate with the visitors<br />
during the two days.<br />
We would like to take this opportunity to,<br />
once more, thank the visitors for coming<br />
and we look very much forward to seeing<br />
them again at the in-house exhibition 2011.<br />
The 8 th upcoming <strong>Step</strong>-Four in-house exhibition<br />
is held on Friday the 21 st and on Saturday<br />
the 22 nd of October 2010, from 10.00<br />
a.m. till 17.00 p.m. each day.<br />
step-<strong>four</strong>.at or by phone 0043 (0)662 45<br />
93 78.<br />
• You save 20 %!<br />
• For all of the diehards, who we, of<br />
course, will not leave out in the cold,<br />
we will provide chargeable support in<br />
future for the DOD milling software. You<br />
have two possibilities of securing the<br />
DOS milling software support:<br />
• By paying an annual flat-rate of € 120.00<br />
incl. VAT or<br />
• payment for your support time on a<br />
case-by-case basis. In this case, a quarter<br />
of the applied hourly rate (currently<br />
€ 102.00 incl. VAT) is charged for each<br />
commenced 15 minutes.<br />
STEP-FOUR | March 2011<br />
3
TECHNOLOGY<br />
Exclusive at <strong>Step</strong>-Four!<br />
NOVOGRAV CO 2<br />
- Laser Engraving<br />
and Cutting Systems<br />
With immediate effect,<br />
<strong>Step</strong>-Four takes over the<br />
exclusive marketing of Novograv<br />
CO2 Laser Engraving<br />
and Cutting Systems in<br />
Austria.<br />
The high-tech devices are exclusively<br />
equipped with Synrad laser sources,<br />
which are counted among the highest<br />
quality laser sources on the market (extremely<br />
long life-cycle). Synad laser sources<br />
have proven themselves internationally,<br />
under the toughest industrial conditions,<br />
for a number of years and they work extremely<br />
reliably..<br />
Finest engraving performance guaranteed<br />
At m 2 < 1.2, the beam quality is particularly<br />
high. As a standard, the units are equipped<br />
with a beam expander for increased beam<br />
control. This facilitates the finest engraving<br />
performance within the entire application<br />
range. Only high-quality optical components<br />
are used, as well as extremely<br />
accurately honed AR-coated lenses (extremely<br />
low spherical deviation). The new<br />
design allows lenses to be exchanged (or<br />
cleaned) within just a few seconds.<br />
A multitude of software solutions<br />
A variety of software solutions are included<br />
in the delivery. Various problem areas<br />
are ideally solved, thereby, due to the<br />
application of respectively programmed<br />
software. Thus, it is ensured that not only<br />
the laser system is optimised in terms of<br />
speed, but also in the manner in which the<br />
data is produced for the laser. A particularly<br />
decisive factor with regard to the pricing<br />
of your offers!<br />
Sign generator, barcode generator (24 barcode<br />
types), vector tool, power RIP, stamp<br />
tool, job calculator for sign applications.<br />
The programmes present a considerable<br />
competitive advantage, which is largely<br />
due to the fact that the costs for creating<br />
data are almost completely omitted.<br />
These are Novograv developments, which<br />
are provided exclusively for our customers.<br />
The latest development is „Power-RIP for<br />
Laser“, an RIP solution for lasers, which<br />
Novograv i.Laser 3000<br />
enables an even better lasing of colour<br />
gradients and images. Incidentally, the<br />
firmware of the machine can be brought<br />
up-to-date easily with an update. Thus, you<br />
profit from future features without having<br />
to exchange or buy new hardware.<br />
<strong>From</strong> € 14,999.00 plus VAT<br />
(sold only in Austria)<br />
You will find more technical details under<br />
www.novograv-laser.com<br />
Event and trade<br />
fair schedule 2011<br />
<strong>Step</strong>-Four is represented at a number of events in 2011. We look forward to seeing<br />
you there!<br />
Date Event Venue<br />
12.3. - 13.3.2011 Rotor live Baden-Baden Baden-Baden/DE<br />
24.3. - 27.3.2011 Faszination Modellbau Karlsruhe Karlsruhe/DE<br />
16.9. - 18.9.2011 Jet Power Bad Neuenahr/DE<br />
7.10. - 9.10.2011 Spielemesse und Modellbauwelt Salzburg/AT<br />
13.10. - 15.10.2011 VISCOM Düsseldorf/DE<br />
21./22.10.2011 <strong>Step</strong>-Four Hausmesse 2011 Salzburg/AT<br />
4.11. - 6.11.2010 Faszination Modellbau Friedrichshafen Friedrichshafen/DE<br />
4 STEP-FOUR | March 2011
TECHNOLOGY<br />
Offer: Update for <strong>Xpert</strong>MILL V2<br />
In order to ensure that the users of <strong>Xpert</strong>MILL V1 milling software<br />
are always up-to-date, we now offer a special 20 % discount on the<br />
update for Version 2.<br />
Example: You work with <strong>Xpert</strong>MILL V1 and<br />
the expansion modules <strong>Xpert</strong>[DRAW] and<br />
<strong>Xpert</strong>[CAM]. Then the update for the V2<br />
only costs you 153.60 Euro incl. VAT instead<br />
of 192.00 Euro incl. VAT.<br />
What does the <strong>Xpert</strong>MILL Version 2 offer?<br />
With the aid of the new Version 2 of the<br />
successful <strong>Xpert</strong>MILL milling software and<br />
a close collaboration with users, we have<br />
managed to realise a timely re-launch of<br />
this effective software product, thus, enabling<br />
us to provide numerous new features,<br />
among other things, the long-awaited<br />
setting of fixed links.<br />
Professional version<br />
• In order to provide data protection, milling<br />
data can be protected by a read lock<br />
or write lock or be released in <strong>Xpert</strong>-<br />
MILL V2.<br />
• The new Teach-in function makes it possible<br />
to approach existing components<br />
and to take over their X, Y and Z positions<br />
or to post-process their contours.<br />
• The administration of up to 65000 milling<br />
levels is possible for particularly complex<br />
components, 256 of which are now<br />
pre-definable with regard to description,<br />
colour, line thickness and line type.<br />
• For all those who need most precise<br />
time specifications for their calculations,<br />
Version V2 is equipped with an operating<br />
hour counter for the programme,<br />
machine and spindle running time.<br />
• Due to the possibility of importing STL<br />
volume data, the visualisation of 3D milling<br />
is improved.<br />
• This other industrial version of <strong>Xpert</strong>-<br />
MILL V2 also provides the automatic assignment<br />
of object parameters for levels.<br />
What does that mean? Milling data<br />
is often already divided into levels in the<br />
CAD programme. Thus, inner contours<br />
are applied to level 1, outer contours<br />
to level 2, pockets to level 3 and bores<br />
to level 4. If then, as is usual in practice,<br />
a part with more or less changes<br />
should repeatedly recur, the <strong>Xpert</strong>MILL<br />
V2 now provides the possibility to assign<br />
the complete milling technology to each<br />
level (e.g. contour parameter, tool, milling<br />
depth, material thickness, infeed)<br />
and, thus, save a great deal of preparation<br />
time. This becomes quite evident<br />
based on the production of front panels<br />
with several variants for various meters.<br />
The average duration of the setting<br />
of milling parameters, when performed<br />
by a practiced user, amounts to approximately<br />
10 to 15 minutes, depending on<br />
the variant. Therefore, with an assumed<br />
number of 15 variants, the <strong>Xpert</strong>MILL<br />
V2 can now save around 2.5 to almost 4<br />
hours of time due to the automatic assignment.<br />
• The support of length test switches,<br />
measuring plate and measuring pin is<br />
now also included.<br />
• Remote function for teleindication.<br />
• The screen display colour for the application<br />
area, the selection, the machine,<br />
the object contour and the background<br />
is adjustable and, thus, provides<br />
the comfort of an optimal and individual<br />
alignment to the control PC and monitor.<br />
• Object contour and identification can be<br />
preset.<br />
• The formerly optional <strong>Xpert</strong>[3D] expansion<br />
module is now integrated in the basic<br />
version of <strong>Xpert</strong>MILL V2.<br />
<strong>Xpert</strong>[DRAW] (optional)<br />
• The text editor of the optional<br />
<strong>Xpert</strong>[DRAW] expansion module has<br />
been improved so that several lines of<br />
text with alignment are now possible.<br />
• The AutoText with serial number function<br />
is also now included in <strong>Xpert</strong>[DRAW].<br />
• <strong>Xpert</strong>[DRAW] now also provides the creation<br />
of 3D spirals, as well as multipoint<br />
processing and improved planning function.<br />
<strong>Xpert</strong>[CAM] (optional)<br />
• In the likewise optional <strong>Xpert</strong>[CAM] expansion<br />
module of version 2, the particular<br />
highlight is the new possibility<br />
of setting fixed links, without having to<br />
change the respective object itself (see<br />
screenshot).<br />
Change to <strong>Xpert</strong>Mill V2 now. Set fixed links without changing ... ... the object with <strong>Xpert</strong>[CAM] module.<br />
STEP-FOUR | March 2011<br />
5
Technology<br />
Addition to the <strong>Xpert</strong> S family<br />
The successful <strong>Xpert</strong> S series<br />
has been expanded by<br />
<strong>four</strong> new machine sizes. We<br />
now offer machines with the<br />
following operating ranges:<br />
• <strong>Xpert</strong> S 600 x 400mm<br />
• <strong>Xpert</strong> S 600 x 600mm<br />
• <strong>Xpert</strong> S 1000 x 600mm<br />
• <strong>Xpert</strong> S 1000 x 1000mm<br />
• <strong>Xpert</strong> S 1600 x 1000mm<br />
• <strong>Xpert</strong> S 2000 x 1000mm<br />
The successful <strong>Xpert</strong><br />
S series is now available<br />
with larger<br />
operating ranges.<br />
The Z travel range of all sizes is 180mm.<br />
Upon request, all machines can also be<br />
equipped with dual Z-axis. This provides<br />
even more stability, running smoothness<br />
and precision with regards to edge and<br />
surface finish, particularly for 3D processing.<br />
This diverse range ensures that a suitable<br />
machine is provided for any application.<br />
The <strong>Xpert</strong> S machines are based on the<br />
<strong>Xpert</strong> integral guide system, which has<br />
been developed by <strong>Step</strong>-Four. Space-saving<br />
operation with optimal user-friendliness,<br />
technical perfection and an unbeatable<br />
price, high-level precision provided<br />
by precision profile rollers on ground and<br />
hardened steel shafts and a backlash-free<br />
ball thread drive, as well as fast processing<br />
in three dimensions are the main features<br />
of this milling machine.<br />
Running smoothness with any task<br />
The combination of this mechanical system<br />
with hybrid motors and the high resolution<br />
Microstep activation, which is<br />
provided by the <strong>Xpert</strong> CNC controller, ensures<br />
extremely quiet running, even during<br />
heavy-duty processes with almost all<br />
materials. Whether 2 ½ or 3D, clean milling<br />
results and first-class edge quality<br />
combined with high processing speed<br />
and low maintenance requirements make<br />
the <strong>Xpert</strong> S an excellent choice for operation<br />
in the field of commercial industry,<br />
where high-level precision and fast processing<br />
at low running costs are essential.<br />
Main features<br />
• backlash-free ball thread drive<br />
• large processing area<br />
• precise and reliable<br />
• high milling and feed speeds<br />
• extremely long-lifetime and low maintenance<br />
<strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Xpert</strong> users<br />
We were able to win over the Deutsche<br />
Museum in Munich, the University of Applied<br />
Sciences in Munich and the University<br />
of Art in Linz as new customers for<br />
our <strong>Xpert</strong> machine series. Three further<br />
renowned customers to prove the value<br />
of <strong>Step</strong>-Four quality.<br />
Featured in the picture: The <strong>Xpert</strong> 3D<br />
1800 at the UoAS Munich with industrial<br />
vacuum table<br />
6 STEP-FOUR | March 2011
Shop<br />
Milling cutter offer<br />
VHM Milling Cutter 2330<br />
Milling cutter offer<br />
VHM Milling Cutter 2100<br />
HM milling cutter with three<br />
knives, fishtail tip, right<br />
twist, good service life, clean<br />
cutting performance, versatile<br />
applicability, easy immersion,<br />
even into hard materials.<br />
VHM milling cutter, Type<br />
2330, 1/8“ shaft; 10 piece<br />
set with 3mm diameter<br />
Perfectly suitable for the processing of short-chipping<br />
(harder) aluminium, non-ferrous metals, harder plastics,<br />
derived timber products and composites. Unsuitable for<br />
soft thermoplastics, e.g. ABS, PE, PS.<br />
VHM milling cutter, Type<br />
2100, 1/8“ shaft; 10 piece<br />
set with 2 pieces each 0.8<br />
mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.6<br />
mm and 2 mm<br />
2 flute routers, micro-spiralled<br />
toothing with chip<br />
breakers, fishtail tip, right<br />
cutting, right helix, fulfil the<br />
highest quality demands<br />
with regard to chip transport, clean cut edges. Particularly<br />
suitable for contour milling of circuit boards and fibrous<br />
composite materials, such as glass fibre reinforced plastic<br />
(GRP) and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CRP).Also suitable<br />
for Depron with very high feed rates. Unsuitable for soft<br />
thermoplastics, such as ABS, PE, PS, as well as wood and<br />
metal.<br />
VHM Milling Cutter, Type 2330:<br />
VHM Milling Cutter, Type 2100:<br />
price reduction from € 91.70 to € 45.00 price reduction from € 55.00 to € 28.00<br />
Spring Awakening<br />
15 % spring discount<br />
If you mention the codeword “Spring Awakening” when placing<br />
an order, you will receive a 15% discount up until the 30 th<br />
of April, 2011, for the following accessories.<br />
Engraving unit for 43mm<br />
milling motors:<br />
price reduction from € 372.00 to € 316.20<br />
Suction clamp collar for<br />
43mm milling motors:<br />
price reduction from € 138.00 to € 117.30<br />
Plotting knife complete set:<br />
price reduction from € 264.00 to € 224.40<br />
Special Offer<br />
Milling under Windows with<br />
<strong>Xpert</strong>LINK and <strong>Xpert</strong>MILL V2<br />
The changeover to the<br />
<strong>Xpert</strong>LINK / <strong>Xpert</strong>MILL system<br />
under windows was<br />
never so easy or such a bargain.<br />
Enjoy the numerous advantages<br />
provided by milling<br />
under windows, and keep<br />
your fingertips on the pulse<br />
of time.<br />
Here is an upgrade example:<br />
Do you operate your milling machine with the aid of SF-<br />
C2 electronics and the V4 Pro milling software without expansion<br />
modules?<br />
With <strong>Xpert</strong>LINK and the V4 Pro upgrade to <strong>Xpert</strong>MILL V2,<br />
available under Windows for the special offer price of only<br />
€ 355.00 including VAT, you will become capable of real<br />
time and multitasking operation.<br />
Make the most of this opportunity and send us a request<br />
for your individual offer!<br />
Including VAT. Offer applies until the 30th of April, 2011.<br />
STEP-FOUR | March 2011<br />
7
WORKSHOPS<br />
Friday, 18 th of March, 2011, and Friday, 30 th of September, 2011<br />
Workshop: Milling novices<br />
Please register by phone<br />
under +43(0)662/45 93 78<br />
or via e-mail to<br />
office@step-<strong>four</strong>.at<br />
Workshop target audience: This workshop<br />
is aimed at interested model makers<br />
who have not yet gathered any experience<br />
with a PC controlled milling machine,<br />
but are considering using such a machine<br />
to build their models. The objective of the<br />
workshop is to demonstrate the basics of<br />
milling technology.<br />
Content:<br />
• Basic functions and features of a contour<br />
milling machine<br />
• Material science<br />
• Selecting the right tool<br />
• Definition of the milling parameter<br />
• Differences in the 2, 2.5 and 3D milling<br />
processes<br />
• Tips & tricks in milling<br />
Participant prerequisites: PC skills and<br />
experience with a drawing or CAD programme,<br />
such as CorelDraw or TurboCAD.<br />
Attendance fee: € 220.00<br />
Friday, 15 th of April, 2011, and Friday, 18 th of November, 2011<br />
Workshop: Model aircraft construction made easy<br />
Please register by phone<br />
under +43(0)662/45 93 78<br />
or via e-mail to<br />
office@step-<strong>four</strong>.at<br />
Workshop target audience: : Dedicated<br />
model aircraft constructors who want to<br />
learn lots of new things and profit from the<br />
extensive experience and store of knowledge<br />
provided by our model making expert,<br />
Hannes Schmaltzer.<br />
Content: For an already existing glass fibre<br />
reinforced plastic (GRP) fuselage, wings<br />
are constructed with the aid of the Wing<br />
designer and rudders constructed with<br />
aid of Turbo-CAD. These constructions<br />
are then milled and, of course, assem-<br />
bled. In addition to profile removal techniques,<br />
profile digitalisation, and wing construction,<br />
participants will also learn how<br />
to prepare a rib set for CNC milling and<br />
the final assembly of a wing.<br />
Participant prerequisites: PC skills and<br />
possibly some experience with a CAD programme,<br />
such as CorelDraw or TurboCAD.<br />
Attendance fee: € 220.00<br />
Friday, 13 th of May, 2011, and Friday, 16 th of December, 2011<br />
Workshop: <strong>From</strong> 3D construction to the finished work piece<br />
Workshop target audience: For interested<br />
model makers, who are already familiar<br />
with 3 D construction programmes and<br />
now want to realise their constructions<br />
with the aid of milling technology. Experience<br />
with 3 D construction is essential<br />
and is, therefore, a precondition.<br />
Participant prerequisites: PC skills and<br />
experience with a 3D CAD programme,<br />
such as TurboCAD, Rhinoceros, SolidEdge,<br />
SolidWorks etc.<br />
Attendance fee: € 260.00<br />
Please register by phone<br />
under +43(0)662/45 93 78<br />
or via e-mail to<br />
office@step-<strong>four</strong>.at<br />
8 STEP-FOUR | March 2011
PRACTICE TIPS<br />
Now new: <strong>Step</strong>-Four SF-C3<br />
The cost-effective control<br />
solution for your milling<br />
machine.<br />
The ideal connecting link<br />
between your milling mechanisms<br />
and the <strong>Xpert</strong>-<br />
MILL V2 milling software.<br />
SF-C3, the control system of the 3rd generation,<br />
includes:<br />
• its own intelligence (CPU)<br />
• a power unit<br />
• a relay for milling motor and extraction<br />
• a relay for atomised spray and sealing air<br />
Technical Data<br />
• 2 outputs max. 500 mA<br />
• 24 V power supply max. 500 mA available<br />
at plug connector<br />
• 2 relay outputs with earthing (protective)<br />
contact socket 230V/10A<br />
• 5 TTL inputs (against GND switching)<br />
• 4 reference switch inputs (configurable<br />
in software)<br />
• 0-10 V analogue output for spindle speed<br />
• interface for H-box or RS422<br />
• temperature-controlled fan<br />
• 4 step motor drivers each with 2 A (30 V)<br />
The prototype of the new SF-C3 control.<br />
Each end phase is temperature-monitored.<br />
The motor current is configurable<br />
in 0.1 A steps via software. The end phases<br />
are configurable to 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1⁄16 step<br />
mode. The dynamic step switching, with<br />
which the microstep mode is only used<br />
during motor start-up and run-out, is being<br />
planned.<br />
The new control solution by <strong>Step</strong>-Four<br />
Now at an introductory price:<br />
€ 499.00 incl. VAT<br />
We keep our<br />
database wellmaintained<br />
We are currently revising and cleaning out<br />
our database due to economical, sustainability<br />
and resource preserving reasons.<br />
We kindly ask for your understanding that,<br />
as from the next issue 31 of our <strong>Step</strong>-Four<br />
Magazine, we will only send the magazine<br />
to customers and potential customers with<br />
whom we have been in contact since the<br />
1 st of January, 2004.<br />
Magazine still free of charge<br />
If you should be affected by this revision,<br />
but you would still like to receive<br />
our magazine, simply send us a short e-<br />
mail to office@step-<strong>four</strong>.at or call us at +43<br />
(0)662/45 93 78.<br />
Tips from our specialist<br />
Our modelling expert<br />
Hannes<br />
Schmalzer advises:<br />
After installing an update, it can sometimes<br />
happen that wrong symbols are<br />
shown in the tool bars, which were lost<br />
due to the extension of symbols.<br />
Go consecutively to Options / Configuration<br />
/ Tool bars and press the “Reset all”<br />
button. Confirm with “Yes” and the symbols<br />
will be reassigned.<br />
STEP-FOUR | March 2011<br />
9
Rubrik<br />
Sotiris Kyriazis, director of Imaginary Reality, with a model of a container ship.<br />
The whole world at a scale of 1:100<br />
In his company Imaginary Reality<br />
(www.architecturalmodels.gr), our customer of many<br />
years, Sotiris Kyriazis from the Greek capital of Athens,<br />
now works on his extraordinary models with the aid of<br />
three <strong>Step</strong>-Four machines.<br />
The wide range of subjects modelled by<br />
the specialist reach from country estates<br />
to special trucks and industrial plants to<br />
enormous container ships. He mainly uses<br />
polystyrene sheets of varying thicknesses,<br />
which, to a large extent, are processed<br />
with 0.6mm milling cutters. MDF is also<br />
used for the hull of his ships. This material<br />
is particularly suited for the construction<br />
of the prototype, because the hull of<br />
the ship can subsequently be used as a<br />
master form for a form made of epoxy or<br />
polyester resin.<br />
Why not a laser cutter?<br />
Some readers will probably ask themselves<br />
why no laser was used for the processing<br />
of these models. Mr. Kyriazis is<br />
totally convinced that there is nothing better<br />
than milling technology for processing<br />
polystyrene. In addition to this, the experienced<br />
model maker swears by the advantages<br />
of speed and low investment costs.<br />
The model ship has been built to a scale<br />
of 1:100. Thus, the original super-freighter<br />
has an incredible length of 230 metres.<br />
Mr. Kyriazis’ company will be moving into<br />
larger premises sometime during the<br />
next few weeks. Considering the size of<br />
his models, that’s not at all surprising. You<br />
can find other pictures and information on<br />
Sotiris Kyriazis and his company Imaginary<br />
Reality on the page www.architecturalmodels.gr.<br />
Contact:<br />
E-mail imaginar@otenet.gr<br />
Phone: +30/21 02 71 71 13<br />
10 STEP-FOUR | March 2011
MODEL MAKING<br />
Parts of a boat bridge made of MDF<br />
The freighter Alice Shelton<br />
Exciting projects: The model of a composting plant<br />
Highest attention to detail in the model of an industrial plant<br />
An overview of a typical Greek country estate …<br />
... and in detail.<br />
STEP-FOUR | March 2011<br />
11
OFFER<br />
Superior 1600:<br />
Top quality at a bargain price<br />
The <strong>Step</strong>-Four Superior 1600 is a computer-controlled<br />
3-axis milling machine<br />
for milling, engraving, drilling, foil cutting,<br />
glueing... The perfect machine for<br />
processing plastics, acrylics, composite<br />
materials, wood, non-ferrous metals, CRP,<br />
GRP and many other materials in various<br />
thicknesses. The system is characterised<br />
by an extreme level of stability. The rigid<br />
base made of aluminium system profiles<br />
guarantees the highest possible flexibility<br />
with regard to holding devices and material<br />
clamping devices.<br />
High-level stability<br />
The robust construction ensures low-vibration<br />
operation with highest level travelling<br />
dynamic, no matter whether you<br />
perform heavy-duty milling operations or<br />
the finest engraving work. The combination<br />
of this mechanical system with hybrid<br />
motors and the high resolution Microstep<br />
activation, which is provided by the<br />
<strong>Xpert</strong> CNC controller, ensures extremely<br />
quiet running, even during heavy-duty processes<br />
with almost all materials. Whether<br />
2 ½ or 3D, clean milling results and firstclass<br />
edge quality combined with high processing<br />
speed and low maintenance requirements<br />
make the Superior 1600 an<br />
excellent choice for operation in the field<br />
of commercial industry, where high-level<br />
precision and fast processing at low running<br />
costs are essential.<br />
The large operating range can be used in<br />
a wide variety of ways. Thus, for instance,<br />
set-up time can be saved in series production<br />
by mounting holding devices to hold<br />
various smaller series parts. A product<br />
change can be performed by the push of<br />
a button without tedious machine refitting<br />
operations.<br />
Make the most of the spring offer and<br />
secure yourself the Superior 1600 at<br />
a bargain price!<br />
In-House Exhibition on<br />
the 21 st /22 nd of Oct. 2011<br />
The 8 th upcoming <strong>Step</strong>-Four in-house exhibition<br />
is held on Friday the 21 st and on Saturday<br />
the 22 nd of October 2010, from 10.00<br />
a.m. till 17.00 p.m. each day. Come along<br />
and find out more about us! It will be well<br />
worth your while.<br />
Well-informed<br />
Register now at www.step-<strong>four</strong>.at for our<br />
<strong>New</strong>sletter and you will always be up-todate<br />
on our latest information concerning<br />
our products, software updates and<br />
special offers! It’s easy to register under<br />
www.step-<strong>four</strong>.at<br />
Spring Offer!<br />
Only 3 Superior 1600 models left<br />
• Superior 1600 ready assembled, operational range 1550 x 1000 x 195mm<br />
• <strong>Xpert</strong>CNC 2A control electronics<br />
• <strong>Xpert</strong> Emergency STOP key<br />
• <strong>Xpert</strong>MILL V2 professional milling software<br />
• <strong>Xpert</strong>[DRAW] software expansion module<br />
• <strong>Xpert</strong>[CAM] software expansion module<br />
• Maintenance set<br />
Instead of € 15,760 now only €10,990 plus VAT<br />
Order now!<br />
Phone: +43(0)662/45 93 78-0 or e-mail: office@step-<strong>four</strong>.at<br />
You save<br />
€ 4,770.00<br />
Offer applies only in Germany and Austria while stocks last. Plus VAT and transport costs.<br />
12 STEP-FOUR | March 2011