CNC Polystyrene Router with Linear ATC

The CNC polystyrene router with ATC is the machining center specialised in large blocks of expanded polystyrene (EPS), styrofoam and lost foam, the solution for manufacturers of casting moulds, GRG and GRC decorations, exhibition pieces and industrial mock-ups that require automatic tool changing between operations without operator intervention. With a 9,6 kW HSD main spindle with a linear automatic tool changer and a Z travel of 1.200 mm, exceptional for this class of equipment, the CNC polystyrene router with ATC processes industrial-sized EPS blocks with an accuracy of ±0,03 mm.

The CNC polystyrene router with ATC available through UZINEX is equipped with a Syntec 21MA control system, Yaskawa 1,3 kW servo motors, a SHIMPO gearbox, linear guides with dust protection, helical rack-and-pinion transmission on the X and Y axes, a TBI ball screw on the Z axis and Igus cables with CE and cUL certificates. The linear-type tool magazine allows automatic changing of the cutters between roughing, semi-finishing and finishing operations without production pauses. Technical specifications: CNC polystyrene router with ATC

The CNC polystyrene router with ATC is configured at the quotation stage: travel, tool magazine type and spindle type adapted to the size of your EPS blocks and the complexity of your parts. Free technical consultancy available. Advantages of the CNC polystyrene router with ATC

• Linear ATC automatic changer: uninterrupted production. The CNC polystyrene router with ATC automatically changes tools between roughing, semi-finishing and finishing operations without operator intervention and without stopping the production cycle. The linear ATC changer is faster than manual changing and more compact than a carousel, keeping the working area freely accessible throughout machining. For complex parts using 3–8 different tools per cycle, the ATC can reduce the total machining time by 30–50% compared with manual changing.

• Z travel of 1.200 mm: for industrial EPS blocks. The CNC polystyrene router with ATC has a vertical travel of 1.200 mm in the standard configuration, the parameter that distinguishes a CNC machining center specialised for EPS from a conventional router. The expanded polystyrene blocks used in producing moulds for the automotive, marine and aeronautical industries often have heights of 600–1.000 mm. The CNC polystyrene router with ATC machines them fully without vertical repositioning, maintaining ±0,03 mm accuracy over the entire height of the part.

• HSD 9,6 kW ATC spindle: proven performance and reliability. The 9,6 kW HSD main spindle with automatic changer and air cooling is the component that determines the quality of the milled surface and the durability of the CNC polystyrene router with ATC in continuous production. HSD is the reference manufacturer for high-performance CNC milling spindles, and the ATC configuration integrated into the spindle eliminates the external tool clamping mechanism and reduces the risk of errors during changing.

• 11 kW horizontal spindle: machining flexibility. The CNC polystyrene router with ATC includes an 11 kW horizontal spindle that allows machining the side faces of the EPS block without manual repositioning of the part. This configuration is essential for casting moulds with complex geometry that require machining on several faces in the same setup, eliminating the repositioning errors that affect the assembly accuracy of the moulds.

• Syntec 21MA control + Yaskawa servo motors: precision kinematics. The CNC polystyrene router with ATC is equipped with the Syntec 21MA control system, an industrial standard for CNC machining centers with ATC and complex 3D machining, and Yaskawa 1,3 kW servo motors with a SHIMPO gearbox on each axis. This combination ensures a repositioning accuracy of ±0,03 mm and a system resolution of ±0,0025 mm on all axes, including at high travel speeds of 60 m/min.

• Software compatible with industry standards: UG, Power-mill, Artcam, Type 3, Ucancam, Aspire. The CNC polystyrene router with ATC accepts files generated by all the CAM platforms used in the mould and architectural decoration industry. Operators and designers already working with any of these platforms do not require retraining or investment in new software to integrate the CNC polystyrene router with ATC into the existing workflow.

• Dust-protected linear guides + Igus cables: reliability in a particle-laden environment. Expanded polystyrene generates large amounts of electrostatic particles during milling. The CNC polystyrene router with ATC is fitted with linear guides with specific dust protection and Igus motion cables with CE and cUL certificates, components selected for long-term reliability in environments with fine particles.

• 60-month UZINEX warranty: spare parts in stock at Iasi, national technical support within 24–48 hours, commissioning and operator training included on delivery.

Applications and industries: CNC polystyrene router with ATC

Producing casting moulds for the automotive, marine, aeronautical and railway industries is the main application of the CNC polystyrene router with ATC. Moulds made of EPS and lost foam are produced in dimensions of up to 2.100×4.000 mm and heights of up to 1.200 mm, with surface details requiring multiple passes with tools of different diameters: roughing with large cutters, semi-finishing and finishing with fine cutters. The linear ATC automatic changer of the CNC polystyrene router with ATC performs all these changes without operator intervention, maintaining the continuity of the machining cycle and ±0,03 mm accuracy over the entire part.

The architectural decoration and construction industry uses the CNC polystyrene router with ATC for machining elements made of GRG (Gypsum Reinforced Gypsum) and GRC (Glass-fibre Reinforced Concrete). Columns, cornices, medallions, decorative panels and façades with complex profiles are produced on the CNC polystyrene router with ATC from EPS or rigid polyurethane, then finished with layers of GRG or GRC. The 1.200 mm Z travel allows the machining of large decorative elements in a single setup.

The exhibition and industrial mock-up industry uses the CNC polystyrene router with ATC for producing stands, scale models, set-design elements and decorative pieces for events and exhibitions. EPS is the preferred material for these applications because of its excellent weight-to-volume ratio and ease of finishing, and the CNC polystyrene router with ATC produces the parts with a speed and precision compatible with the short deadlines specific to the events industry. CNC polystyrene router with ATC vs. conventional CNC router

The CNC polystyrene router with ATC is a specialised machining center, not a universal CNC router adapted for EPS. The essential differences from a conventional router are the 1.200 mm Z travel (versus 200–400 mm on standard routers), the 9,6 kW HSD spindle with integrated ATC (versus 3,5–5,5 kW spindles without ATC), the 11 kW horizontal spindle for multi-face machining, and the Syntec 21MA control system optimised for complex 3D toolpaths with automatic tool changing.

A conventional router machines EPS in thin layers with small-diameter tools, requiring manual tool changes and repositioning of the block. The CNC polystyrene router with ATC machines the block fully in a single setup, with automatic tool changes and access to several faces via the horizontal spindle, resulting in significantly higher overall accuracy and a shorter production time for complex parts. Workflow: CNC polystyrene router with ATC

• The 3D model of the part is imported into CAM software (UG, Power-mill, Artcam or other compatible platforms).

• Toolpaths are generated for roughing (large cutters, rapid feed), semi-finishing and finishing (fine cutters, reduced feed), including the toolpaths for the horizontal spindle if the part requires side machining.

• The G Code program is transferred to the Syntec 21MA controller of the CNC polystyrene router with ATC.

• The EPS block is clamped on the aluminium T-slot table with vacuum; the required tools are loaded into the linear ATC magazine.

• The CNC polystyrene router with ATC runs the program, automatically changing tools according to the programmed sequence, without operator intervention, maintaining ±0,03 mm accuracy throughout the cycle.

• The finished part is unloaded; the CNC polystyrene router with ATC is ready for the next block without recalibration.

Frequently asked questions about the CNC polystyrene router with ATC

Can the CNC polystyrene router with ATC also process rigid polyurethane or XPS?

Yes. The CNC polystyrene router with ATC is compatible with expanded polystyrene (EPS), rigid polyurethane, XPS (extruded polystyrene) and other rigid foam materials with similar densities. The feed and spindle-speed parameters are adjusted in the software according to the density and hardness of the material. UZINEX recommends the optimal machining parameters for each material at the initial training. How many tools can the linear ATC magazine of the CNC polystyrene router with ATC hold?

The capacity of the linear ATC magazine is specified at the quotation stage according to the chosen configuration. As standard, linear magazines for CNC routers of this class hold 6–12 ISO30 tools. If your production requires a greater number of tools per cycle, UZINEX can configure the variant with a carousel ATC magazine with extended capacity. What is the difference between the linear ATC magazine and the carousel type?

The linear ATC magazine of the CNC polystyrene router with ATC has the tools arranged in a line, is compact and allows fast changing at the front of the machine. The carousel magazine has the tools arranged in a circle, offers greater storage capacity and is preferred for cycles with many different tools. UZINEX specifies the optimal variant at the quotation stage according to the number of tools per cycle and the spatial layout of the workshop. Is the CNC polystyrene router with ATC eligible for European funding?

Yes. UZINEX is a member of the Enterprise Europe Network and supplies CNC equipment for projects with European funds: the Just Transition Programme, PNRR digitalisation, the Regional Programme. The CNC polystyrene router with ATC can be added directly in SEAP/SICAP. The technical documentation for the funding application is provided on request. Leasing and credit options are available on the UZINEX credit and leasing page. What dust extraction system is recommended for the CNC polystyrene router with ATC?

The CNC polystyrene router with ATC is compatible with dust collection systems of 3 kW, 5,5 kW and 7,5 kW with an extraction head, ducting and a complete kit. EPS generates fine electrostatic particles that require a dust extraction system with a HEPA filter or equivalent for a safe working environment. UZINEX specifies the appropriate system at the quotation stage and includes it in the delivery on request. Why UZINEX for the CNC polystyrene router with ATC

The CNC polystyrene router with ATC is a specialised piece of equipment with a narrow and precise application profile: selecting the correct configuration for the type of parts, the block dimensions and the production volume directly determines the return on the investment.

• Configuration selection included: UZINEX recommends the travel, the ATC magazine type, the tool capacity and the spindle type suited to the dimensions of your EPS blocks and the complexity of the parts.

• Commissioning and operator training included: UZINEX engineers calibrate the CNC polystyrene router with ATC at your location and train the operators in using the ATC magazine, the horizontal spindle and the Syntec 21MA control system.

• 60-month warranty: extended coverage for the CNC polystyrene router with ATC in continuous industrial production.

• Spare parts in stock at Iasi: ISO30 collets, bearings, Igus cables available immediately, with no prolonged production stoppages.

• National technical support within 24–48 hours: technicians with nationwide coverage and a guaranteed response time for the CNC polystyrene router with ATC.

• Eligible for European funds: complete technical documentation for POR, PNRR and other active programmes, direct addition to SEAP/SICAP.

• Transport included: delivery to destination anywhere in Romania.

UZINEX CNC polystyrene router with ATC: 9,6 kW HSD ATC spindle, travel 1.800×2.400×1.200 mm (options up to 2.100×4.000 mm), 11 kW horizontal spindle, linear ATC magazine (carousel option), Syntec 21MA, Yaskawa 1,3 kW, ISO30/ER32, dust-protected guides, Igus cables CE+cUL, ±0,03 mm, software UG/Power-mill/Artcam, 60-month warranty, transport and commissioning included.