MASTER SCULPTOR Foam Cutting Machine Features
The MASTER SCULPTOR is manufactured by AMERICAN HOTWIRE MACHINES, a solar powered facility with no hookup to the electrical grid. We use only high quality components from American companies. This foamcutter is rated for continuous duty operation (can be operated continuously 24 hours a day).
Everything is included to get started except the computer. COREL DRAW is the software used to create the cutting paths. If you prefer, you can draw the paths in almost any CAD program.
The standard MASTER SCULPTOR has 4½ feet (1.37 m) of horizontal travel, 4½ feet (1.37 m) of vertical travel, and a hotwire length of 8½ feet (2.59 m).
A custom MASTER SCULPTOR can be ordered in any size.
A 200 foot roll ($150.00 value) of ULTIMATE hotwire is supplied with the machine.
The MASTER SCULPTOR is controlled by FlashCut CNC software and hardware (www.flashcutcnc.com). FlashCut CNC is the only Windows CNC solution offering a dedicated CNC controller ensuring smooth and uninterrupted motion. Since 1996, Flashcut CNC has continuously provided thousands of customers with affordable turnkey CNC controls based on their internally developed architecture.
The warranty is for 2 years on all components except those supplied by FlashCut CNC, which are warrantied for one year and includes the motors, motor cables and the FlashCut Compact Controller.
Free phone help and e-mail support is available.
To significantly reduce shipping costs, the machine is shipped partially dis-assembled in a small wooden crate (size is approximately 2' x 2 ½' x 10', weight is approximately 400 lbs.). Assembly requires 2 to 4 hours of easy work for 2 people. An assembly video is included and free phone help is also available.
To further reduce costs, the machine is not supplied with a computer. Some buyers will already have a computer they can use, or you can purchase a new one for $300 to $400. This saves money on shipping costs because the crate is smaller and lighter without the computer. A computer running with 64 or 32 bit versions of Windows 7, Vista or XP can be used. The computer can be a desktop or laptop, and only requires a USB port for connecting to the machine. While the machine is cutting, you will not be able to use the computer to perform other work.
Cutting speed and hotwire temperature can be changed on the fly (while the machine is cutting).
DC power is used to heat the wires for better cutting performance.
Very quiet operation.
A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) helps protect the operator and others from electrical shock.
There are no corner posts or overhead framework that make loading and unloading the foam slower and more difficult.
The system can be plugged into any 15 amp 120 volt outlet.
All moving parts roll on motor grade ball bearings, there are no bushings.
The wheels that provide the linear motion are completely shielded to help prevent accidental injury. There are oilers/wipers for the rails and wheels on both axis.
Motor torque is pre-adjusted to help prevent accidental injury and to help prevent damage to the drive belt. Damage to the belt could occur if the machine didn't see a limit switch and continued until reaching a stop. If the torque is not limited, the pulley would still turn and force the belt to jump over the teeth of the pulley, this is called "ratcheting". The torque is pre-adjusted to prevent this.
The MASTER SCULPTOR is built from high quality components supplied by world class manufacturers:
The aluminum framing is from BOSCH, the pioneer in the late 70's of the design and use of aluminum extrusions to build machines, conveyors, etc.. BOSCH is the world's largest supplier of these extrusions to industry.
There are no plastic pulleys, they are all made of metal. The synchronous timing belts are specifically designed for high precision applications and are made by GATES, the world leader in belts.
The components that provide the linear motion in the X and Y axis are from Bishop Wisecarver and LM76; both companies are leaders in this market.
The relay that turns the hotwire on and off is a hard working component. We use a large over-rated heavy duty relay for reliability.
The table top is ½" Baltic birch, a furniture grade of plywood with many thin plies and no voids. The table top can be used to attach any stops and guides needed to position the foam when cutting production work. Simply screw them to the top where-ever they are needed. The sides of the frame and end supports of the table top have slots their full length that can be used as well.