Ovation Instruments, Inc. produces 350 guitars a week. In the past, detail work was done by hand, using a jigsaw, files, and carving tools. But as the company experienced greater demand for its guitars, it needed a way to increase production efficiency. Using a CNC machine for cutting and routing, along with Mastercam, the PC-based CNC programming system from CNC Software, Inc., Tolland, Connecticut, has proved to be an effective solution. Once the geometry has been imported or created in Mastercam, the software generates contouring and roughing paths for the CNC machine almost automatically. Once the CNC machine is set up, it cuts as many as 40 inlays in 20 minutes, relieving employees of repetitious work and freeing them to perform other tasks. The efficiency of the new system has carried over to custom guitar detailing, enabling Ovation to lower the cost of this service and make it available to more performers.

Ovation Instruments has come along way since founder Charlie Kaman started making guitars in a helicopter blade factory more than 25 years ago. His commitment to build guitars using the latest aerospace technology and traditional New England craftsmanship set the stage for rapid growth. Many of the 130 employees in New Hartford have been with the company since its beginning, and they are widely regarded as some of the best guitar makers anywhere.

In the past, pre-cut mother of pearl inlays were purchased from Germany; all other detail work was done by hand at the Connecticut facility. Someone would first draw the wood figures at twice their size and then reduce them using a Pantograph machine. Then a steel master template was produced. Rough cutting was done using a small jig saw, and the pieces were refined using a handsaw and special file. These steps tool several days, not including cutting cavities in the fingerboard or peghead; a process that took several more days. Not only was this manual process time-consuming, but it was also tiring. Employees could only concentrate on it for a few hours at a time, then they would have to stop and switch to another task. And every time the company came up with a new inlay design, a toolmaker had to make a new steel master template.

With working envelope of 40 x 27.5 x 9.5 in., EcoRaptor(TM) includes 600 W, 60,000 rpm spindle with 1/4 in. collet, 10-tool Automatic Tool Management System(TM), micro-mist coolant system, protective enclosure with door safety interlock, and chip disposal tray. Controller is equipped with 850 MHz Pentium[R] PC, 15 in. CRT monitor, 250 MB RAM, 40 GB part/program storage, and Microsoft Windows[R] software. It offers Ethernet networking and remote monitoring and control.

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MILFORD, NH, March 14, 2005 - The EcoRaptor(TM) is the latest CNC router to be added to Datron's Raptor Class of machining centers. A step up in size from their miniRaptor(TM), the EcoRaptor's 40" x 27.5" x 9.5" working envelope is ideal for nested (batch) machining or low quantity production runs of panels, extrusions, electromechanical parts and aerospace profiles.

At a list price of $64,800, the EcoRaptor includes standard features like a 600W, 60,000 RPM spindle (with 1/4" collet), 10-tool Automatic Tool Management System(TM) (20-tool optional), micro-mist coolant system, full protective enclosure with door safety interlock, chip disposal tray, Microsoft Windows[R] and Microsoft Windows[R]-based control software, 850 MHz Pentium[R] PC, 15" CRT monitor, Cherry Keyboard, hand-held controller, 250 MB RAM, 40 GB part/program storage, Ethernet networking capability, remote monitoring capability, CD-ROM drive, USB port and 3.5" drive.

The EcoRaptor's vibration-dampening concrete polymer machine table equipped with a built-in 10-tool, Automatic Tool Management System(TM) can be ordered with a 36" knock-out as a free option. The EcoRaptor's 60,000 RPM spindle produces low force and superior quality when tooling 0.250" and under. An integrated Ethanol-Mist Coolant System(TM) provides for superb surface finishes and eliminates secondary processes like de-burring or de-greasing to further improve cycle times. Datron's Microsoft[R] Windows[R]-based controller works with virtually any CAD/CAM software and offers Ethernet networking capability, as well as remote monitoring and control, allowing the machine to seamlessly integrate into any manufacturing environment.

With absolute accuracy of 0.0001 in. and relative accuracy of 0.0005 in., OmniRaptor(TM) meets stringent demands of dynamic manufacturing environment. Unit includes 2 kW, water-chilled, 60,000 rpm spindle; 5/6 in. dia collet; and 15-tool station-style rack. Ethanol-Mist Coolant System(TM) eliminates secondary processes such as deburring or degreasing. Microsoft[R] Windows[R]-based controller works with virtually any CAD/CAM software and offers Ethernet networking capability.

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Milford, NH, March 25, 2005 - The OmniRaptor(TM) is the latest CNC router to be added to Datron's Raptor Class of machining centers. With absolute accuracy of 0.0001" and relative accuracy of 0.0005", The OmniRaptor(TM) is designed to meet the stringent demands of a dynamic manufacturing environment. Feed rates of up to 800 ipm produce optimized cycle times making this machine ideal for high-volume production schedules. A steel bridge reinforced with polymer concrete provides superior stability and support for heavier spindles. The 2kwatt (2-3/4 hp), water-chilled 60,000-RPM spindle has the torque to handle the most challenging workpieces, multiple shift production or high material removal. The 5/6" diameter collet and heavy-duty design can handle large or continuous workloads and optimize cycle times. A standard 15-tool "station-style" rack with tool-length sensor can be upgraded to an optional 30-tool station for added capacity. Faster feed rates, stabilized gantry, integrated pneumatically covered tool magazine, LCD flat-panel display, polycarbonate side windows and a removable chip cart on wheels are just a few extra features that distinguish the OmniRaptor from other Datron models.

The OmniRaptor's vibration-dampening concrete polymer machine table equipped with a built-in 15-tool, Automatic Tool Management System(TM) can be ordered with a 36" knock-out as a free option. The OnmiRaptor's 60,000-RPM spindle produces low force and superior quality when tooling 0.250" and under. An integrated Ethanol-Mist Coolant System(TM) provides for superb surface finishes and eliminates secondary processes like de-burring or de-greasing to further improve cycle times. Datron's Microsoft[R] Windows[R]-based controller works with virtually any CAD/CAM software and offers Ethernet networking capability, as well as remote monitoring and control, allowing the machine to seamlessly integrate into any manufacturing environment.