Minden, May 2017

Altendorf MAGIS – the new digital operator guidance system

Altendorf takes care to emphasise that Altendorf MAGIS is not a cut optimisation program but a new digital, graphical operator guidance system. This smart software takes the data from cut optimisation, detects the configuration of the saw and visualises everything. The loaded dimension specifications for manual fences or automatic adjustment of motorised fences are clearly visible and simplify work from the outset. Easy-to-understand icons on the screen of a tablet guide the operator step by step even through operations involving complex nesting. In addition, a label showing the content of downstream processing can be affixed to finished workpieces.

Altendorf MAGIS enables all machine operators to work more reliably because they know what they have to do next regardless of their level of training. The cutting to size of panel-shaped materials and extruded products is presented visually before the first cut. Altendorf MAGIS shows the way through the predefined sequences of cuts, ensuring that every operator can adhere to them and saving both material and production time. Altendorf MAGIS is very flexible because it has interfaces to many well-known optimisation solutions. As the tablet is mobile, the cut optimisation data is loaded in the production planning department and then the tablet is re-attached to the mount on the sliding table saw. Optional features of the system include a printer and a barcode reader. These make it possible to label finished workpieces in preparation for further processing. By applying a barcode, it is even possible to identify the underlying order and link it to the workpiece. Another useful accessory from Altendorf is a second screen to show the cutting plan to an assistant on the opposite side to the operator position. “Altendorf MAGIS is flexible and very helpful when it comes to optimising operations and processes in small and medium-sized businesses. It makes work with the sliding table saw easier and safer and consequently helps firms to boost their profitability,” says Altendorf managing director Joerg F. Mayer.

Altendorf set to sell the Schelling s45 cut-to-size saw

Starting at LIGNA 2017, Altendorf’s sales team will take part in selling the Schelling s 45 in Germany. The two parties are convinced that this sales cooperation is an interesting and promising concept that will increase business for both of them. For Altendorf, the product does not compete with its own sliding table saw. “Firms that have an Altendorf or want to buy a new one know exactly what it is or will be used for. The same applies to the s 45 from Schelling. A combination of the two machines can make many businesses more productive. The Schelling s 45 is a sensible complement to the sliding table saw especially when it comes to mitre cuts for large or long panels,” explains Joerg F. Mayer, managing director at Altendorf. The advantages of the Schelling s 45 lie in the cutting to size of large panels in series production whereas the Altendorf F 45 stands out through its great flexibility in further processing of cut panel formats. Altendorf’s sales force will sell the Schelling machine in Germany and provide initial advice to customers. Schelling’s team will install the machine and service it. In addition, Altendorf will help to market the Schelling product by promoting it on its own website and via Facebook.

F 45 series: new options and optimisation features

F 45 now with an optional air table
Altendorf is launching the first air table for the F 45 model as an optional feature. The compressed-air unit operates on the right-hand side of the saw blade to make work at the rip fence easier. The air cushion reduces the frictional resistance between the material and the machine table by up to 80%. However, the advantage does not only lie in the operator having to apply much less force. Customers that cut material with sensitive surfaces to size (high-gloss coatings, lamination sheets etc.) benefit from the almost non-touching movement of the workpiece over the machine table. The compressed-air cushion is absolutely clean, so the quality of the surface is not impaired.

New parking position protects the scorer unit and allows larger main saw blades to be fitted
Customers who choose a three-axis scorer unit when buying a new Altendorf F 45 will profit from the new parking position. It means the scorer can be moved vertically and horizontally out of its working range, so that is now also possible to fit main saw blades with a diameter up to 550 mm without having to schedule additional set-up times for the scorer. Another advantage is that the entire scorer unit is much more protected. When materials like solid wood, plastic or non-ferrous metals are cut, the scorer unit cannot be soiled, damaged or even destroyed by sawdust or particles. This option is only available for machines with one-way tilting saw unit.

Better readability for the DIGIT L
The frequently used crosscut fence DIGIT L will be even more user friendly as of LIGNA 2017: Altendorf’s design engineers have moved the scale closer to the operator to make it easier to read when pre-setting the dimension. The two new magnifying glasses also help to improve readability, enabling pre-settings to be made 30% faster. In addition, the process reliability of the DIGIT L has been increased considerably: The tape measure now also protects the signalling magnetic tape against damage and wear. These optimisation features for the DIGIT L help to increase the productivity and life of the system.

F 45 now has three different working heights
Although the working heights for sliding table saws have kept rising in recent years, there has also been international demand for lower machines from Altendorf. The company has responded to this and now offers three working heights for the F 45 sliding table saw throughout the world: 85, 88 and 91 cm. When ordering the machine, customers can specify which height they require.

Sensing of the rip fence safety zone
The safety clearance of the CNC-driven rip fence in front of the saw blade is 180 mm for all Altendorf F 45 sliding table saws.  To make this zone even safer, Altendorf has placed a sensor in the saw unit’s tilt segment to tell the controller whether the saw blade has been tilted or not. If the sensor detects that tilting has not taken place, the fence can even be moved and positioned up to 50 mm in front of the saw blade at high speed. If the sensor detects even just a slight tilt, the CNC rip fence is braked to creep speed in good time and approaches its specified end position only under constant manual confirmation by the operator. This optimisation increases not only safety but also productivity, in particular if the cutting plan involves many narrow parts.