HELINER

Industrial CNC Routers, Laser Machines, and Robots – for New Zealand Manufacturers

Heliner’s Mission Part 1 – The Future of CNC

CNC Router

New Zealand’s manufacturing industry has long punched above its weight. Unable to compete at scale, our small but skilled population has carved its niche as innovators and bespoke manufacturers. 97% of our businesses have less than 20 employees, and we pride ourselves on this culture of startups. 

Yet, when it comes to scale, we’ve always found ourselves in the rearview. A small population, a lack of funding, and a lack of necessity due to our isolation has curtailed our journey into automation and large-scale CNC. 

However, times are changing with the onset of Industry 4.0. Traditional advantages of scale may no longer matter in the brave new world of AI – with its low buy-in cost, and everyone starting from ground zero. More versatile automated solutions such as robotic arms are becoming affordable, and can be integrated into New Zealand-sized workshops without a production line. As new industries in aerospace, medical, scientific, and niche fields come online, New Zealand’s manufacturing must keep up – and we are fast approaching the point where advancement is not only possible but necessary.

So what is Heliner’s Strategy?

At Heliner, we’re not just observing this CNC revolution; we’re diving into it. The past two decades have reshaped the manufacturing landscape, introducing game-changing advancements. Our strategy has always been to stay adaptable, foster creativity, and harness these innovations. It’s no surprise that many of our team joined the CNC field: they sought its ever-evolving challenges and feeling of progress. United in our mission, we’re ready to integrate pioneering technologies into our products and services. We look forward to pushing the boundaries of Industry 4.0, and remaining at the forefront of this revolution. 

Like what you see in the video? Check out Heliner’s 5-axis machining centre!

Check out this post and others on our LinkedIn!

Today Heliner is proud to announce another milestone! We now have our own facility, complete with an extensive assembly area, a workshop, and a showroom to exhibit our diverse range of CNC routers and laser cutters. We can also stock more machines and parts, helping us meet clients’ needs even in the event of a supply chain disruption.

Heliner has always believed in supporting local talent, and so to celebrate our new space we are opening our workshop to all local machinists, craftspeople, and hobbyists. You can come by, try out our machines, and experience the Heliner difference! Whether you’re a seasoned professional or passionate hobbyist, we have the tools and expertise to bring your ideas to life.

We’re offering more than just our machines. We’re creating a space to share knowledge, encourage innovation, and build a community of people who love to make things. Come innovate with us, and remember to always celebrate your progress.

Find out our products range: https://heliner.com/products/

Choosing the right tool for any woodworking project, especially when dealing with plywood, can dramatically impact the quality of your results. When it comes to choosing a plywood cutting tool, there are several factors to consider. At Heliner, we are committed to assisting you in making the best-informed choices for your woodworking needs. This comprehensive guide will delve into the factors to consider when choosing a plywood cutting tool and discuss the key differences between straight and spiral cutters.

Understanding Plywood

Plywood is a composite material, composed of several layers of wood veneer bonded together. Its unique structure requires a cutting tool robust enough to handle the material’s complexity. Carbide-tipped spiral cutters, renowned for their durability and sharpness, are often an excellent choice for cutting plywood.

plywood cutting

Spiral vs. Straight Cutters

Straight and spiral cutters are two common types of cutting tools in woodworking. Their design and functionality differ significantly, impacting the quality of the cut when working with plywood.

Straight Cutters: As their name suggests, straight cutters have straight flutes running parallel to the length of the tool. They perform well when cutting along the grain of the wood but can cause tear-out or splintering when cutting across the grain or when dealing with layered materials like plywood. While they tend to be less expensive than spiral cutters, they may not always be the best option for plywood due to their inability to provide a consistently clean cut across the different layers.

Spiral Cutters: Spiral cutters feature a helical flute design, allowing them to cut in a shearing manner, which is more efficient and produces cleaner cuts. Their continuous, smooth cutting action significantly reduces the risk of tear-out or splintering when cutting plywood, even across the grain. Additionally, spiral cutters excel at chip ejection, reducing the risk of overheating and extending the tool’s life. They may be more expensive than straight cutters, but the superior cut quality and extended tool life often justify the additional cost.

Cutting Speed, Feed Rate, and Shank Diameter

The cutting speed and feed rate are critical for achieving clean, precise cuts and extending tool life. Your specific machine and the characteristics of the plywood will determine the optimal settings. Always consult your machine’s manual or your tool provider to understand the best parameters for your cutting tool.

Furthermore, the shank diameter of your cutter should match the collet of your CNC machine for safety and precision. Common shank diameters include 6mm, 8mm, and 12mm.

HELINER H-1325 CNC Router for cutting plywood

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right tool for cutting plywood is a balance between your specific needs, budget, and the characteristics of the plywood. If precision, quality, and smoothness of cut are your top priorities, a spiral cutter is likely the better choice. If cost is a major concern, a straight cutter may be an option, but be prepared for potential compromises in cut quality. For personalized advice, you can Contact Us anytime.

At Heliner, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve the best results in your woodworking projects. Stay tuned to our blog for more advice on tools and woodworking best practices, or get in touch with our team of experts who are always ready to assist. Together, we can create extraordinary things.

The video demonstrates how to seal with a vacuum using the Heliner CNC router vacuum table.

The vacuum table saves significant time fixing the material on a CNC router table. This method applies to flat and ideally air-tight materials such as plysheets, aluminium sheets, ACM sheets, plastic sheets, etc. The material can be vacuumed down through the porous MDF sheet.  Please feel free to leave comments and questions.

One of the must-have features when you choose a CNC router, is to have a vacuum table, especially if you are going to work with large flat sheets. such as working on kitchen cabinets, plastic sheets, signs, and even boat manufacturing using large aluminium sheets.

The demo router is H-1325AC3 Auto Tool Change CNC Router.

Demo control system: Syntec control

Integrating an oscillating knife on a CNC router offer more opportunities to cut flexible and less rigid material such as rubber, vinyl, foam, leather, fabric, carpet, cardboard, etc.

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