The new Epicon: the wait is over

The Epicon 7235, Holz-Her’s all-new gantry console CNC

This month sees the launch of Holz-Her’s all-new gantry console CNC – the Epicon 7235. Designed to offer medium to large stair, window, door and panel producers precise and repeatable results, the state-of-the-art CNC comes equipped with a wealth of solutions to address arduous tasks, reduce set-up times, costly downtime and demanding production schedules.

Sitting on a rigid steel, plasma-cut base, the robust gantry-style Epicon 7235 offers heavy-duty, precise milling on large workpieces up to 300mm high and 1,660mm wide. To achieve this, the machine comes well-appointed with an impressive array of hardware. Included is a high-powered 13kw direct-drive five-axis head as standard, which, coupled with ceramic bearings and an extremely high holding force, works in unison with the impressive vector speed (XYZ-axes) of 131m/min. It also comes equipped with a precision drill head with an infinitely variable speed of up to 6,250rpm at full torque, an optional 18kw Pro-Torque electro-spindle for large diameter tooling on solid wood and, like all Holz-Her CNCs, it can be equipped with a variety of automatic tool changing options for every configuration and application.

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A high-powered 13kw direct-drive five-axis head comes as standard

Speedy set-up & effective material handling

When it comes to speedy set-up and effective material handling, the Epicon’s range of positioning systems, all with varying levels of automation, certainly deliver. A manual positioning table with two laser pointers for the exact positioning of vacuum cups and display of workpiece contours comes as standard. In addition, Holz-Her’s brand-new LED positioning table automatically identifies where the operator needs to place the consoles and pods and displays multiple cut positions in one go without the need for manual adjustment. This simplifies the machining process further and de-skills the operation. Taking the process a step further, Holz-Her’s SynchroDrive Table offers a fully automatic table with no manual intervention required – eliminating operator error completely. Every single console and suction cup is synchronised and driven into position independently and simultaneously, guaranteeing super-fast, accurate positioning of every component.

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The design includes console numbering for easy recognition and Schmaltz sheetless vacuum cups

New software package

The state-of-the-art Epicon doesn’t disappoint with its software offering either. Configured for use on Windows 10, the newest addition to the Holz-Her portfolio comes with the latest Beckhoff Twin-Cat-3 extended automation technology control system and is partnered with a CAMPUS/NC HOPS V7 Plus open architecture software suite, which is compatible with all major software providers. This means users aren’t restricted to one particular software provider and can freely change providers at any time without compatibility issues. The new software package, which features improved 3D simulations, includes new pre-programmed macros for effective five-axis machining and BetterSim material removal simulation that ensures collision-free operation between the machine’s tools, non-cutting area and workpiece. It can also be installed on several devices – great news if you’re also looking to use the Epicon’s new viaCockpit digitisation package.

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An optional 18kw Pro-Torque electro-spindle is available

The viaCockpit software suite, designed by Weinig Group, remotely monitors the productivity and health of the machine, helping you to safeguard your investment and eliminate avoidable downtime. Constantly monitoring health and running hours, this Integrated 4.0 smart factory technology allows you to oversee preventative maintenance or spot irregularities in real-time. It can even be fitted with a ChipControl Bluetooth spindle sensor that alerts the user via the viaCockpit App and operator terminal if vibrations are reported due to unbalanced tools or broken cutters.

Paul Nightingale, National Sales Manager for Holz-Her UK says: “The launch of the Epicon 7235 addresses the age-old problem of laborious set-up times and preventable downtime, while offering reliable, high performance and pin-point accuracy. But a high-quality, repeatable, precise finish is only achievable if your machine has been built to deliver. Our machines guarantee performance and longevity and the Epicon is no exception. It has been built with directly driven drives – they don’t run through any belts – so you will not experience any loss of power. It also includes pneumatic brakes at the front and rear of each console – many CNCs only have one – which guarantees a completely stable workpiece when machining. Steel dust covers also prevent the penetration of dust and dirt, which in turn protects the linear guides. We’re so confident in this design, our linear guides are guaranteed for 10 years. And, as a way to ensure efficient and easy cleaning, the Epicon’s conveyor belt has been integrated into the frame and isn’t sat at the front of the machine. These features are easy to overlook when purchasing a CNC, but they extend the lifespan of the machine and as a result, the cost of ownership is less over the machine’s lifetime than others on the market. The Epicon has been designed to offer a solution and Holz-Her have delivered.”

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The new CNC comes with a hands-free knee activated vacuum for easy handling

Due to the current restrictions and social distancing guidelines, Holz-Her is offering remote demonstrations of the Epicon 7235. To book your virtual demonstration or to talk to a Holz-Her CNC expert, call 01235 557 600 or visit www.holzher.co.uk.

COMPANY INFO
Holz-Her UK
5 Blacklands Way
Abingdon Business Park, Abingdon
OX14 1DY
01235 557 600

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