Motion controller shapes future of surf boards

CAD/CAM software and an interface that drives real-time motion control are providing the foundation for a machine that lets surfboard builders automate the production of complex profiles, and allows surfers to innovate custom shapes quickly. At the heart of the system is a 3D CAD tool for surf and sail boards called Deadly Accurate Template Designer (DAT). Australian company CET Surf’s machine takes a DAT file, and transforms shape information into motion control commands to machine a surfboard blank by controlling its vertical, horizontal and rotational movement. The CAD to motion control interface is handled by Baldor’s NextMove PCI, which includes the company’s Mint motion language. DAT developer, British software engineer Dr Ian Pearce, chose the system for its flexibility in terms of the relative move commands, and for its developer workbench support. Importantly, it’s enabled him to create a PC-to-motion data passing scheme that greatly speeds the transfer of large arrays of shape information. Using this technique, even the most complex surfboard profiles can be fabricated in around 40 minutes - with minimal need for post-machine hand-finishing that other conventional production techniques such as milling can necessitate. The CAD to CAM software process is much faster than the sanding tool used by the machine to shape the high-density foam board blanks, giving CET Surf an easy upgrade path for manufacturers seeking volume production – and a faster cutting head is one aspect of the company’s current development projects.