This is Version Two of the Thibaut T812 workcentre. It has been scaled down in size and price, but contains all the best features of the original 812 and some changes that many will regard as improvements. It is intended to be sold alongside the original, which is still available for those with more space in their workshops, and the even bigger T818
General: The first Thibaut T812 workcentre was installed at Landford Stone in Salisbury last year. Landford Director Chris Stott said they chose the 812 because they have a finite amount of production space and were impressed by the value engineering. The new, Version Two of the machine that was shown at Marmomacc in Verona this month (October) has an even smaller footprint and a lower price. Significant changes include a larger control panel that can swing round and be used inside the machine, making set-up easier – on the original 812 the control panel was on a table beside the machine – and the three steps up to the worktable on the original have been replaced by just one step. That allows forklifts to go right up up to the table to load the V2 without having to fit a boom on to the forklift to give it the extra reach needed.
Capabilities: With four axes, the V2 is capable of producing worktops, memorials and architectural masonry. The Z axis is pneumatic and programmable for face polishing, producing sunken and inclined drainers and for concave polishing. It also has enough movement to accommodate the thicker granite of memorials. A spindle attachment transfers the drive through 90º for cutting and polishing cut-outs with sharp right angled corners. There is horizontal sawing capability for calibrating slabs, reducing back splashes from 30mm to 20mm and other cost effective milling work.
Physical configuration: The overall dissensions have been reduce to 6722 x 3400mm with the doors closed, although the head moves through a generous 3100 x 1600 x 400mm on a table of 3000 x 1500 mm. Overall weight is a solid 6000kg.
Work table: Thibaut use granite for the worktables of their CNC machines, which dampens vibrations and makes them particularly quiet in operation. It also means there are no rivets so the suction pads can be positioned as required.
Make ready: The suck / blow suction pads make positioning the workpiece easy. Laser guidance for the positioning of the suction pads means they don’t get machined by accident.
Tool change: The V2 has a 36-tool magazine, compared with the 31-tool magazine of the original 812. It is accessible from outside the machine for the easy replacement of tools and the machine automatically measures wear on the tools.
Spindle: The 11kW motor has an infinitely variable speed between 250 and 10,000rpm. The water requirement is 35 L/min on the outside of the spindle and 14 L/min inside that has to be filtered to less than 60 microns.
Control: The operating system is the latest version of Thibaut’s Windows compatible T’Cad T’Cam system that was also shown at Marmomacc. It is operated through a colour touch-screen.
Further information: The Waters Group Ltd. Tel: 0845 658 5758. Email: info@watersgroupltd.co.uk