Gibotech is sending a CNC machine to a school

The CMS Ares is a 5-axis CNC machine capable of machining all materials, but at SDE it will be used for training in the fields of cabinetmaking and woodworking, so here it will primarily be used for woodworking.‍

Syddansk Erhvervsskole already has a CNC machine, and following the mandatory public bidding process, the Ares machine was selected, in part, to provide students with a more varied curriculum and the best view of the machine. "It is important to us to give our students the best possible foundation when they leave school." We can do that, among other things, by having the best machines. And we also see a major advantage in them having the opportunity to get to know several different machines, making them even more attractive to companies when they go out to find their first job,” says Henrik Madsen, a vocational teacher at Syddansk Erhvervsskole who helped select the Ares machine from Gibotech.

A good choice

The CMS Ares machine is a fantastic machine and an excellent choice for Syddansk Erhvervsskole. Not only does it have a Z-axis height of 1000 mm, but it also offers excellent visibility thanks to its large windows, allowing students to follow the entire machining process.

Henrik Thomsen, CNC Product Manager at Gibotech

Gibotech’s experienced technician, Thomas Nielsen, was responsible for training Henrik Madsen on the new machine. He did so in collaboration with Karl Erik Andersen from Østjydsk CAD-CAM A/S, which supplied the post-processor for the machine. Østjydsk CAD-CAM is one of Gibotech’s regular partners when it comes to post-processors for CNC machines and was therefore the obvious choice for this task.

Porcelain samples and beer mugs

All the details were covered during the training, so Henrik Madsen feels completely confident using the machine when it’s time to put it to use in his classes back in Vejle. The 3D probe, which is a measuring instrument that helps determine the precise positioning of the spindle axis, was also studied closely. In particular, the small red porcelain probe at the tip of the 3D probe received a lot of attention. And for good reason.

"If you break the probe during a test, you have to buy a round of drinks," says Karl Erik Andersen with a smile, having seen on several occasions that new customers haven't been quite careful enough.

The Ares machine will now be stored at Gibotech’s facilities on Datavej in Odense until Syddansk Erhvervsskole has prepared its premises to accommodate the large machine.

“We really hope to have it delivered before summer break so we can get it set up over the break, allowing students to start using it as soon as they return in week 31,” concludes Henrik Madsen.