Who
are Boxford?
- Boxford are a privately
owned company employing about 100 people
- Our Manufacturing
Base was established over a Century ago [1896].
- We have been supplying
Education for over Half a Century.
- All our products
are designed manufactured in the UK.
- Software, Electronics,
Design, Manufacture are all done at our facility in Halifax.
- You are welcome
to visit us. For a map
click
here
What are the Computer Requirements for the Boxford PC
Software?
The Boxford CAD/CAM
Design Tools Software is designed to run on an IBM compatible
PC. The minimum requirements of the PC are as follows :
| |
Processor |
The
PC should be based on a Pentium 300MHz processor or higher. |
| |
Operating
System |
Microsoft
Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000 or Windows NT (SP4 or above). |
| |
Disc
Drives |
A
Hard disk with 100 Mbyte free space, a CD ROM drive and a 3.5in. Floppy
drive of 1.4 Mbyte capacity are required.
It is not possible to run the software from the floppy disk drive. |
| |
Memory
[Min] |
Windows
95 (32Mb)
Windows 98 (32 Mb)
Windows 2000 (128Mb)
Windows NT Workstation(128Mb)
Windows NT Server (256Mb). |
| |
Graphics |
SVGA
- 16 Bit (High Colour). |
| |
Mouse |
The
machines must be connected to a serial [COM] port on the PC
The mouse should be connected either to a dedicated mouse port or
to a second serial port or a PS2 mouse can be used. If necessary re-configure
the PC to use the appropriate port leaving a serial port free for
connection to the machine. |
| |
Serial
Port |
VMC/HSR/TCL
models must be connected to a serial port on the PC. |
| |
RS232
Data Cable |
The software enables programs to be exported to another PC.
If this facility is required the second PC is connected to a second
free serial port using a suitable serial data cable. If the PC only
has one serial port then one of the following options should be taken. |
|
1.
Interchange the machine and program data export data cable connectors
as required. |
|
2.
Have a second serial port fitted. |
|
3.
Fit a suitable multi-way switch to the serial cable. |
What
advantages does a CNC Machine offer over a manually operated one?
- Introduces CAD/CAM
- Make parts More
Quickly
- Better Quality
Parts i.e. More Accurate
- Less Scrap Components
- Lower Tooling
Costs [Form Tools Not Required]
- More Complex
Shapes can be made
- Introduces Advanced
Manufacturing Technology
- Uses Control
Technology
- Can be used in
GNVG Manufacturing
- Gives a better
surface finish
Therefore you can
make components more quickly, more accurately, and usually with a much
better surface finish. More complex shapes can be produced. These features
allow more adventurous projects to be undertaken.
Where
should I site my CNC machines?
Perhaps in a special
area. [They tend to lose their charisma when placed alongside traditional
equipment.] This could be called the Advanced Manufacturing Facility;
The Computer Aided Manufacturing Unit. The Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Area. Why not treat the area to a fitted carpet?
You must also consider that access to the machine's doors/panels may
be required so please leave enough room for them to be opened. In the
case of the lathes you may want to insert a long bar from the left-hand
end. Warning rotating material protruding outside of the interlocked
guarding on a lathe constitutes a serious risk, please take great care.
What
about Support and Training from Boxford?
Every CNC machine
sold into Education on the UK mainland is fully supported by our Customer
Services Department. At least one day's INSET is included, usually on
the customer's premises using the customer's equipment. However you
can have the INSET at Boxford. Further, during the three year Warranty
a member from Customer Services will call on you regularly bringing
any software developments etc and to see if you are satisfied.
Outside of the UK mainland we have arrangements with our agents. Please
phone us for details on your Country.
What
is the life expectancy of a CNC Machine?
Some of our manually
controlled lathes are over fifty years old and are still giving useful
service. There is no reason to believe that, mechanically, CNC machines
should be any different. Our CNC machines were first sold in 1984 and
many are still running on BBC Computers. Many others have been up-graded
to later electronics and software.
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