Laguna Tools of Irvine, CA, has recently announced the introduction of the NEW SmartShop 3 CNC Machining Center, developed to introduce an advanced technological platform for the next generation of Laguna CNC Machinery.

Irvine, California August 15, 2014

Laguna Tools has recently announced the introduction of the NEW SmartShop 3 CNC Machining Center, developed to introduce an advanced technological platform for the next generation of Laguna CNC Machinery.

The machine features a new computer-designed frame that includes an all-welded structural steel base to ensure the accuracies and cut qualities that have remained key characteristics of the SmartShop CNC product line. Additionally, the new SmartShop's structural steel gantry is internally reinforced, permitting the use of a variety of machining package options. Finally, a gantry-mounted carousel tool changer was added to reduce tool change times; an especially relevant feature on large table format machines.

The fluid movement of the Laguna SmartShop 3 CNC can be contributed to the precise machining of frame components, precision-ground contour guide rails in all axes, and top-notch "closed-loop" servos and drives by the innovative OSAI Open machine controller.

Movements on both X and Y axes are achieved with world-class helical rack-and-pinions driven by precision planetary drive systems. Z-axis motion is controlled by a precision-ground ball screw and the precision planetary drive system. Another benefit of using a planetary drive system is that it permits Laguna Engineering to mount the guide rails lower on the side of the base frames. This results in the tables easier for the machine operator to load and unload.

Included as a standard feature on the new SmartShop 3 models is a Laguna Tools designed "pod-ready" vacuum table, which combines with six vacuum zones, providing unbeatable fixturing possibilities. Part locator pins and extra -large vacuum ports have been included specifically for panel processing needs.

Another new innovation for the Laguna SmartShop 3 is the inclusion of the new OSAI Open machine control system. It includes a touch screen PC to provide a user-friendly GUI (Graphic User Interface). This also allows the machine to be connected to the local area network (LAN), making file transfers a breeze, while maintaining the reliability of a leading industrial CNC machine controller.

"I gave Laguna Engineering a challenge to develop the next generation SmartShop CNC," said Torben Helshoj, President of Laguna Tools. "The design requirements were quite simple. It had to build on the tremendous success the SmartShop CNCs have enjoyed. It had to be a platform that would allow us to expand the CNC product line in a variety of directions (into the foreseeable future). It had to have the best vacuum table in the industry. It had to have a "full-feature" machine controller that was still easy-to-learn and easy-to-use and that could handle multi-axis applications. And, it had to be affordable. I am extremely pleased with the outcome of this project, the Laguna SmartShop 3! It truly expresses our company spirit, ‘Thriving on Innovation. I think the future is very bright for this product."

The Laguna SmartShop 3 is available in a variety of standard table sizes including 4 x 4, 4 x 8, 5 x 10, and 5 x 12. Custom table sizes and machining packages can also accommodate special application needs.

ABOUT LAGUNA TOOLS:
Laguna Tools is a global leader in affordable CNC technology for the wood, plastic, non-ferrous, and aerospace industries. The privately owned company is based in Irvine, CA, and has a near-31-year history of product innovation. The company prides itself in sourcing the very finest machine components worldwide to ensure that Laguna Tool products offer performance second-to-none.

Laguna Tools products are sold worldwide both direct to the consumer as well as through a network of authorized Laguna Tools dealers.

For more information, please visit http://www.lagunatools.com.