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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

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