ShopBot has selected a Bishop-Wisecarver linear motion solution for the PowerStick feature of its second generation “Buddy”.
A major objective in the design of the next generation of the compact
“Buddy” CNC was to reduce assembly time and cost. The existing method took about two hours to assemble, and required skilled labor. But they needed to achieve this objective without compromising rigidity, load capacity, or the ability to withstand the harsh environment in which the machines operate.
“We enjoy a great relationship with Bishop-Wisecarver, and they were our first choice to work with”, says Ted Hall, CEO of ShopBot. “They didn’t have an off-the-shelf solution to offer, but asked for a couple of days to brainstorm and design. I was amazed, when two days later I had a proof of concept sample in my hands. Seeing people jump in and get their hands dirty to produce something new is an example we resonate with and it is exciting”
Two weeks following the proof of concept sample, a functional prototype was delivered to ShopBot. The custom solution features Bishop-Wisecarver’s new QuickTrak® clamp extrusion, which requires no drilling or fasteners, reducing assembly time to just minutes, and significantly increasing production capacity, according to ShopBot. More importantly, it integrates Bishop-Wisecarver’s DualVee track, a technology already proven excellent in the tough conditions created by a CNC machine.
The ShopBot Buddy with PowerStick is one of 20 entries chosen, from a field of over 125, as a finalist for the IWF 2008 Challengers Award®. The Challengers Award is widely recognized as the woodworking industry’s highest honor. Final judging will take place at IWF 2008 in Atlanta, August 20-23. The Buddy with PowerStick will also be featured in ShopBot’s Buddy booth, #8436, as well as ShopBot’s main booth, #8649.
QuickTrak®, which was released on June 3, 2008, can be seen at the New Product Showcase at IWF 2008, and at Bishop-Wisecarver’s booth, #8422.
::Design World::
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