Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) ShopBot Specs

(for information purposes only - not for sale from this web site)

The first affordable, easy-to-use computer numerically controlled (CNC) ShopBot designed with small shops in mind! Now you can create signage, relief carvings, and replicate intricate router projects. In fact, with ShopBot, anything you can design, you can cut!

The ShopBot CNC Router Machine

ShopBot is capable of cutting and drilling from one to 100,000 parts or more identically and with dead-on accuracy — it the first CNC to give small shops the capabilities of large shops at a very affordable price. It cuts multiple materials and parts over a 4' x 8' work area, and offers simultaneous 3D movement with step resolution and repeatability of .002".

The X and Y axes work on a rack-and-pinion drive system; the Z axis is ball screw drive. ShopBot works with any standard router, and is ideally suited for use with the 3-1/4 HP Porter-Cable 7518 Router.

The ShopBot CNC Router Machine

ShopBot requires a 386 or higher computer, and the software is compatible with a broad spectrum of software packages including AutoCAD, Turbo CAD, Cabinetware, and Corel Draw, M. To increase your capabilities, opt for the accessories including the 6" indexing head with chuck and tailstock for fluting and turned projects or the vacuum table for maximum hold-down of sheet goods.

Plans are included to build your own table, or for extra-rugged support, choose the ShopBot Steel Table! ShopBot offers all these advantages — and more!

ShopBot offers all these advantages—and more!

48" x 96" x 6" material
Has reposition and step resolution of .002"
Can micro-step with high resolution at speeds up to .0005 and still change the step resolution to travel at higher jog speeds!
Vector Cad-Camsoftware is included with every tool.
Offers overall accuracy +/- .005" - .015"
System operating software is included
Accepts files from all major CAD/CAM programs
Includes file converters for .dxf files, G-codes, HPGL files and .tif files

» Capacity and Rates

The PR96 accommodates sheet material up to 4' x 8' with a cutting depth (Z-axis) of 6 inches. The PR32 will cut an area 36"x48"x6". Custom sizing is available.
Step resolution is .002".
Re-cut/re-position accuracy is approximately .002".
Overall accuracy in heavy cutting is approximately .015". This takes into consideration gear backlash and router runout.
3D movement - Simultaneous linear interpolation in 3 dimensions
X, Y cutting movement speed is variable with good cutting power up to approximately 120" per minute.
X, Y rapid (jog) positioning speeds up to 240" per minute.
Z-axis plunge speed up to 1"/ sec.
Linear cutting force is 60-80 lbs. at cutting speed.

» Tool Carrying Features

Tool Carrier is an aluminum bracket that can be fitted with a standard router (e.g., PorterCable 3.25 HP), trim router, drill or other power tool. User can modify bracket to accommodate other specific tools (including trim routers, high frequency spindles, drills, lasers and plasma cutters).
Can handle most any type of tool head that fits within the tool bay. A second Z-axis can be added to the tool bay (overlapping work area will be 48"x 88").
User can add vacuum hold down using conventional vacuum with table fixtures or a high volume pump using a bleeder board and/or template board set up (see price list). Various other methods of hold-down, such as clamps, screws and two-sided tape may also be applied.

» Construction

The ShopBot Personal Robotic Tool is user-built from pre-assembled parts. The major structure is 1-5/8" square "utility strut" material. Electronic parts include four stepper motors, a custom control box with circuit board which drives the motors, and an input/output interface to the computer. All mechanical and electronic parts are cut and pre-drilled and all necessary hardware is provided. User supplies router, computer and table.
The table may be user-built from construction grade framing lumber or steel. ShopBot will furnish plans for the table on request. If you prefer, a steel table is available for purchase.

» Control, Computer Interface and Software

The ShopBot Personal Robotic Tool is controlled via the serial port of a PC type computer. The computer is supplied by the user (a 386 processor-based computer or higher is required).
Limit/Stop detectors can be installed in any axis and permit automatic calibration or re-calibration, or specialized positioning operations. Proximity switches and Z-zeroing plate are available.
Three output switches (5 volt; TTL level) that can be activated from software to switch relays and external devices A 4^th output switch is automatically activated whenever the tool is in motion.
Four inputs for sensing switch closure from software
Optional 4th stepper control channel for the addition of an accessory device such as a second Z-axis or indexing head
ShopBot's WHOA (Works Happily On Anything) software for DOS systems is supplied with all tools. This software allows both automatic cutting from files and manual control of cutting at the tool. WHOA Software reads ShopBot 'PARTS' files which contain cutting instructions and tool paths as well as commands for full control of the tool.
ShopBot WHOA software includes a .dxf and G-code converter which allows conversion of files from CAD and CAD-CAM programs such as TurboCAD, DesignCAD, AutoCAD, Corel Draw, CabnetWare, MasterCam, Vector, ArtCam and SignLab.* HPGL and TIFF converters are also available upon request.
*All program names are trademarks of their respective companies.
A 'Template' file mode is available that allows easy cutting of 2D outlines that require multiple passes and provides the additional capability of putting small "tabs" in the cutout to hold pieces in position.
ShopBot WHOA software has a 'Preview' Mode for viewing PARTS files before they are cut or when the computer is not attached to a tool.
Keyboard commands are all easily learned, 2-keystroke actions with prompts and HELP available. The same 2-keystroke commands are used in PARTS files.
Editor and Calculator access from the WorkShop Keyboard.

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