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UPCOMING SHOWS- (28th Oct 2008)
Boxford will be exhibiting at the following shows. Please call by our
booth to see our latest products.
BOXFORD WINS RECORD ORDER - (11th Sept 2008)
When all the Educational Institutions that make up "The Southwark
and Lambeth Engineering Diploma Partnership" needed to select their
CAD/CAM equipment supplier they reviewed the products of various suppliers
and invited a short list to give a presentation of their key features.
Unanimously they opted for Boxford Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
equipment, software and support to help them fulfill the manufacturing
requirements of the Engineering Diploma. The excellence of the Boxford
equipment and software and recognition of Boxford's track record for on-site
training and after-sales service and support were key factors influencing
their decision.
 An
important feature of the 14-19 Diplomas in Southwark and Lambeth is that
consortia of schools, colleges and universities will teach them. Institutions
supporting the launch of the Engineering Diploma in Southwark and Lambeth
include The Royal Academy of Engineering, The Gatsby Charitable Foundation
and Transport for London.
The Southwark and
Lambeth Partnership is particularly well known and has been visited by
both Secretary of State Ed Balls and Schools Minister Jim Knight, besides
appearing in the national media on several occasions.
The equipment, which
adds up to a record UK order for Boxford, includes Boxford CNC Routers,
Lathes and Milling Machines, all of them with metal-cutting capability,
as well as CO2 Laser Cutters, mono and colour 3D Printers (Rapid Prototyping
Machines).
Boxford's Managing
Director, Paul Barraclough said, "We are very pleased to have been
selected by the Southwark and Lambeth Partnership as their CAM equipment
partner. Besides supplying equipment and software, our on-going commitments
to the project include training and after-sales service. This project
is the largest of several Engineering Diploma projects in which we, as
a long established UK manufacturer, are involved. We are unique in machining
and fabricating all our components, and many of our engineers, including
myself, gained post-school engineering qualifications in what was the
"Engineering Diploma" of their respective era. This engineering
expertise, along with the performance of our CAM equipment, software and
reputation for after sales service makes Boxford the ideal CAM partner
for any consortium considering teaching the Engineering Diploma."
BOXFORD ANNOUNCE NEW LS100Ex Co2 LASER CUTTER - (24th June 2008)
Gravograph's latest model in their "LS" series of CO2 Lasers
is the LS100Ex, which slots
into the range between the popular LS100
and LS900 systems that Boxford has
been supplying for a few years. Its specification surpasses that of the
similar sized lasers currently available and includes integrated filtration
set into the wheeled base of the unit. The unit is compact enough to easily
fit through single doorways.
NEW - BOXFORD PARTNERS WITH NextEngine TO OFFER THE WORLD'S BEST SELLING
3D SCANNER - (17th April 2008)
- Boxford are pleased
to announce that we can now supply the revolutionary NextEngine 3D laser
scanner to educational establishments as part of a bundled solution
with Boxford CADCAM equipment..
- With prices for
a fully working system starting at just $2,995, this 360 degree laser
scanning system delivers an unprecedented combination of power and affordability.
- Utilising an array
of 4 lasers operating in parallel for higher throughput, the system
produces cleaner scan data than many £10,000+ systems.
- Captures rich,
full colour surface photo data.
- No size limit.
Objects up to 300mm tall can be scanned in one take using either Macro
or Wide fields. For larger objects, a number of individual scans can
easily be merged together.
- Included software
fuses scans into 3D models which can be exported in STL, OBJ, VRML,
U3D and other formats.
- Optional software
allows scanned models to be saved in CAD format for editing in 3D CAD
systems.
EXPORTS BOOMING - (1st February 2008)
- Boxford is enjoying
booming exports with machine sales into both existing and new markets.
An order worth around £250K, and destined for Libya, was recently
completed.
- As we continue
to develop our export business, our products are increasingly seen at
conferences and exhibitions around the world. We recently exhibited
at the Gulf Education Suppliers Show (GESS) which was attended by 4000
educational professionals from 25 countries.
 
ICT IN ACTION AT BETT SHOW - (1st February 2008)
- Once again visitors
to the Boxford booth found it a refreshing change to be able to easily
see what products were been sold and why the Design & Technology
subject claims to be the best practical use of ICT.
- ICT and D&T
specialists alike were interested to see how the latest 3D laser scanning
technology was being utilised to reverse engineer components and then
manufacture them on both 4 Axes Routers and 3D Printers.
LARGEST EVER DISPLAY OF EQUIPMENT AT THE D&T SHOW - (1st February
2008)
- Boxford displayed
18 different models including CNC Routers, Lathes, Mills, Combination
machines, 3D Printers, Laser cutters and 3D Laser Scanning. Visitors
were impressed by the variety of equipment on display with solutions
to meet individual requirements.
- Consortia looking
to deliver the 14-19 engineering diplomas were particularly interested
in the metal cutting capability of the 5 routers, 3 lathes and 3 mills
on display.
 
NEW - VACUUM CLAMPING BED FOR A3HSR RANGE OF ROUTERS - (24th
April 2007)
- We have recently
added a vacuum clamping bed to the list of options available on our
A3HSRi2 and
A3HSRmi2 routers
extending their versatility even further.
- Based on the highly
successful in-house designed and manufactured, A1HSRi2
vacuum bed.
- Solution includes
a removable vacuum bed (can be removed/fitted in a matter of minutes)
and a mobile pump unit showed below (left).
- The significant
pump size enables the bed to suck through a 6mm MDF sacrifice board
(no through holes) and clamp the sheet material securely for through
machining (cutting out).
Note: Low-cost vacuum tables with smaller pumps are
only suitable for blind machining. This is a severe limitation.
- 'On-site' and 'Return
to base' Retrofits are available for existing machines.
- No
tape, No Screws, No Nails, No Hassle
 
NEW - THE WORLD'S MOST AUTOMATED AND AFFORDABLE COLOUR 3D PRINTER
- (24th April 2007)
- The ZPRINTER®450
from ZCORPORATION has been added to the range of 3D printers available
from Boxford which also includes the ZPRINTER®310
Plus and Spectrum Z™510
systems.
- 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.
- £24,450
- includes delivery, installation, training and a significant material
starter kit
   
THINK SUSTAINABILITY - DON'T DISCARD YOUR OLD BOXFORD EQUIPMENT
- (24th April 2007)
- We are the only
educational CAM equipment provider that can upgrade legacy machines
to run our acclaimed CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOL software.
- We can also refurbish
manual lathes and drills, by bringing up to current Health and Safety
standards, adjusting alignments, replacing bearings and painting in
modern colours to match new Boxford equipment.
- An upgraded or
refurbished Boxford machine will outlive a new 'bargain basement' supposed
equivalent.
HOD'S & TEACHERS - ENSURE YOU HAVE YOUR SAY - (24th April 2007)
- ACT NOW
to ensure you have your input into the resources your school purchases
- REMEMBER
- the teachers are not just the end users of equipment; they are the
key to transforming education and MUST be involved in the selection
of resources.
- Boxford services
include; audit of existing machine tools and CADCAM equipment - Refurbishment
and reinstallation of existing machinery - Guidance on, and supply of,
new manual and CNC machinery - Advice on upgrade routes for existing
CNC machinery.
LOOK AT WHAT THE A3HSRmi2
ROUTER CAN DO - TRY DOING ALL THIS ON A LASER! - (24th April
2007)
FREE ON-SITE DEMONSTRATIONS - (24th April 2007)
- Not sure what CADCAM
solution to purchase?
- Do you want to
evaluate equipment?
- Do you need to
convince senior management?
- We can demonstrate
the latest CNC routing/milling/turning and Co2 Laser cutting systems
at your site.
- As former D&T
teachers, our area sales managers can show you the differences in the
technologies and advise you on solutions to meet your individual curriculum
needs.
- Contact us now
to arrange an appointment.
A FURTHER £150,000 INVESTED IN OUR MANUFACTURING FACILITY
- (24th April 2007)
A CNC machining centre
with a value in excess of £150,000 has recently been installed in
our component manufacturing department.
We are extremely proud to be the UK's only remaining manufacturer of educational
CAM equipment and our continued investment in the latest equipment gives
us direct control of all aspects of our operation. For example, our manufacturing
facilities allow us to produce our own spare parts, including spares for
machines that are more than 50 years old.
IS YOUR SCHOOL GOING TO BE REBUILT OR REFURBISHED UNDER THE BSF/ACADEMIES
PROGRAMS? - (11th October 2006)
- ACT NOW
to ensure you have your input into the resources your school purchases
- REMEMBER
- the teachers are not just the end users of equipment; they are the
key to transforming education and MUST be involved in the selection
of resources.
- Specialist equipment
requires demonstration before selection.
- Boxford services
include; audit of existing machine tools and CADCAM equipment - Refurbishment
and reinstallation of existing machinery - Guidance on, and supply of
new manual and CNC machinery - Advice on upgrade routes for existing
CNC machinery.
EVEN MORE ROUTER VERSATILITY WITH NEW METAL CUTTING A3HSRmi2
- (11th October 2006)
- The A3HSRmi2
has been added to the Boxford CNC router range.
- New machine features
an increased rigidity Z axis slide and a High Frequency, constant duty
and variable speed spindle drive
- Machines aluminium
alloys and brass in addition to woods, plastics and other prototyping
materials.
- The ever-popular
A3HSRi2 router
will continue to be available for users who do not require the additional
metal cutting capability.
FREE ON-SITE DEMONSTRATIONS - (11th October 2006)
- Not sure what CADCAM
solution to purchase?
- Do you want to
evaluate equipment?
- Do you need to
convince senior management?
- We can demonstrate
the latest CNC routing/milling/turning and Co2 Laser cutting systems
at your site.
- As former D&T
teachers, our area sales managers can show you the differences in the
technologies and advise you on solutions to meet your individual curriculum
needs.
- Contact us now
to arrange an appointment.
IT'S SHOW TIME AGAIN - (11th October 2006)
- See us at the D&T
with ICT EDUCATION show, NEC 16-17-18 November. Our stand is in the
usual prominent position just inside the entrance. For travel subsidies,
see www.ichf.co.uk/d+t
and select the 'Travel Information' link.
- We'll also be attending
the BETT show, Olympia, 10-11-12-13 January 2007 where once again we'll
demonstrate why CAD/CAM is the best practical use of ICT. Our stand
number is F110 which is next to the cafe in the Grand Hall.
- See our new A3HSRmi2,
LS100 laser cutter and ZCorporation
'ZPrinter310 plus' 3D printer at both events along with the rest
of our range.
 
LARGE FORMAT A1HSRi2
ROUTER PROVING A BIG HIT BECAUSE IT REALLY SUCKS - (11th October 2006)
- It's the Vacuum
table we're talking about 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 4th axis fixture.
- Easily disassembled
and reassembled for installation through a single door.
 
FORMER DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY TEACHER BECOMES BOXFORD'S MANAGING DIRECTOR
- (1st September 2006)
Boxford Ltd has appointed
Paul Barraclough to the position of Managing Director.
Paul joined the company
in 1994 after working first in the engineering industry and then as a
Design and Technology teacher. Since 1996 he has led Boxford's product
development department and joined the board in 2001 as Technical Director.
He succeeds Howard Barrett who becomes Chairman of the company.
Commenting on Paul's
appointment, Howard Barrett said:
"We know that
by continuing to build on Boxford's core strengths of innovative product
development, in-house manufacture and first class customer service, the
company will continue to produce quality solutions offering the best value
for money to meet the challenges of the worldwide education and training
markets. Paul's quite unique teaching and engineering experience means
that he understands both the requirements of our customers and the production
processes necessary to manufacture our quality products efficiently. He
is well-respected by educationalists both in the UK and abroad."
BOXFORD TO SELL ZCORPORATION RAPID PROTOTYPING MACHINE TO UK SCHOOLS
- (10th April 2006)
Boxford will sell the Zprinter 310
Plus, manufactured by ZCORPORATION in the USA. The package will include
the 310 Plus 3D Printer and software, depowderer, a significant consumables
starter kit, delivery, installation, training and warranty.
The package will also include a network license of Boxford's own "RapidPRO"
software, the best software available to teach the principles of Rapid
Prototyping. It can be used either as a virtual product, or as a very
low-cost Rapid Prototyping system in its own right when used in conjunction
with a vinyl cutter and sticky-backed card.
BOXFORD ANNOUNCE SUB £10K LASER, AVAILABLE IN THE SUMMER TERM
- (10th April 2006)
Gravograph's latest model in their "LS" series of CO2 Lasers
is the LS100, a space saving
companion to the larger LS800 and
LS900 that Boxford has been supplying
for a few years. Its specification surpasses that of the similar sized
lasers currently available and includes integrated filtration set into
the wheeled base of the unit.
CONSIDERING A LARGE-CAPACITY ROUTER? - (10th April 2006)
If your reason for
buying a large A1 size capacity router is to machine large, flat components
(like full-sized furniture for instance), then a vacuum table is a prerequisite.
Our in-house designed and manufactured vacuum table provides a level of
suction that facilitates the holding of the workpiece on top of a sacrifice
board. This sufficiently withstands the significant sideways forces produced
when the machine cuts at the kind of feedrates and depths of cut that
teachers have come to expect from Boxford routers. No additional clamps
or screws are required, ensuring collision free manufacturing.
Our CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS software provides the option to leave very thin,
"snap-out" tabs to keep small parts in place when they would
otherwise become loose.
With the A1HSRi2
horizontal table design ensuring that gravity helps the vacuum clamping
process, along with our ability to easily disassemble and reassemble the
router to pass through a single door, the machine has all the properties
expected on a basic specification list for a large capacity router.
FORMER D&T TEACHER BECOMES THE SALES MANAGER OF OUR SOUTHERN REGION
- (10th April 2006)
Dave Porter joined Boxford at the beginning of January to manage our sales
activities in the south of the UK. Dave was a D&T teacher for about
a decade before taking up his appointment.
He is resident in his area and will handle enquiries, provide onsite demonstrations
and attend CAD/CAM days and local exhibitions in his area.
Dave's email address is dporter@boxford.co.uk and his mobile phone number
is 07887-745048.
MULTIPLE ROUTERS PERFORM DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS AT THE D&T SHOW
- (10th April 2006)
Four A3HSRi2
routers drew visitors' attention on the Boxford booth at the annual D&T
Show. The machines demonstrated just how versatile a single A3HSRi2
can be. Whilst the routers were identical, they were all performing different
applications.
One was producing a 3D vacuum-forming mould from a solid block, where
material was removed rapidly at the roughing stage. This compares with
the smooth, intricate surface produced at the finishing stage and also
by a second router that was machining 3D photographs that give a hologram
effect with a light source behind them.
 
With the acid-etching of PCB boards in schools increasingly attracting
the attention of Health and Safety officers, a third router, fitted with
a floating-head spindle, was busy machining copper coated board to isolate
the tracks and pads, besides centring and drilling the holes for the components.
Because of the undulating thickness of PCB copper board, using a floating
head is the only way to ensure cuts of a constant depth and width.
The fourth A3HSRi2
was fitted with a powered rotary indexing fixture, machining components
of a spiral nature. A range of 2-jaw, 3-jaw, centres and other holding
devices can be fitted to the fixture, depending on requirements. This
includes special adapters to hold a balsa wood F1 car. Components whose
size exceeds the swing of the fixture can be gripped in an off-centre
manner to allow machining on two or three sides of the component.
 
BOXFORD PROVIDES A LITTLE LUXURY FOR PICNICKING TEACHERS AT THE BETT
SHOW! - (10th April 2006)
The number of visitors to the BETT Show, held at Olympia, London during
January 2006, far exceeds the number of seats available adjacent to the
food concession areas, particularly at lunch time. Teachers took to the
floor, school-trip picnic style, in the aisles around the Boxford booth.
Quick thinking by our booth staff saw our A1HSRi2
router being swiftly deployed to produce an impromptu dining suite of
a table and 4 chairs, which were greatly appreciated by the many visitors
that made use of them.
 
FURTHER £100,000 INVESTMENT IN CNC SHEET METAL BENDING MACHINE
- (10th April 2006)
A CNC press brake with a value in excess of £100,000 has recently
been installed in our fabrication department. The machine works in conjunction
with our CNC metal-cutting laser, which together form the nucleus of our
sheet-metal production. They produce all the cabinets, covers and enclosures
for our educational range of CAM machines. The accuracy and repeatability
properties of the two machines are such that they can also fabricate other
components that were formerly machined.
BOXFORD TO ATTEND THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS D&T CONFERENCE AT OAKHAM
SCHOOL - (30th September 2005)
Given the Independent Schools' general interest in large routers, if you
are attending this conference you might wish to speak to us about our
recently released A1HSRi2 router with a 4' x 2' material capacity, which
can be supplied with a vacuum clamping table and a rotary indexing fixture.
BOXFORD WILL BE AT THE TTA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
IN DUNDEE - SHOULD BE A PIECE OF CAKE! - (30th September 2005)
We haven't been at every conference but Boxford is more than 50 years
old, hence qualify to attend this celebratory get together of the Technology
Teachers in Scotland. As always, we'll have our equipment and software
on display and look forward to renewing our acquaintances with old friends.
CALL AT THE BOXFORD BOOTH AT THE D&T SHOW, 17 - 19 NOVEMBER, NEC, HALL
10 - (12th September 2005)
Once again, we'll
be introducing new products at the D&T Show, along with the latest enhancements
to our CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS software. We'll have an area set-aside specifically
for this purpose.
Productivity and versatility is what CAM in the classroom is all about,
whether it's related to Routers, Mills, Lathes, Lasers, Rotary devices,
PCB production, Hologram photographs, Full-size furniture production,
2D or 3D machining.
Call at our booth and we'll show you how it's done with the best value
for money equipment, training, warranty and ongoing support.
BOXFORD AT THE BETT 2006, 11 - 14 JANUARY 2006, OLYMPIA, LONDON
- (12th September 2005)
Bursars and International visitors should make a point of visiting our
booth at BETT 2006 to see the world's most respected Educational CAM software,
called CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS, working seamlessly with our CAM/CNC equipment.
CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS is the only Educational CAM software to envelope
Routing, milling and turning in a single software title, yet has different
user levels that make it suitable for use in schools, FE Colleges, Universities
and Engineering Training Centres.
Come and see our products then ask us about training, warranty and support.
That way you will see that Boxford Educational CAM equipment is always
the best value for money.
ACTE CONFERENCE MOVES TO KANSAS CITY- (12th September 2005)
The ongoing problems in New Orleans means that the ACTE Conference is
being moved to Kansas City. We'll be there and particularly interested
in meeting up with former Emco and Denford dealers in territories where
we are not represented.
Come and see our CNC machines, our much praised CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS software
and our very competitive pricing!
Email sales@boxford.co.uk and tell us to expect you.
BOXFORD IS SUPPORTING THE DATA REGIONAL CAD/CAM CONFERENCES- (7th
April 2005)
We'll be at the Thames Valley regional conference to be held at the WILLIAMS
F1 CONFERENCE CENTRE on Thursday 28th April.
We'll also be in attendance
at the NE regional conference to be held at Heworth Grange CLC on Thursday
16th June.
If you are attending
these events, please call and see our latest equipment and CAD/CAM DESIGN
TOOLS software.
FE COLLEGES / NFEC MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE - (7th April 2005)
Boxford will have a booth at the upcoming NFEC Spring National Conference
in Coventry, 19th - 20th May. If you didn't meet us in Garforth, we'd
like to meet you and show you our products at the Coventry event. We will
also be attending the upcoming round of regional meetings.
NAAIDT MEMBERS - (7th April 2005)
We'll be at your conference at Brands Hatch, on April 15th. If you didn't
see it at the D&T Show in November, ask us for details of our NEW
large router. It machines material in excess of A1 size - ideal for making
full-size furniture etc. when used with our optional Vacuum Table.
SEE YOU AT SILVERSTONE! - (7th April 2005)
Boxford will be supporting Formula Schools Race Day once again. Call by
our booth near the trackside on Thursday 23rd June.
WHILST ON THE SUBJECT OF FORMULA 1 - (7th April 2005)
It is no longer mandatory for balsa wood cars to be manufactured on Denford
equipment to partake in the F1 in Schools competition. Boxford's A3HSRi2
router fitted with our recently released Rotary Indexer will produce a
perfectly blended car in record time. No pit stops required!
CAD/CAM AWARENESS DAY AT DATA Pro/D SUPPORT CENTRE - (7th April
2005)
Boxford will provide CAM support at Chailey School, Lewes on Thursday
30th June. Accredited Trainer Ian Allen will host the event.
BOXFORD ATTENDS NFEC CONFERENCE - (16th December 2004)
Boxford attended its first NFEC Conference, held at the Hilton Hotel,
Garforth on the 2nd and 3rd December. Exhibition booths were positioned
within the seminar area and the CNC Router and Lathe were busy making
components before and after the day's seminars and during all the breaks.
Our CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS software proved popular with delegates visiting
our booth, being the only educational CAM software that spans the requirements
of schools through to the practices used in industry.
"HANDS-ON" BOXFORD BOOTH AT NORTH YORKSHIRE "SKILLSFEST"
PROVES TO BE VERY POPULAR WITH THE STUDENTS - (16th December 2004)
The theatre-style booth provided for us by NYBEP, the organisers of "SKILLSFEST,"
held at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, proved ideal to demonstrate
CAD and CAM to groups of students attending this two-day event. There
were times when the Boxford staff sat down and watched the students demonstrating
their Pro/DESKTOP skills, before actually machining their own components
on our CAM equipment. With so much movement of machines and students on
the booth it was full to capacity for most of the event.
BOXFORD BOOTH AT THE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY WITH ICT SHOW HAD SOMETHING
FOR EVERYONE INTERESTED IN CAD/CAM - (16th December 2004)
The many visitors to our booth at the D&T Show were met with an "island"
layout to help them focus on a specific application of CAD/CAM in their
workshops. For instance our low-cost MidiMILL and DUET combination Lathe/Mill
were paired under the "ENTRY LEVEL" banner and were popular
with teachers introducing CAD/CAM for the first time besides those teaching
in schools with very limited budgets.
Our "ENGINEERING" island attracted Specialist Engineering Schools
and FE Colleges besides other schools considering teaching engineering
courses in the future. The 160TCL and 190VMCxi machines on this island
are capable of machining metals.
Ever popular, our "ROUTING" island featured two of our A3HSRi2
routers, one demonstrating how fast a solid block of mahogany can be machined
to simultaneously form 4 different components, all with a 3D content.
The other demonstrated how double-sided 3D models can be machined, both
sides blending perfectly by using our new rotary indexing fixture in harmony
with the now famous 3D-GeoCAM feature within "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS."
This fixture was also featured on the special "UNDER-WRAPS"
booth elsewhere in the exhibition hall.
Last but not least, our "UPGRADE" island served to inform many
visitors that the old Boxford machine they believed to be obsolete is
really just in its infancy. Whilst electronics and software suffer obsolescence,
the ironwork of a Boxford machine lasts a lifetime. For about a third
of the price of a replacement machine (less if it's not one of the oldest
vintage), your machine can be upgraded to work from the same "CAD/CAM
DESIGN TOOLS" software that our new machines use. Certain models
also benefit from a performance increase. The upgraded 125TCL CNC lathe
on display was about 15 years old. The upgraded CNC mill on the island
in fact wasn't a Boxford machine at all. It was a Denford Novamill. Such
is the popularity of "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" that we responded
to many teachers' requests to consider upgrading non-Boxford machines.
By doing so, we have helped to bring back into daily use in the workshop,
many machines that had previously been long-term residents in the store-room.
Other machines and new features were also demonstrated in the walled areas
of our booth. See the separate item regarding our new large router. Our
PCB machining feature within "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" has had
an area clearance feature added to it and now, besides isolating the tracks
and pads and drilling the holes, will optionally clear out all the redundant
copper. Ideal if some of your students are not too precise when using
a soldering iron! The CNC milling machine featured an automatic tool-changer,
which allowed machining and drilling of the boards to proceed unattended.
Our LS900 CO2 Laser Cutter was as popular as ever, featuring the filtration
unit integrated into the base of the cabinet for the first time. Its large,
square cutting area is attractive to many but having the most comprehensive
inclusive feature package and warranty is attractive to all.
NEW: LARGE ROUTER DRAWS THE CROWDS AT THE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY SHOW,
HELD AT THE NEC, 18TH - 20TH NOVEMBER - (16th December 2004)
Interest in our new A1HSRi2 large router significantly exceeded expectations
when it was introduced at the Design and Technology with ICT show at the
NEC recently. In true Boxford style, the machine was engaged in heavy-duty
work for the virtually the whole show. On one of the show days, 25 sheets
of 4' x 2' MDF were machined on it, producing full-size slot-together
furniture of various types, the favourite being complete sets of a table
and four chairs. The furniture was made from 18mm MDF, with the cutter
machining at 6,000mm/min, the maximum recommended to avoid "ragging"
of the work piece and possible cutter breakage. To optimise material usage,
the batch-manufacturing feature within our "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS"
software was employed and the Pro/DESKTOP-designed model was loaded straight
into "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" without having to go through a DXF
transfer utility programme.
Designed for educational use and built in the rigid construction style
that you've come to expect from Boxford, the A1HSRi2 is fully enclosed
with safety in mind. Available with manual clamping as standard, with
a removable vacuum table as an optional extra, it is ideal for machining
furniture and other slot-together parts and will comfortably machine around
a ¼ sheet of Material (4' x 2' or 1220mm x 610mm). Not surprisingly,
it works in conjunction with our much acclaimed CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS software
hence is just as proficient at machining 3D surfaces as it is 2D profiles
and pockets. The "Batch Machining" feature of CAD/CAM DESIGN
TOOLS allows multiple, dissimilar components to be machined in a single
setting.
 
Download full product brochure in PDF format. Simply right click on the
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UPGRADED 125TCL CNC LATHE PROVES POPULAR ON ALLANGLES BOOTH AT ETTA
CONFERENCE IN CARLOW, IRELAND - (16th December 2004)
Instantly recognised by the teachers whose schools were the recipients
of one of the hundreds of Boxford 125TCL or 160TCL CNC Lathes installed
in Ireland between 10 and 15 years ago, attendees at the ETTA conference
were amazed at the transformation an upgrade to our latest "CAD/CAM
DESIGN TOOLS" software can make to their old machine, particularly
with the addition of an 8-station indexing turret (see pictures below).
An upgraded 125 or 160 is preferred by teachers because of its reliable
mechanical properties, it's ability to machine and part-off mild steel
and the fact that it uses our much-praised "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS"
software. And let's not overlook the significant cost-savings achieved
by upgrading, plus the ability to call our help-desk should assistance
be required. Gone is the requirement to be proficient in programming using
the traditional G&M codes because the main design criteria of "CAD/CAM
DESIGN TOOLS" was that the machine should start making the component
within 5-10 minutes of starting to design it. A student that doesn't have
machining knowledge or programming experience now easily achieves that.
If the student can draw the finished component profile, "CAD/CAM
DESIGN TOOLS" will decide how it is going to be made using the tools
in the your library, then will calculate the tool-paths, simulate the
machining process graphically and tell you how long it's going to take
to machine the part. Press cycle start and you will have a component in
your hand in minutes. Whilst CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS works in conjunction
with your machine irrespective of whether it has an indexing turret, the
addition of one reduces cycle times and eliminates any errors associated
with fitting an incorrect quick-change tool holder. An upgrade also includes
the fitting of homing switches so that touching off your tools every time
you switch on the machine also becomes a thing of the past. The ironwork
of a Boxford machine lasts forever. We will replace the electronics and
the spindle-drive; fit homing switches and an 8-station turret if desired.
Your machine is then able to use "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS," acknowledged
as the finest educational CAM software available. Call AllAngles directly
on 01-825-1059 or contact Boxford's Colin Horner on +44-1422-358311 or
email him at chorner@boxford.co.uk for more details. See the pictures
below to see what your machine will look like.
To download a "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" brochure in PDF format,
simply right click on the blue text and select 'Save Target As' to download
the file to your system
THE MACHINE THAT NEVER STOPS VISITED THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS!
- (16th December 2004)
Las Vegas hosted a Boxford 160TCL Educational CNC Lathe at the ACTE Show
on December 9th, 10th and 11th, which was held in the Convention Center.
Besides demonstrating the 160, renowned for its ruggedness, reliability
and its ability to machine and part-off steel, USA Sales Manager Nick
Wallace and Development Director Paul Barraclough were showing delegates
how powerful yet easy to use our "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" software
is when used with turning, milling and routing machines, both in 2D and
3D applications. They also demonstrated parts of our software that can
be used in conjunction with machines supplied by some of our competitors
(that's how popular "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" really is!).
NEW: BOXFORD TO INTRODUCE LARGE ROUTER AT THE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
SHOW, NEC, 18TH - 20TH NOVEMBER - (10th November 2004)
You've asked us to produce it. Now come and see it at the D&T show.
Designed for educational use and built in the rigid construction style
that you've come to expect from Boxford, the A1HSRi2 is fully enclosed
with safety in mind. Available with manual clamping as standard, with
a removable vacuum table as an optional extra, it is ideal for machining
furniture and other slot-together parts and will comfortably machine around
a ¼ sheet of Material (4' x 2' or 1220mm x 610mm). Not surprisingly,
it works in conjunction with our much acclaimed CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS software
hence is just as proficient at machining 3D surfaces as it is 2D profiles
and pockets. The "Batch Machining" feature of CAD/CAM DESIGN
TOOLS allows multiple, dissimilar components to be machined in a single
setting.
Download full product
brochure in PDF format. Simply right click on the blue text and select 'Save
Target As' to download the file to your system.
BOXFORD ATTENDS WORLDDIDAC IN BASEL, SWITZERLAND - (10th November
2004)
Boxford were part of the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA)
group in the "British Pavilion" at WORLDIDAC, held in the Basel
Messe in October. Besides meeting with prospective end-users of our CAM
equipment and software, the team met with our existing distributors and
those interested in distributing our products in countries where we are
not currently represented. We were honoured to have HM Ambassador to Switzerland,
Simon Featherstone, visit our booth and see our machines and software
in use. Boxford is one of the most prominent suppliers of educational
CAM equipment on the world market and displayed some machines at WORLDDIDAC
that interface with robots and FMS systems, which are popular in colleges
and universities around the world.
The WorldDidac Boxford
booth with Export Sales Manager, Salem Saidani.
NEW: DAVE LETOREY JOINS BOXFORD AS SOUTHERN AREA SALES MANAGER -
(10th November 2004)
Former D&T teacher Dave Letorey joined Boxford in September and is
now trained and active in the southern part of the country. Any requests
for quotations, calls, visits or live demonstrations of our CAM equipment
and software will be relayed to Dave when you contact Boxford on 01422-358311.
BOXFORD TO ATTEND NFEC NATIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION TO INTRODUCE
PRODUCTS SUITABLE FOR FE MARKET - (10th November 2004)
Educational machines that resemble industrial ones, integrated with our
CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS software provides a unique, seamless teaching facility
that is both familiar to school-leavers when they join college and allows
them to progress to industrial programming, including Fanuc standard codes
as they exit college and move into an engineering career in industry.
No other educational supplier can achieve this in a single software title.
As always, we'll be demonstrating live at the conference. Call at our
booth and see how it's done.
BOXFORD ATTENDS SCOTTISH TTA CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION IN DUNDEE -
(10th November 2004)
Boxford CNC machines and software is now a familiar sight (and sound!!)
at this annual conference, held at Dundee College. The event is a coming
together of technology teachers and advisers in Scotland and covers all
aspects of Design and Technology. In attendance was a A3HSRi CNC Router
and a DUET combined CNC lathe and mill, both producing components for
the duration of the conference.
BOXFORD TO ATTEND ETTA CONFERENCE IN CARLOW, IRELAND - (10th November
2004)
Renowned for its informality (like all conferences and exhibitions should
be!), Boxford staff will be supporting their equipment on the AllAngles
booth at the ETTA conference in November, demonstrating how the many Boxford
125TCL CNC lathes installed in the Emerald Isle can be transformed by
upgrading them to use our CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS software, just like any
brand new machine. An old 125TCL has been upgraded and fitted with an
8-station turret especially for the conference. Delegates from schools
with Boxford 125TCL's are encouraged to visit the booth to see the transformation
for themselves. A CNC milling machine will complete the line up at the
exhibition.
NEW: BOXFORD LASER NOW HAS INTEGRATED EXTRACTION UNIT - (10th
November 2004)
For those schools interested in buying a laser with an extraction / filter
unit included, our 24" x 24" LS900 laser, which recently superseded
the LS600, will have its extraction unit integrated into the cabinet of
the laser. Besides taking up less floor space, movement of the laser between
rooms is now also easier.
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TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AND FORMER DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY TEACHER RECEIVES
TOP AWARD - (5th April 2004)
Boxford Ltd Technical Director and former Design and Technology Teacher,
Paul Barraclough has been presented with the Design and Technology Association's
(DATA) "Outstanding Contribution to Design and Technology Education"
award by David Bell, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in England.
The award was made at DATA's annual awards evening, which was held at
the Royal Society in London on the 25th March. James Dyson CBE and Trevor
Baylis OBE, inventor of the clockwork radio, also attended the event.
Paul's award is the highest professional award that can be made by DATA
and is significant because he is the first winner from a commercial organisation,
all previous winners being academics.
Paul has overseen
Boxford's recent significant development programmes, which has resulted
in its computer controlled educational machinery and CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS
software becoming one of the world's most respected products to enhance
the teaching of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Assisted Manufacturing
(CAM) in schools, colleges and universities. His educational background
has ensured that the products developed by his dedicated team are both
simple and fun to use yet can quickly produce very complex components
with ease.
NEW: THE A3HSRI2 PROVIDES VASTLY INCREASED PERFORMANCE, EVEN
WHEN CUTTING WITH 3 AXES SIMULTANEOUSLY- (25th November 2003)
New features of the latest variant of our A3+ sized High Speed Router
include:-
Performance has almost doubled. You'll need to buy at least two of our
competitors' A3 sized routers to achieve the same throughput as the A3HSRi2
- The latest advances
in precision linear slide and ballscrew technology combined with upgraded
control electronics has facilitated the higher performance.
- An optional kit
to connect the A3HSRi2 to an appropriate dust extraction unit,
removing virtually all the dust and chips in cycle.
- If your budget
doesn't run to an extraction unit, we've provided easier under-table
access using a conventional vacuum cleaner.
- An optional rotary
indexing fixture used in conjunction with software that students, technicians
and teachers can actually use!
- T-slot and off-centred
clamping systems are included.
- Also achieves the
highest feedrates when machining hardwoods, not just balsa, foam and
other soft materials.
NEW: CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS SOFTWARE BOASTS EVEN MORE FEATURES -
(25th November 2003)
Most other educational CAM companies boast a long list of software titles
that achieve less than Boxford achieves with our single title CAD/CAM
DESIGN TOOLS software. Which do you think is the most integrated, logical
and easy to use? If you are not already aware, CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS now
includes the following features:-
- The ability to
easily machine 3D components, using advanced, efficient machining strategies.
Simply load an STL file and follow the simple Wizard.
- The ability to
machine 3D hologram type photographs.
- The ability to
isolate the tracks and pads, besides centring and drilling the holes
in a PCB designed using PCB Wizard.
- Batch manufacturing
capability to machine multiple yet different components on any of our
high-speed machines.
- Conversational
programming feature to bring Engineering classes closer to what happens
in industry.
- And don't forget
that CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS is the only educational CAM package that also
includes turning and 2D milling.
How can you get CAD/CAM
DESIGN TOOLS software.
It's supplied with:-
- New Boxford CAM
equipment
- An upgraded Boxford
CNC machine
- A Boxford upgrade
to certain CNC machines made by other suppliers. See separate item below.
- It's also supplied
standalone as the best virtual CAM package developed specifically for
education. Can be purchased using elc's.
NEW: THE ONLY EDUCATIONAL LASER THAT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE A PHOTOCOPIER!
(IT LOOKS LIKE A BARBECUE!) - (25th November 2003)
That's because it is front loading, with the unique roll-down door providing
both easy access and the best in-cycle viewing. Whilst lasers are restricted
to 2D profiling and marking, they do it well. When incorporated within
a suite of other Boxford CNC lathes, routers and mills, that can perform
operations that Lasers can't, the scope for new project ideas is tremendous.
Boxford is probably the only supplier of educational lasers that uses
Laser technology in its own production facilities, hence we are probably
more experienced in the use of the technology than most. If you are considering
purchasing a laser of any kind, request our laser fact sheet (actually
part of our price list), which tells you some facts about lasers that
the box-shifters might conveniently forget to tell you. The document has
received favourable feedback from D&T teachers. Contact us if you
would like a copy sending.
Latest version of CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS includes "3D-GeoCAM"
- (24th March 2003)
The new version of CAD/CAM DESIGN
TOOLS, now shipping with all new and upgraded CNC machines and currently
being piloted by a selection of UK schools, has the added capability of
being able to machine complex 3D components using 3D-GeoCAM, executed
by using a simple wizard. was developed by Boxford specifically for schools
and can be used to machine any models saved in .STL format, for instance
those created using Pro/DESKTOP. The software employs "Advanced Machining
Strategies," which optimise the cutter paths to reduce cycle times
and prolong tool life; besides producing much superior component surface
finishes when compared to simple rastering strategies. The addition of
3D-GeoCAM makes CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS the only educational CAM
software to handle turning, 2D and advanced 3D milling and routing under
a single software title. Existing users of CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS
will receive the update automatically when the pilot programme is complete.
Use this link for a detailed description of 3D-GeoCAM
and to see a click-by click demonstration or to download an output and
save restricted, but otherwise fully functional, evaluation programme.
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"Batch Manufacturing" feature in CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS brings
further increase in productivity - (24th March 2003)
CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS now includes
a "Batch Manufacturing"
feature to further increase productivity on all our new or upgraded machines
fitted with our fast control (machines that have the "i" suffix
in the model number). Batch Manufacturing allows the work of several
students to placed on the table and manufactured in a single operation,
each student's file being loaded and machined sequentially, without the
hassle of converting several programmes into one.
By popular request - Boxford can now upgrade Non-Boxford machines to
use CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS - (24th March 2003)
Since CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS was released, to critical acclaim from
the teaching fraternity, we have received many requests from teachers,
asking if it could be used with CNC machines supplied by other manufacturers.
The amount of interest has been sufficient for us to develop a universal
solution for mills and routers, acknowledging that further development
to suit the characteristics of any specific model is necessary. Our upgrade
solution is unique and radical. We remove all the original electronics
and replace them with our own fast control in order to allow the machine
to run CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS.
The axis feedrates of the upgraded machine will be much faster than they
were on the original machine and will add a smooth 3D machining capability
for machining models designed in Pro/DESKTOP for instance. We add a Boxford
style control panel. Whilst not changing the outward appearance of the
machine any more than the upgrade dictates, it will essentially be programmed
and controlled like a Boxford machine and will benefit from all the features
of CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS. In doing so, we have provided schools with a
migratory path to Boxford CNC machines or upgrades and the ability to
test CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS in a classroom environment at an attractive
price. We welcome your call to register your interest in upgrading specific
machines to use CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS.
Denford Novamill is the first non-Boxford CNC machine to be upgraded
to use CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS - (24th March 2003)
Our Denford Novamill upgrade to CAD/CAM
DESIGN TOOLS is now available. The upgraded machine will move and
cut twice as fast as it did originally and will have full 3D machining
capability with fast, smooth movement through the points. CAD/CAM DESIGN
TOOLS embeds a special version of 2D Design Tools, includes "ImageRelief"
for machining 3D photographs and 3D-GeoCAM
for machining 3D models using advanced machining strategies and much more.
It also includes significant special features for schools teaching Engineering
based subjects. If you don't have a Novamill, sourcing an unused one from
another school and having it upgraded by Boxford is a very cost-effective
way to be able to use CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS.
New Boxford 300VMCi machines 3D surfaces at up to 8.5 metres per minute
- (24th March 2003)
Well suited to schools, colleges and universities teaching engineering
subjects, the 300VMCi will machine
2D and 3D components in plastics, composite materials, alloys and mild
steel. Options include a tool-changer, powered vice, powered doors etc
to allow the 300VMCi to be integrated with a Robot / CIM cell.
The machine is fitted with Boxford's fast control, which facilitates the
machining of components at very high feedrates. Like all Boxford CNC machines,
the 300VMCi utilises CAD/CAM
DESIGN TOOLS software, which has special features to suit every level
of learning, from quick "Design and Make" projects in Design
and Technology in secondary schools through to industrial programming
using FANUC standard codes in colleges and universities.
LATE NEWS: DfES approves Boxford as both a Curriculum Online Content
Provider and Retailer - (24th March 2003)
 
Boxford has been approved as both a content provider and a retailer of
Curriculum Online products, which can be purchased using e-learning credits.
Boxford products that can be purchased with e-LC's include:-
- "RapidPRO"
- low-cost Rapid Prototyping system utilising a standard vinyl cutter
- (Product ID BOXF-RapidPRO).
- "ImageRelief"
- CAM software for machining 3D "hologram" type photographs
- (Product ID BOXF-ImageRelief).
- "3D-GeoCAM"
- CAM software for machining 3D surfaces using advanced machining strategies
- (Product ID BOXF-3DGeoCAM).
- "CAD/CAM
DESIGN TOOLS"
- CAM software for designing, processing and simulating the manufacturing
of components made on CNC lathes, mills and routers - (Product ID
BOXF-CADCAM_DESIGN_TOOLS).
Exclusivity removed by "F1 in Schools Challenge"- (24th
March 2003)
Last year's unpopular change in the rules has been reversed and your cars
can once again be manufactured on any CNC machine. Several Boxford CNC
machines can be used to machine the cars including our low-cost MidiMILL
and our A3HSRi router, which, incidentally, can machine mahogany faster
than most educational routers can machine balsa-wood.
Retrospective sponsorship available for schools gaining Specialist
School Status - (24th March 2003)
If your school was designated a Specialist School in 2003, it is in your
interest to contact us to discuss genuine retrospective sponsorship to
add to your capital fund.
(Note to schools applying for Specialist School status: As a potential
supplier, revised rules mean that we are not allowed to support your bid
for Specialist School status in a manner such that our sponsorship contributes
to the £50,000 of private funding).
ADVANCED 3D CAM SOFTWARE FOR EDUCATION ANNOUNCED - (18th July 2002)
Paul Barraclough, Boxford's Development Director, chose the DATA annual
conference to announce and demonstrate new 3D CAM software, called 3DGeoCAM,
which was developed by Boxford engineers at its Halifax site. 3DGeoCAM
is the most advanced yet easy to use 3D CAM software available to schools,
colleges and universities to date, combining advanced machining strategies
to reduce cycle times and improve tool-life, with simplicity of use and
sensible educational pricing.
3DGeoCAM brings benefits to both novices and experts with regard to their
respective knowledge of CAM. Taking the form of a simple "wizard,"
3DGeoCAM prompts users through both the roughing and finishing stages
of machining complex 3D components, allowing a choice of machining strategies.
The resultant cutter paths are displayed, layer by layer. Different strategies
can be tried until the optimum strategy for the component in question
is finally selected. The machining process is then simulated and verified,
ensuring that the flute length of the cutter is sufficient to avoid interference
between the tool-shank and the workpiece. The simulation also displays
the actual shape of the cutter and its flute length.
Barraclough explained that Boxford undertook this significant development
only after reviewing many renowned industrial 3D CAM packages and concluded
that they were either too complicated for education, too expensive or
both. 3DGeoCAM is part of Boxford's much respected "CAD/CAM
DESIGN TOOLS" software, delivered with every Boxford CNC machine,
hence integrates seamlessly with any 3D CAD system capable of saving a
model in STL format. 3DGeoCAM is expected to be available in time for
the start of the Autumn 2002 term. See the separate news item about 3DGeoCAM's
availability for use in conjunction with CAM equipment supplied by other
manufacturers.
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RECENT MAJOR CAM SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENTS MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL SCHOOLS,
COLLEGES and UNIVERSITIES, IRRESPECTIVE OF CNC EQUIPMENT USED - (18th
July 2002)
Intent on continuing its policy of supporting and enhancing the successful
"CAD/CAM in SCHOOLS INITIATIVE" in its home country and the variations
of that programme in the USA and other countries around the world, Boxford
has overturned the exclusive tendencies of the educational CAM suppliers
by making both its "ImageRelief"
3D photo engraving software and "3DGeoCAM"
advanced 3D machining software available to be used in conjunction with
CAM equipment supplied by other manufacturers.
Both titles are embedded within Boxford's popular "CAD/CAM
DESIGN TOOLS" software, delivered with every Boxford machine, which
remains the only truly integrated educational CAD/CAM solution.
The titles are shortly to be released as stand-alone applications and a
library of post processors already exists for machines manufactured by several
other suppliers around the world, including Denford, Conect, Unimatic, Light,
Intelitek, EMCO, Roland and many more. Post-processors for other machines
can be created, dependant upon demand.
The announcement was made by Boxford's Development Director, Paul Barraclough,
at the recent Design and Technology Association (DATA) annual conference.
Afterwards, Managing Director Howard Barrett said "ImageRelief
and 3DGeoCAM are products at opposite ends of the CAD/CAM
complexity spectrum, the former being an ideal introductory product and
the latter giving schools the ability to manufacture sculptured 3D models
and surfaces. Our philosophy with regard to educational CAD/CAM software
is that the solution must be simple enough to be used by novice CAD/CAM
users and at a price that schools are used to paying for software. Despite
the contrast between ImageRelief
and 3DGeoCAM our approach has been the same and the
final results for both are achieved with just a few clicks of the mouse.
It really can't get much simpler." See the our ImageRelief
section to download a save-disabled but otherwise functional demo version
and the separate news item above for more details about 3DGeoCAM.
IMPROVED, EXTENDED AND FASTER 190VMCxi IS THE IDEAL CAD/CAM TEACHING
SOLUTION FOR THE NEW VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS - (18th July 2002)
Our 190VMC CNC Machining Centre, the favoured milling workhorse of many
Design and Technology departments, has undergone a major design review in
readiness for the new vocational qualifications. Axis travels have been
extended, rapid traverse and programmable feedrates have been quadrupled
and its metal cutting abilities improved. The machine, now called the 190VMCxi,
is mounted in a new ergonomically functional cabinet offering the maximum
student viewing area yet integrally containing any factory-fitted options
within. Options such as automatic tool-changer, power operated vice and
doors are available if the machine is to be included in a CIM cell with
robotics etc. Like the rest of the Boxford PC range, the 190VMCxi
comes with Boxford's much respected CAD/CAM
DESIGN TOOLS software, which includes "ImageRelief",
our 3D photo engraving wizard and will shortly include "3DGeoCAM",
our recently announced 3D CAM software with advanced 3D machining strategies.
BOXFORD INTRODUCES NEW LOW-COST MidiMILL 3-AXIS CNC MACHINING CENTRE
- (1st December 2001)
Boxford chose the D&T Show to announce the MidiMILL,
our new low-cost 3-axis CNC machining centre specifically designed for D&T
departments wanting to use CAD/CAM equipment on a limited budget. The MidiMILL
will machine 2D and 3D components and like the rest of the Boxford range
uses CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS software,
which integrates seamlessly with software supplied via the CAD/CAM in Schools
Initiative. The control panel also allows the machine to be controlled manually,
using directional buttons instead of handwheels. The combination of large
machining envelope, low price, on-site warranty and training package make
the MidiMILL the best value for money
3-axis machining centre at the low-cost end of the UK educational CAM market.
Data Resources Guide gives Boxford products top marks - (24th August
2001)
The "Guide to Design and Technology resources" for secondary schools published
by DATA (The Design and Technology Association) has given "Excellent" and
"Highly Recommended" grades to Boxford's range of CNC Machines, "CAD/CAM
DESIGN TOOLS" software and "RapidPRO."
RapidPRO is our revolutionary new low-cost Rapid-Prototyping system that
utilises sticky-backed card and a vinyl cutter to recreate 3D solids from
CAD files saved in STL format. DATA used D&T teachers from within its membership
to evaluate the products against several criteria. More detail about the
products can be found elsewhere in this web-site.
Boxford Machines Now Move 4X Faster - (1st December 2001)
Exhibited for the first time at the D&T Show, Boxford's new control was
fitted to both a A3HSR Router and a 190VMC Machining Centre. Visitors saw
3D surfaces being machined at feedrates an order of magnitude faster than
anything seen before on educational CAM machines. The performance may have
increased but the price of the machines remains unchanged.
Boxford In Poll Position at the D&T Show! - (1st December 2001)
Boxford once again occupied its traditional position right in front of the
entrance at the "D&T Show" held at the NEC on 8th, 9th and 10th November.
The booth was the first point of call for many of the visitors and included
8 x CNC machines, all producing meaningful components from scratch, with
several of them machining hard materials. All machines were running the
latest "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" software, which is common across the whole
range. RapidPRO, our low-cost Rapid-Prototyping system was demonstrated
and the many and varying models created using the system were on display.
Our popular A3HSR Router and 190VMC Machining Centre were demonstrated for
the first time with their NEW 4 x faster controls as was the MidiMILL, our
NEW low-cost 3-axis Machining Centre for those schools with a limited budget.
Visitors were fascinated with our new "Image Relief" software, now part
of "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS," which facilitates the machining of 3D photos
or images with just a few clicks of a wizard. See below for fuller descriptions
of these products.
Boxford CNC Upgrade Prize Draw Winners - (1st December 2001)
Visitors to our D&T show booth with Boxford CNC machines in their school
workshops were invited to enter a draw to have their machine upgraded to
our latest specification, running CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS software. The draw
was made by Mr. Andy Breckon, Chief Executive of DATA. Winner was Tupton
Hall School near Chesterfield. Arrangements are already in hand to upgrade
the school's vintage 125TCL benchtop CNC lathe. Runners-up prizes of RapidPRO
were won by Park Hall School, Birmingham, Newsome High School, Huddersfield
and Longcroft School, Beverley. Our congratulations to the winners.
Picture This! - (1st December 2001)
Half a dozen clicks (and one of them is the camera!) to produce a 3D image
relief from a digital photograph or scanned image. "Image Relief" is now
released and is part of our "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" software. It is being
shipped with new machines and upgrades. Updates will be sent to existing
users of CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS early in the New Year.
Manufacture F1 Cars on Boxford Machines Without Having to Purchase an
Expensive Jig - (1st December 2001)
Dyson D&T Teacher of the Year award winners Simon Badcock of Theale Green
School, Reading and Steve Fleming of Our Lady and St. John RC High School,
Blackburn have developed a simple method of machining 3D models, including
F1 cars, without having to purchase an expensive jig. The methodology was
devised by Simon and applied to F1 cars by Steve. The method involves designing
the vehicle so that it is retained by small tags within a frame. The first
side is machined and the retention tags formed. The frame is then turned
over and the second side machined, retaining the tags. Once finished machined
the vehicle is snapped out of the frame and traces of the tags are removed.
The two machining operations blend at their joining and the block is securely
clamped at table level throughout the machining process. Does it work? Well
the car produced by Steve's team has made it to the National Final. If minimum
times attainable is what the competition is all about then Boxford machines
fitted with the new 4 x faster control leaves the rest in the pits! (see
above for details).
It's Not Rocket Science - (1st December 2001)
NASA's manager of Rapid-Prototyping, who claims to have the biggest RP toy-box
in the world, confirms Boxford's belief that low-cost sticky-paper based
systems are more appropriate than expensive industrial RP systems when it
comes to explaining the principles of RP to students in schools.
Boxford at the Technology Colleges Trust Conference - (1st December
2001)
Boxford demonstrated a range of CAD/CAM solutions at the conference where
senior school managers were fascinated at the latest manufacturing technologies.
With the latest National Curriculum orders requiring a CAD/CAM element to
be taught, it was good to see such a high level of interest from people
who control school budgets.
Former Design and Technology teacher joins Boxford board - (24th
August 2001)
Paul Barraclough, a former D&T teacher, has been made a Director of Boxford
Ltd. Paul joined the company in 1994 after working first in the engineering
industry and then as a D&T teacher. Since 1996 he has managed the development
of Boxford's new products, all of them with increasing software content.
His blend of industrial, IT and academic experience is self-evident from
the accolades the products have received from D&T teachers world-wide. Boxford's
major involvement in the UK's CAD/CAM in Schools" initiative has made Paul
a regular speaker on the educational CAD/CAM circuit, specialising in CAM,
Rapid-Prototyping and manufacturing in general. Paul will continue to manage
our development programme besides representing the company in projects befitting
his new position.
Coming soon to a screen near you! - (24th August 2001)
We will soon be adding another major feature to our much-praised "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" software. "Image Relief" will allow students to take a
digital photograph or scan a print and then machine the image as a 3D relief
in thin plastic material. The resultant image takes on a hologram-type appearance.
Lighting and security are just two project ideas that lend themselves towards
this technology. Given that it takes just a few camera and mouse clicks
from start to finish, the feature also provides an ideal introduction to
CAD/CAM.
Existing users
of "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" will be able to update their software from our
web-site free of charge when "Image Relief" is released.
If the feature
is of interest to users of non-Boxford CNC machines or 3D plotter-cutters,
use the e-mail facility in our web-site to tell us which make and model
of machine(s) you have got. A good response might persuade us to further
develop "Image Relief" as a free-standing programme for other equipment!
Congratulations to Theale Green Community School - (24th August
2001)
Theale Green Community School in Berkshire has won a coveted PTC prize.
The concept DECT phone and cradle (Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications)
was designed and produced by Joshua Davis as part of his A-level Design
and Technology Project using PTC's Pro/DESKTOP CAD system and was judged
best educational project in Europe. The school is an important hub within
the successful "CAD/CAM in Schools" initiative in the UK and benefited from
a Boxford 190VMC CNC Machining Centre, funded by the DfES, when the initiative
was launched in 1999. The school's manufacturing capabilities have since
been further enhanced with the addition of a Boxford A3HSR CNC Router. 3D
machining in UK schools was pioneered at the school from whence a close
working relationship has developed and the winning entry was manufactured
on the Boxford CNC Machines. Boxford worked closely with the school during
the development phase of "RapidPRO",
our low-cost Rapid-Prototyping and Manufacturing System. Our engineers and
product developers continue to work with Head of Design and Technology,
Simon Badcock, and his team at the school as we develop future products.
On that subject, watch this space!
New Boxford Website Launched - (2nd May 2001)
Welcome to our new Web-site! Regular visitors will have already noticed
the difference. The new web-site has taken on a more colourful, fresher
appearance with navigation around the site much improved. Several new products
that we have brought to market recently make the web-site even more interesting.
See a resume of these products in the other news items or more detail about
them on their own pages. Any comments about the site, please contact the
Web-master.
The ONLY educational Low-cost Rapid-Prototyping product goes from strength
to strength - (1st May2001)
Released in February 2001, the Boxford RapidPRO Rapid-Prototyping system
is now installed in hundreds of schools and colleges worldwide reflecting
its status as the ONLY low cost product specifically developed for education.
The recently published DATA (The Design and Technology Association) resource
guide which collates D&T teacher product evaluations wrote ...
... "The software is very easy to use with excellent help pages
illustrated with photographs and video clips. Little instruction is needed
in its use and all ability levels at Key Stages 3 and 4 should be able to
cope with it with minimum teacher input ...... It allows pupils to experience
CAD/CAM at an affordable price."
RapidPRO software allows any 3D model saved in "STL" format to be "sliced"
into paper-thick slices. The slices are then optimally nested and output
to a vinyl cutter loaded with sticky-backed card. Simply using a couple
of pegs, the slices are rapidly assembled to recreate the 3D model. 5 or
6 "clicks" from start to finish. You can't get much simpler than that! See
more detail elsewhere in this web-site or better still download demo software
from our special web-site at www.rapidpro.co.uk
Boxford "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" software sets the new standard for Educational
CAD/CAM software - (30th April 2001)
The fruits of one of the most comprehensive software development projects
ever undertaken by an educational CAD/CAM supplier were formally released
in January 2001. Using feedback from our customer service engineers that
visit schools on a daily basis coupled with the knowledge and experience
of several former D&T teachers that occupy key positions in the company,
"CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" has set the
new standard for CAD/CAM software in education.
Whether the requirement is for 2D or 3D components to be machined, "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" can handle everything, where necessary seamlessly integrating
with other external applications to facilitate a flowing, single session.
Simulation of the machining cycle is near video quality and can be interrupted
at any time to allow sectioning, rewinding or capturing of images to help
students compose an even more professional looking project. HELP is context
sensitive, graphically intense and rich in tutorials. Any shape of cutter
can be accommodated and its shape displayed during simulation. Tool and
material libraries are vastly improved and are password protected to provide
only authorised staff with the means of changing data. "Wizards" appear
automatically to guide users through certain common procedures step by step.
The setting of "tool offsets" is one such example (feedback from teachers
via our customer service engineers determined this procedure to be the most
feared, irrespective of the machine's manufacturer). It's not now if your
machine is running "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS"!
The all-Windows based software can be used with any CNC
machine in the Boxford range and has the same look and feel across lathes,
mills, routers and combination mill / turn machines. It supports all the
common PC operating systems and networks used in education. The Boxford
non-obsolescence policy has been maintained and most Boxford PC based CNC
machines can be upgraded to run the new software, irrespective of their
age. Some machines may need a hardware upgrade to an extent that is dependent
on their vintage.
Being a worldwide supplier we have to accommodate universal curriculum needs.
Some schools and colleges use the integral CAD/CAM system to generate programmes
automatically. Others are required to teach traditional "G&M" code programming.
"CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" accommodates both methods and further enhances the
latter by providing a series of "tutors" in the form of "wizards" to guide
inexperienced programmers. To consolidate schools links with industry, the
CNC codes output are now to Fanuc standard, reflecting that company's dominance
of the CNC controller market.
The software purchased with new machines in the UK is supported with our
now famous and unrivalled on-site training and ongoing customer service
support. Training for schools having their machines upgraded is performed
at the Boxford facility for a token fee.
Boxford launch new version of the famous "DUET" combination CNC lathe
/ milling training machine for schools - (19th April 2001)
Released in March 2001, the DUET has
been revised to bring it in line with the rest of the Boxford educational
CNC range of equipment. That means
any Boxford CNC machine is now programmed and operated in exactly the same
manner. The DUET now sits on a shallow base that houses the same control
system as the rest of the range. A front panel of operator control buttons
is incorporated in the base, providing a "manual" machine capability and
eliminating the necessity to operate the machine using a mouse and "virtual
buttons" on-screen. The addition of "homing switches" has eliminated the
need to "touch-off" the tools each time the machine is used. The machine
utilises "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" software
and remains the only serious entry-level CNC
combination machine in the educational market. Existing DUETS can be
upgraded to the new version on a return to factory basis.
Boxford delivers seminars at DATA CAD/CAM conferences held at the University
of Warwick and at the DATA South
London CAD/CAM Centre - (12th April 2001)
March 2001, Boxford's Head of Development, Paul Barraclough, - himself a
former D&T teacher, presented seminars demonstrating how we have integrated
the software applications relevant to the UK's "CAD/CAM in Schools" initiative
with our new "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS"
software. This provides users with a seamlessly integrated single design
and manufacturing session enveloping the whole process. Besides demonstrating
3D machining, Barraclough showed the audiences how 3D designs can be easily
manufactured from fabricated 2D component parts thus reducing CNC machine
cycle times and increasing student productivity within a finite amount of
time. Some of the features unique to "CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS" were demonstrated,
as was an alternative method of harnessing Rapid-Prototyping
technology to produce 3D solid models from any "STL" formatted file using
sticky-backed card and our new low-cost "RapidPRO" software, which is used
in conjunction with any vinyl cutter.
Boxford introduce the first Low-cost Rapid-Prototyping product specifically
designed for education - (26th April 2001)
Released in February 2001, RapidPRO software allows any 3D model saved in
"STL" format to be "sliced" into paper-thick slices. The slices are then
optimally nested and output to a vinyl cutter loaded with sticky-backed
card. Simply using a couple of pegs, the slices are rapidly assembled to
recreate the 3D model. 5 or 6 "clicks" from start to finish. You can't get
much simpler than that! See more detail elsewhere in this web-site or better
still download demo software from our special web-site at www.rapidpro.co.uk
Boxford are "Brassed Off" with students from Blyth Community College
in Northumberland! - (08th April 2001)
What started as modest support from Boxford for a "Young Enterprise Initiative"
escalated into a significant sponsorship programme due to the success of
a "business" called "Brassed Off." The company was created by students from
the school and flourished virtually from the first day it was open for business.
The Managing Director of "Brassed Off" is just 16 years of age! As the company
name might suggest, "Brassed Off" believed there was a market for "up-market"
engraved brass key ring fobs and similar "tourist shop" type items. They
successfully negotiated the use of a Boxford
CNC machining centre and the included CAD/CAM
software to allow production to commence. Their beliefs were confirmed
when business rolled in from pupils, parents, industry and even a government
department. The number of components machined is ranked in thousands and
the business is profitable. The team was successful in several YE competitions
and was declared North East champions at an event staged at the Metro centre,
Gateshead. As winners, they and the Boxford CNC machine traveled to Norway
to take part in an exhibition in Stavanger.
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