SOFTWARE-ENABLED SMART MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLETHORA EXPANDED THEIR CNC MACHINING OFFERINGS AND ADDITIONAL CAPABILITIES INCLUDING A MATSUURA MX-520 5-AXIS VERTICAL MACHINING CENTER
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (July 13, 2020) Located in San Francisco, Plethora revolutionizes the way a traditional factory works by automating conventional manufacturing processes to produce high-quality machined parts with rapid turnaround times. Plethora’s first of its kind software offers immediate design feedback and pricing which simplifies and shortens the ordering process and can eliminate weeks out of the engineering schedule.
Although they had done some positional 3+2 work in the past, they did not have a machine that was a true simultaneous 5-Axis. Plethora expanded their CNC machining capabilities to offer increased services in new materials and capabilities including the purchase of a Matsuura MX-520 5-Axis Vertical Machining Center.
“We bought the Matsuura MX-520 to support the growing demand for higher complexity parts, where tighter tolerances need to be held and a better surface finish is needed,” explained Plethora’s Senior Prototype Machinist.
With high-precision, performance, speed, accuracy, and reliability, the MX-520 provides flexibility and versatility allowing full 5-axis functionality without multiple setups. The machine maintains high rigidity, provides a generous machining envelope and large working area while possessing a compact design and narrow footprint. The MX-520 also offers an assortment of configurations allowing rapid set-up and processing of complex parts.
“With the addition of the Matsuura MX-520 and CAMplete software, we have been able to run multiple parts at a time with simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths and have the confidence to run the programs without collisions,” he added. “This increases our productivity by keeping the doors shut and the spindle running for longer periods of time.”
CAMplete, a perfected Post and Simulation Tool comes standard on all Matsuura 5-axis machines. CAMplete TruePath bridges the gap between your CAM Systems and your Matsuura Machine. TruePath provides flexibility to combine CAM Systems in a single project and transfer an entire project from one supported machine to another.
“TruePath’s customizable post-processor allows you to output your NC programs the way you need, with no on-machine editing required. 5-axis simulation, visualization and verification tools give you the confidence of knowing how your machine will behave before you run a single line of G-code,” said a CAMplete Spokesperson.
CAMplete works closely with Matsuura, using machine models built directly from their original design data. These highly detailed and fully integrated machine models provide confidence in the simulation.
“Implementing TruePath in your shop gives you a proven post processor with models built in conjunction with Matsuura, so you can get the most out of your machine from day one,” the CAMplete Spokesperson added.
“The hand-built Matsuura MX-520 is an exceptional choice for such a groundbreaking company as Plethora. We are honored to be a part of their revolutionary business model where they inspire customers who need fast, reliable, precision parts production,” said a Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. Spokesperson. “The MX-520 5-Axis Vertical Machining is one of the most sought-after machining centers having all the expected qualities and features of a Matsuura machine, but with a very competitive price tag.”
One of Plethora’s first projects on their newly installed Matsuura MX-520 was for BioDapt Performance Prosthetics and Adaptive Equipment in St. Cloud, MN. BioDapt designs, manufactures and distributes high performance lower limb prosthetic components used for action sports and other similar activities. Their goal is to manufacture the highest quality and highly versatile components that allow amputees to participate in sports and activities. This equipment can be, and is used by many elite adaptive athletes at the highest level of competition as well as the average person who just wants to get out and be active doing the sports and activities they enjoy.
Plethora machined joints for prosthetic legs for amputee athletes on the Matsuura MX-520.
MORE ABOUT PLETHORA: Plethora’s software is the first of its kind to provide instant feedback and connect users directly to a factory. The CAD add-in works directly within Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks and NX and as a web-app platform giving instant pricing and manufacturing feedback to anyone with a CAD model. Plethora’s custom automation software automatically converts 3D files and specs into the code needed to machine the parts inside the company’s state of the art factory. Visit Plethora’s website: https://www.plethora.com/
Learn more about CAMplete Solutions: https://camplete.com/
Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc., located in St. Paul, MN is the U.S. subsidiary of Matsuura Machinery Corporation in Japan. Since 1935, Matsuura has been the forerunner in designing innovative technology and manufacturing solutions to a variety of industries around the globe. Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. delivers unmatched excellence in 5-axis, vertical, horizontal, linear motor, multi-tasking CNC machine tools and machines with a powder bed metal AM platform with machining capability. Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. provides the service, applications and technical field support that have always been the Matsuura standard for business.