Thursday, January 31, 2008

Computer Aided Manufacturing Applications

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) refers to an automation process, which accurately converts product design and drawing or the object into a code format, readable by the machine to manufacture the product. Computer aided manufacturing complements the computer aided design (CAD) systems to offer a wide range of applications in different manufacturing fields. CAM evolved from the technology utilized in the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines that were used in the early 1950s. CNC involved the use of coded instructions on a punched paper tape and could control single manufacturing functions. CAM controlled computer systems, however, can control a whole set of manufacturing functions simultaneously.

CAM allows work instructions and procedures to be communicated directly to the manufacturing machines. A CAM system controls manufacturing operations performed by robotic milling machines, lathes, welding machines and other industrial tools. It moves the raw material to different machines within the system by allowing systematic completion of each step. Finished products can also be moved within the system to complete other manufacturing operations such as packaging, synthesizing and making final checks and changes.

Some of the major applications of the CAM system are glass working, woodturning, metalworking and spinning, and graphical optimization of the entire manufacturing procedure. Production of the solids of rotation, plane surfaces, and screw threads is done by applying CAM systems. A CAM system allows the manufacturing of three-dimensional solids, using ornamental lathes with greater intricacy and detail. Products such as candlestick holders, table legs, bowls, baseball bats, crankshafts, and camshafts can be manufactured using the CAM system. CAM system can also be applied to the process of diamond turning to manufacture diamond tipped cutting materials. Aspheric optical elements made from glass, crystals, and other metals can also be produced using CAM systems. Computer aided manufacturing can be applied to the fields of mechanical, electrical, industrial and aerospace engineering. Applications such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, and kinematics can be controlled using CAM systems. Other applications such as electromagnetism, ergonomics, aerodynamics, and propulsion and material science may also use computer aided manufacturing.

CNC Router Buying Guide

CNC router tables are used for cutting wood, plastic, or metal, depending on the machine. They can be used for sign making or general routing jobs. The router doubles as engraving equipment. This versatility allows you to get more from one machine.

The interest in these machines for home use and small shops has grown rapidly in recent years. As people become aware of the accuracy and versatility, this demand will surely increase. Many people are choosing used equipment in an effort to save money, while owning this machinery.

Although they are still expensive for most users, there are plans available on the internet to make your own table. These save money and allow you to choose sizes from 15 by 15 to 50 by 60 inches, according to your needs.

Uses of a CNC Router

With cnc routers, you can do projects that would otherwise take too much time or be too difficult to accomplish. This includes cutting elaborate designs and creating metal inlays in wood. Complex designs come out smooth and accurate. You can do things that you could never do by hand.

These machines are great for furniture making. You will get professional results every time. The software allows you to program the depth per pass for even better results. You can engrave anything from a large sign to very small lettering. These machines are versatile and easy to use, once you�ve been trained on the software.

Smaller machines work on 120 voltage and can be run on typical household current. These are the best choice for the home workshop. The motors are generally either one or two horsepower. These smaller, table top models are more affordable, costing about $7000 new, as opposed to $20,000 for a larger machine. A used machine is even more affordable, costing about $3500. This is still very expensive, but can be cost effective if you are making furniture that you will sell.

Buying a Used CNC Router

Purchasing a used cnc router is a great value for the money. You can save 50% or more compared to the cost of a new machine. Take your time when shopping. Do some research to find the best machine for your needs. Keep in mind that a used machine will probably not be as fast as brand new. However, in a small shop, this may not matter.

Many used machines have been reconditioned. The machine is inspected and any damaged parts are replaced. Ask about the work that was done to your router. Find out what was repaired or replaced. Ask about a warranty. Many come with a one year warranty, which is a big plus.

Find out about the support that is offered by the company. Many will offer help with installation and train you for using the software. This is important if you�ve never used one before. Look for professional advice and support. Whenever possible, choose a dealer that offers on going support. Make sure to get a manual for your router. You will need the information contained in the manual for operation and maintenance.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Treadmills For Great Cardio

Treadmills machines are one of the best cardio vascular exercise machine and the most popular too. With the whole nation embracing the idea of fitness, treadmills machines are an essential part of the workout. They are easy, convenient to use, suit all budgets and can be used at home too. Therefore one doesn't necessarily have to visit he gym to stay fit. You can also operate the treadmills machine at any time of the day. Therefore it's an ideal way to lose the calories and stay in shape, especially for stay at home moms, busy executives, older people and even an athlete.

There are innumerable options that are available. There are manual treadmills machines as well as motorized or which need electricity to run. Of course the manual treadmills machine is convenient and can easily be folded away and kept. However these machines don't have many programs or resistance levels. Compared to that, motorized treadmills machines are more bulky, but these treadmills machines offer a variety of resistance levels, speeds and other functions. They are also more expensive. The options that are offered are a control panel, which shows the heart rate, the pulse rate, the speed as well as the number of the calories burnt on the treadmills machines.

There are also various inclines and speeds as well as programs that suit all age groups and types of workouts. Usually the more expensive treadmills machines will have more features. Treadmills machines start at $500 and can cost up to $3000. It's important that when you buy treadmills machines, you should have looked at many treadmill machines and their features as well as the cost factor. Therefore it's important to note the minimum and the maximum speeds of the treadmills machine, the incline levels as well as the type and the number of workouts that are provided. Check for the warranty period of the machine as well as the parts of the machine. This will ensure that the treadmills machines that you purchase gives you the optimum workout.

Gumball Vending Machines � A Great Way To Break Into The Vending Business

Gumball vending machines are the best known of all vending machines. They are the basis of every vending business because most people get started in this business with one or more gumball machines. This is because they are the cheapest of the machines and they do generate a lot of profit. You can sell giant bubblegum, candy and fun prizes from gumball vending machines.

Even as more and more vending machines come on the market, the gumball vending machines have remained. They come in a wide variety of styles and designs, such as the classic globe shaped gumball machine or the spiral shaped models. When you contact a business, gumball machine owners find that these are the easiest machines to place. Business owners know that both children and adults like to use them and they can even spur along the sales by offering prizes for a certain colored gumball. This makes using them more fun. Gumball machines usually take a quarter so the product is not costly for the customer.

You can have single gumball vending machines or models with two or three machines in one. Experts on the vending machine business will tell you that you should not have more than three different products or three machines selling gumballs and candy in one location. The small number of choices helps to increase the sales of gumballs for your business. Gumball machines are also very colourful which makes them very noticeable, along with the colourful gumballs inside.

Along with selling gumballs, you can sell many products for fun. Gumball machines can be used to sell bouncy balls, toy capsules or even small souvenir mugs. As long as the products can fit through the dispenser in the gumball vending machines you can use them in the machines. You will also have to adjust the price to reflect the product because some products are more expensive than others. You do have to price the products to sell, but also be able to make a profit in your business. Gumball machines are so popular because they are the most profitable of all vending machines.

The spiral gumball vending machines seem to work best in a vending machine business. This is because these machines are very attractive to children, who love to watch the gumball spin around the spiral in the machine. Parents don�t mind spending the quarter for the gumball and quite often they will end up spending more than one in the fun gumball machines. Business owners don�t mind having them on their premises either because they get a commission based on the amount of money that comes out of each machine. If you are thinking of getting started in the vending machine business, you will enjoy great success with gumball vending machines.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Candy Vending Machine - Profitable and Fun

Have you ever seen a vending machine full of colorful candies? Yummy, as most children would say. Vending machines always attract young kids.

Vending machines have been popular for some time. People saw it has a great use in the market and the potential profit it may bring to people. Vending machines dispense certain kinds of merchandise after the customer deposits money.

At present, various types of vending machines are placed for selling snacks and beverages. Each type has a specific product in stock. Some are for selling candies and newspapers. There are also vending machines used for selling bottled water.

In different countries on the planet, vending machines are used for dispensing several products. You can find all types of products sold through vending machines like sandwiches, beverages and snacks.

Vending machines are operated by the owner in most cases. This is a common business in the United States because it is easy to operate; you can stock the machines with merchandise and earn money. You don�t even need a store clerk to sell the products.

If you are leery of the safety of these vending machines, don't worry because most of the machines today are extensively tested. They are also designed to lessen the risk of theft.

On the other hand, despite the safety of vending machines, the machines may experience maintenance problems or breakdowns. This happens occasionally.

After knowing all the necessary information regarding vending machines, it is quite interesting to deal in the type of vending machine that charms children. This is the candy vending machine.

It is a mechanical or electronic machine that sells varieties of candies by simply inserting coins or paper money. It is very eye catching for kids because the candies they can purchase here are assorted and they have so many choices to choose from.

Having a small business of your own can be profitable. You can make it possible by opening your own Candy Vending Machine route. Maybe a year from now you can add soda vending machines to your locations. This can be the start of profitable small business for you, it was for me.

A Look at DVD Shrink Wrap Systems

Shrink wrap machines use plastics to protect items from moisture and dirt during storage or transport. The plastic film is wrapped around the item and then the film is heated. It shrinks and conforms to the shape of the item, forming a barrier between the product and outside hazards. Shrink wrap systems may be small and manually operated for the home business, or large-scale automated machines used by shipping companies. Automatic machines can process more items and hour than their smaller counterparts.

DVDs can be easily shrink wrapped for a professional look that protects the DVD from the environment. Machines designed to shrink wrap DVDs work more efficiently than generic hand-held shrink wrapping systems. Some machines shrink wrap only DVDs; others can shrink wrap both DVDs and CDs. Machines specifically designed for DVDs are typically cheaper than dual systems, and can be purchased for under $5,000.

To shrink wrap a DVD with a shrink wrap machine, place a precut plastic cover on the machine's platform, and then place the DVD on top of the plastic. Close the machine's cover to heat seal the DVD. The sealing temperature is electronically controlled by the machine. These semi-automatic machines can shrink wrap about 200 DVDs an hour. Automated machines work twice as fast, shrink wrapping about 400 DVDs an hour.

More expensive, fully automatic machines can shrink wrap about 55 CDs or DVDs a minute, or about 3000 an hour. These machines cost about $16,000, but can also handle films other than plastic. Paper or cardboard could also be used, for example. Automated high throughput machines are portable and can sit on tables, taking up less space than floor-bound machines, but the table-top machines can shrink wrap DVDs and a comparable rate.

Several online stores sell all kinds of DVD shrink wrap systems at wholesale prices. These Web sites sell both the machines and the films need to shrink wrap DVDs. There you will find everything you need to package DVDS with a professional look