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NEW - DUETi
LAUNCHED - (23rd July 2010)
The DUETi
is the latest machine in Boxford's successful series of combined lathes
and mills. The DUETi
benefits from the same fast control as Boxford's other machines bearing
the i suffix
resulting in a performance increase of over 200% compared with the outgoing
model. The machine retains the much admired ability of its predecessor
to convert between lathe and mill modes in minutes.
SPOTLIGHT ON BOXFORD - (9th July 2010).
An article that recently
appeared in D&T Practice magazine.
Ex-Demo & Pre-Owned Machines For Sale - (1st July 2010).
We have a number of
Ex-demonstration and Pre-Owned machines available for sale. All machines
come with the latest version of our 'CAD/CAM
Design Tools' software and are backed with a 12 months warranty. For
UK customers, one day's on-site training is included. Select the link
below for a full detailed machine list.
Ex-Demo
& Pre-Owned Machine Page
"THROW THE MACHINING RULE BOOK AWAY AND GET CREATIVE"
- (8th Feb 2010).
Our component manufacturing
department, Boxtrees Precision Engineering (BPE)
was recently featured in an article for its innovative use of Renishaw
probe systems on their Mazak Integrex in a clever fully-integrated ‘intelligent’
system that has achieved reduced unit costs, zero manual set-up times,
unmanned machining, and consistent accuracy and cycle times.
“Unit cost for
a one-off component is the same as a batch of a thousand” says Steve
Randerson, Production Manager at Boxtrees Precision Engineering Ltd, Halifax,
UK. The company has employed a Renishaw OMP400 high accuracy touch probe
and NC4 non-contact laser tool setting system on a Mazak Integrex 200-IV
ST to radically reduce non-productive setting. Improvements have also
been seen in component accuracy and the consistency of cycle times, with
a direct effect on production scheduling, plus the vast majority of post-machining
inspection has been eliminated.
The article is set
to feature in a number of UK and worldwide engineering magazines.
Watch a short video
at http://www.renishaw.com/en/11495.aspx
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Part
setting and component inspection for process control
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Billet
work during the day
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Un-manned
overnight bar work
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BOXFORD A1 ROUTER STARS ON BBC TV - IN AN UNUSUAL ROLE...! - (8th
Feb 2010)
Over the Christmas period the BBC broadcast a ‘Day of the Triffids’
special. An eagle-eyed viewer with D&T connections informed the company
that he was sure that they were using a Boxford A1HSRi2
router in the programme as a Triffid propagator. We checked and sure enough
they were. All Boxford marks were covered up but there is no doubt about
what it was...! (Please note: Boxford do not recommend that our equipment
is used in the propagation of alien life-forms and that doing so may invalidate
the warranty).
NEW - A3RTCmi2
COMBINED ROUTER & LATHE LAUNCHED (17th Nov 2009)
- Based on the popular
A3HSRmi2
router, the A3RTCmi2
features a removable
turning attachment which allows both wood and plastic parts to be turned,
including screw cutting.
- The
machine can be converted between modes in less than three minutes.
- Features an 8 position
automatic tool changer when in lathe mode.
- A tailstock steady
option with integrated rotating centre is available for long part machining.
This becomes even more useful when combined with the "Extended
machine" upgrade, detailed in the next news item below, to provide
a generous 580mm between centre turning capacity.
NEW - EXTENDED VERSIONS OF THE POPULAR A3HSRi2
ROUTER, A3HSRmi2
ROUTER AND THE NEW A3RTCmi2
COMBINED ROUTER/LATHE LAUNCHED - (17th Nov 2009)
- Extended (Ex) versions
of our popular range of A3 Routers and combination machines are now
available to provide users with extra capacity to accommodate those
projects which are always "just a bit too big".
- Offering a generous
working envelope of 925mm x 325mm, the new machines are housed in a
fully enclosed cabinet which can still conveniently pass through a single
door way.
- The machines are
available with all the usual router options including extended versions
of the vacuum table, wheeled cabinet base and integrated P&J extraction
system as shown below.
- When combined with
A3RTCmi2
combined Router and Lathe and the optional tailstock, provides a generous
580mm between centre turning capacity.
NEW - THE WORLD'S MOST AUTOMATED AND AFFORDABLE 3D PRINTER
- (23rd October 2009)
- The ZPRINTER®350
from ZCORPORATION has been added to the range of 3D printers available
from Boxford which also includes the ZPRINTER®450
colour system.
- Utilising the same
cartridge based consumable loading system as the successful Z450 colour
printer, the mono Z350 brings fully automated entry level printing.
- Utilising off the
shelf printer technology, these 3D printers are the only Rapid Prototyping
solutions that can provide the throughput and low part cost that allows
them to be a realistic proposition for schools.
- £19,990
- includes delivery, installation, training and a significant material
starter kit
  
UPCOMING SHOWS- (7th Oct 2009)
Boxford will be exhibiting at the following shows. Please call by our booth
to see our latest products.
SPARES CENTRE WEBSITE LAUNCHED - (18th Sep 2009)
Boxford has launched a dedicated spares website to allow customers to identify
spare parts for a wide variety of Boxford machines. With over 3,000 parts
and assemblies available for machines dating from the 1950's through to
the present day, the site demonstrates why buying Boxford ensures you have
quality equipment which can be maintained and provide reliable service over
a long number of years.
The site can be accessed from the Spares
Centre link on the main menu (left).
BOXFORD SUPPORTS 'SCALEXTRIC 4 SCHOOLS' UK FINALS- (21 July 2009)
http://www.scalextric4schools.org/partners/support
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After supporting
the pilot for the 'Scalextric 4 Schools' at the 'Design & Technology
with ICT Show' in November 2008, the formal launch of the challenge
held at John Kelly Boys Technology College in January this year and
the USA launch at the ITEA conference in March, Boxford was proud
to offer support and resources to the UK finals held at the Meadowhall
centre in Sheffield.
Watch a video of the action at http://www.boxford-software.com/resources/meadowhallflash.php
Our congratulations to all the teams for their outstanding efforts
and particularly to the prize winners who were as follows:-
1st - Team Wooton Racing Club - Wooton Upper School
- Wooton
2nd - Team Overdriven - St Augustine's School - Scarbarough
3rd - Team Rapeedo - Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
- Horncastle
Best Engineered Car - Team Storm - Sanbach High School
- Sanbach
The aim of the Scalextric4schools design/make/race challenge is to
inspire students to consider Science, Maths and Engineering related
subjects for Higher Education and as a future career. |
 
When the organisers
needed a podium at short notice, large enough to accommodate three teams
they knew that Boxford and their large format A1HSRi2
router were the tools for the job. As a finishing touch, the LS900
Co2 Laser Cutter was used to cut the carpet tile logos. If you want to
build your own podium, it's detailed on our Project and Resources website
at http://www.boxford-software.com/resources/Podium.php
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! - (15th July 2009)
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Boxford recently
became a film set as a film crew, commissioned by publishers Hodder
Education, visited our manufacturing facility to film both the machines
we sell to education and the industrial counterparts we use in our
manufacturing facility to produce our precision machined and sheet
metal components.
The footage has been used to produce a 'Resistant
Materials and Industrial Technology Teacher Resource DVD-ROM'
to support the OCR Design and Technology GCSE with the aim of bringing
industry into the classroom.
Hodder Education
selected Boxford for this filming as they are unique in being the
only CAD/CAM vendor who could provide demonstrations of both the
latest cutting edge educational and industrial machining technologies.
Introduced by
Boxford Managing Director, Paul Barraclough, who is both a qualified
engineer and teacher, six separate films were produced covering
the topics of 2D CAD, 3D CAD, CAM, CNC Turning, CNC Milling, Laser
Cutting and Rapid Prototyping.
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PROJECTS AND RESOURCES CENTRE WEBSITE LAUNCHED - (1st July 2009)
Boxford has developed a projects and resources website to support CAD/CAM
and CNC technologies in education. With the aim of putting something back
into education, the site details project ideas and schemes of work to
support teaching from KS3 through to University level including vocational
diplomas. The site is designed to be a useful resource for CAD/CAM and
CNC users, irrespective of which vendors equipment they are using. The
site will be continually developed so be sure to check back at regular
intervals for new and exciting projects and resource ideas.
The site can be accessed from the Resource
Centre link on the main menu (left).
OLD BOXFORD CNC MACHINE 'SCRAPPAGE ALLOWANCE' SCHEME GETS GREEN LIGHT!
- (18th May 2009)
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Here's a deal
you can't (or won't want to) refuse!
Inspired
by the UK car 'scrappage allowance' scheme announced in the recent
budget which went live today, Boxford has applied the idea to old
Educational CNC machines - with a twist.
It's simple.
If your school has an old Boxford CNC training machine that you
don't want to upgrade, Boxford will give you a £2,000 'scrappage
allowance' when you trade it in for a brand-new CNC Lathe,
Mill, Router
or Lathe/Mill Combi.*+
That's
it - but here's the twist. Whereas most old cars will be going to
the big car park in the sky, there's lots of life left in an old
Boxford CNC machine, so we will upgrade it to current specifications
and offer it for sale to schools that are not blessed with sufficient
funding to purchase new CNC machines.
So everyone
wins, including the environment.
Offer closes at the end of the summer term.
* Direct
UK educational establishment sales only.
+ Excludes the purchase of new DUET and MidiMILL machines.
Note:
This scheme cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer,
terms and conditions apply.
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A1HSRsi LAUNCHED
- (18th May 2009)
The A1HSRsi large
format router has been designed for those users who want the ultimate
in machining performance. Incorporating the latest servo controller and
axes motor technology, the A1HSRsi
offers 3D machining speeds up to 24metres/minute and will be offered alongside
the popular A1HSRi2
machine.
In common with the A1HSRi2
machine, the A1HSRsi
has the following options and features.
- Available with
optional Vacuum clamping table which holds the workpiece down with suction,
facilitating the cutting-out of flat components. No screws, no nails,
no tape and no hassle.
- Full 3D machining
capability for vacuum mould and 'ImageRelief' 3D hologram photograph
manufacture.
- Available with
either manual 4 position or automatic servo controlled 4th axis fixture.
- Easily disassembled
and reassembled for installation through a single door.
WINDOWS VISTA COMPATIBILITY - (15th May 2009)
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We're
often asked which versions of our machine software are VISTA compatible.
CNC Machines
'CAD/CAM Design Tools' - Versions 5.28.1 and later. If you require
an update to run on VISTA, please contact our customer service department
support@boxford.co.uk
Note:- For existing Mill and Router users, if you Email us
your mildes.sup file from your current installation (located
in the directory c:\program files\boxford ltd\cad on a default
standalone installation), we'll build the Techsoft Mill Design registration
information into your new software registration CD meaning you can
forget about floppy discs in future.
Gravograph Laser Cutters
If the driver disc supplied with the machine has the word VISTA printed
around the centre then you're OK. If you require an update to run
on vista, it can be downloaded from here Download
-Software Updates- Gravograph Laser Driver
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BOXFORD SUPPORTS 'SCALEXTRIC 4 SCHOOLS' USA LAUNCH - (15 May 2009)
http://www.scalextric4schools.us/partners/support
After supporting the pilot for the 'Scalextric 4 Schools' at the 'Design
& Technology with ICT Show' in November 2008 and subsequently
supporting the formal launch of the challenge held at John Kelly Boys
Technology College in January this year, Boxford joined forces with PTC
and CRClarke to provide a hands on experience for delegates at the recent
ITEA conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
Delegates were able to machine vacuum forming and injection moulds on
the A3HSRmi2
router as well as alloy wheels on the 160TCLi
lathe. They then took the moulds to the CRClarke plastic forming equipment
to create body shells and slot guides. Finally they assembled a laser
cut chassis and fitted the guide, motor, gears, wheels body etc. to form
a finished car which could be tested on the PTC race track.
The aim of the Scalextric4schools design/make/race challenge is to inspire
students to consider Science, Maths and Engineering related subjects for
Higher Education and as a future career.
160TCLi LAUNCHED
- (2nd Feb 2009)
The 160TCLi is the latest machine
in Boxford's successful series of benchtop CNC Lathes. The 160TCLi
benefits from the same fast control as Boxford's CNC Routers and Milling
machines. The improvement in performance is most evident in faster threadcutting
and rapid positioning. The machine retains the much admired ability of
its predecessor to machine and part-off mild steel and is housed in a
cabinet incorporating a sliding guard that matches the rest of Boxford's
benchtop range of CNC machines.
| DOWNLOAD |
Boxford
160TCLi Product Brochure |
160TCLi.pdf |
237k
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THE WORLD'S BEST SELLING 3D SCANNER GOES HD - (2nd Feb 2009)
NextEngine's revolutionary 3D laser scanner now produces 4 x higher definition
scans as a standard feature on all Boxford supplied educational scanner
packages.
No other scanning technology offers this level of capability at such an
affordable price.
 
| DOWNLOAD |
NextEngine
HD 3D Scanner Product Brochure |
HD
Scanner.pdf |
235k
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350K INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING - (2nd Feb 2009)
As part of our continued investment in the latest manufacturing technologies,
we have added a multi tasking CNC machining centre with a value in excess
of £350,000 to our component manufacturing department.
The twin spindle, twin turret nine axes machine will allow us to manufacture
a large variety of high quality components in a single machining operation.
The unique 120 position automatic toolchanger virtually eliminates setup
time, whilst the automatic bar feed and component conveyor allow us to
pursue our ultimate goal of 'lights out' unmanned machining.
This latest investment reinforces our commitment to manufacturing in Halifax
and retaining control over our own products, with the versatility to meet
our customers' demands and react very quickly to changing order books.
 
BOXFORD SUPPORTS 'SCALEXTRIC 4 SCHOOLS' LAUNCH - (2nd Feb 2009)
http://www.scalextric4schools.org/partners/support
After supporting the pilot for the 'Scalextric 4 Schools' by machining
wooden body moulds and aluminium injection moulds at the recent 'Design
& Technology with ICT Show' using the A3HSRmi2
router, Boxford supported the formal launch of the challenge held at John
Kelly Boys Technology College in Neasden on January 27th. The challenge
was formally launched by Top Gear presenter James May pictured below (left)
watching a high quality body mould being machined in less than 15 mins
from a solid block. Also pictured, from left to right are Tim Brotherhood
- PTC, Mike Brown - PTC, Dave Porter - Boxford and World Slot Car Champion
James Gleaver.
The aim of the Scalextric4schools design/make/race challenge is to inspire
students to consider Science, Maths and Engineering related subjects for
Higher Education and as a future career.
The launch was filmed
by Teachers TV and can be viewed at - http://www.teachers.tv/news/31704
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL ROUND OF SHOWS - (2nd Feb 2009)
BOXFORD has just completed its busiest ever round of UK shows and conferences.
Again we showcased the latest manufacturing technologies ideally suited
to D&T, Engineering and Manufacturing diploma requirements.
Particularly well received were the new 160TCLi steel cutting bench top
lathe, LS100Ex Co2 laser and new universal wheeled cabinet base shown
below.
BETT Show
Specialist Schools and Academies Trust National Conference
Design & Technology with ICT Show
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