This is all about Integrated Computer Assisted Manufacturing (ICAM) Systems

In particular using a TrueMotion ICAM kit developed by Advanced Micro Solutions.

TrueMotion is a system for engineers and constructors who want to

automate existing or develop new machines without hassle.

TrueMotion comprises a "Draw and Go" software kit ready to run on a home PC,

along with a Machine Control Unit.

What is ICAM? It's a package comprising software and a few hardware components including a Control Unit connecting between your PC and a machine. The I in ICAM stands for integrated, a package like TrueMotion is a complete automation drive device, you don't have to get stuff from several suppliers and spend months stiching it together. Open up the box connect the components together and make stuff. Use the Automating Machines link for more information.

Can I cut really hard materials like stone ? Yes you can, cutting and engraving granite is no problem, cutting materials like porcelain that can be even harder is no problem but the cutters can be expensive and cannot be re-sharpened. Working honed, calibrated and riven stone is not difficult, engraving must be done with a sole plate that is pressed hard on to the substrate to stop the cutter riding upward and messing up! Stone cutting requires the generation of a large lateral force for deep "V" traditional cutwork. Use the Working Stone link for more information.

What can I make? The list is endless, you can make just about anything you can draw, or copy on to the screen. You can engrave any text or clip art etc. or design and make complicated gearbox parts, even aircraft wings, the sky is not the limit! See below,

Can I make 2 and 3 dimensional objects ? Yes and even better, you can make "cut and fold" items, its easy to "V" cut material and make boxes, display cases and even those geodetic hemishperes that house big radar scanners, the ones that look like half a football and made up of polygons linked together.

Can I cut and engrave wood with these machines ? Yes, ICAM powered machines can use inexpensive routers, it can do this because ICAM is powerful enough to move a cutting tool with a sole plate pressed down hard on to the workpiece. This enables true auto-router operation.

How much is it going to cost to build a specific type of machine and get going ? The larger the machine the more it will cost but if you want to engrave small items like cups or work areas less than 0.1M (about a ft. sq.) then you need to look at "hobby" machines elswhere. TrueMotion and other ICAM equipment are very cost effective at half imperial sheet (1250 x 1250mm) size and up. The cost of the ICAM hardware/software bundle for auto-router machines starts at around £1000 but you can purchase components see TrueMotion Kits.

Pine engraved headboard, with personal name. Just about any resident computer text can be applied along with any clip art required. Chinese and Japanese characters as well as western text can be applied.

Pine engraved box, top and bottom profile cut, top engraved, sides cut from a length of softwood "V" cut and folded round and dropped into slot in base. Quickly made, slots together personalised product.

Here are some examples of worked slate, the material can be left "as cut" or colour filled, it takes a little time to become proficient in the art of stone engraving but is well worth the effort as spectacular pieces can be produced with ICAM technology.

Making a simple box in plastic is quick and easy, the plastic could be clear if required. MDF sheet products can be readily cut out with the sides folded over and glued after being machined with a "V" cutter. The cut is made almost right through, PVA wood glue is applied to the cut and this wets the folding point enabling the folding action to be completed without the external surface rupturing. The finished box or container can have softly rounded and small radiused corners, things made this way can be inexpensive to fabricate yet be very strong and light.

Jack's box above was made by folding pine slips, again cut almost right through with the "V" cut the wood can be folded with confidence after wetting the cut to make the material pliable, application of PVA glue completes the job!

What types of machines can be used with ICAM? It might be a mill or lathe you have in your workshop, or perhaps a bridge mill, profiler, engraver you have purchased modified or even built yourself. Many types of machine can be driven using ICAM. Have a look at the most common types below ranging from a small engineers mill, to a large profiler. The accuracy achieved when using ICAM is dependent on machines mechanical fidelity not on the ICAM electronics. Use the Building Machines Link to see more machines.

What does it do? It enables almost anyone to make things by just drawing them, if you can't draw, then just copy drawings, clip art, etc., you can just drag and drop stuff on to the screen. There are no number strings or codes have to be messed with. Never used CAD? the kit comes with a CAD package that is easy to use yet powerful. The example below shows a simple engraving task, yes it really is easy. Making complex machine parts requires a bit more practice, but perfect results are not that difficult to achieve in a short time!

How much is it going to cost to convert my machine and get automated? It can cost as little as a few hundred pounds, but don't confuse TrueMotion ICAM with other systems, the product described here does not use stepper motors or servo devices it is an entirely digital system very reliable and powerful. Click on the Automating Machines link.

Bridge mill with 2kW spindle on "continental" mounts, the track can be several metres long and some versions are portable for on site work. Flat non cogging motors are used for fast working on this design.

Advanced Micro Solutions are manufacturers of TrueMotion ICAM Systems

TrueMotion was awarded a Gold Medal for Inovation in Mechatronics

by the British Society of Inventors in London.

AMS are members of the Welsh Inovation Network (WIN)

The Long Barn Thornhill Cardiff CF14 9UA.

Tel 07533413021 e-mail truemotiontech@gmail.com

Type 400 QDS Auto-Router Powered by TrueMotion

This small auto-router has an "X" axis or processing width of cut of 1250mm, it can however load sheets as wide as 1500mm. The sheet on the top of the work bed is 4ft. wide (standard Imperial sheet width). The "Y" axis can process 1250mm but can load with a little overhang an 8x4 sheet so there is no need to cut down a sheet to load the machine.

The machining head in the centre of the picture is capable of loading interchangeable routers up to 3HP and can work in several modes. Auto-router mode, when the sole plate is pressed hard down on the job for accurate depth and engraving work, terrain mode when the router depth follows the surface contour and flying mode when the cutter runs above and profiles the job. The "Z" axis displacement or depth of cut can be controlled manually or by the controlling computer.

TrueMotion Strong Points are:-

"Draw and Go" technology, no number strings and codes, just draw it to make it in 3D!

Reliable software based product with easy to use and seamlessly integrated CAD and CAM.

Super agile control system providing the user with easy manual and automating functions.

Minimal hardware so little to go wrong, standard components, drives low voltage motors.

Well proven advanced "Smart" closed loop tool navigational technology.

Electronic and electro-mechanical kits available, also info on purchasing mechanicals.

Core ICAM technology device supplied with long guarantee.

Very cost effective, single kit will drive mills, profilers, auto-routers and lathes.