FACE FRAMING MADE SIMPLE WITH MASTERWOOD SOFTWARE

Masterwood's Master Cabinet software program has been uprated with the addition of a unique face framing facility.

Face framing is the creation of a solid timber frame fixed to the face of the cabinet, with the door then set inside the frame, often used in high value bespoke kitchens. It could be a simple frame or a more complicated one with divisions so as to create drawers above doors.

It's normally a time-consuming and complicated task requiring the use of various hand processes including a guillotine, fixing jointer, drills and dowels. This is very labour intensive, often inaccurate, and requires a high level of skill to maintain quality and precision.

With the innovative and easy-to-use face framing software, design and machining programmes are created in seconds with no specific skills required. All the frame machining is then carried out in a matter of minutes, with guaranteed accuracy.

The software deals with the routing, grooving and drilling of the cabinet and the frame joint, moulding and cabinet fixing joint, with a selection of construction types available for each operation.

Said Masterwood (UK) Ltd managing director, Russell Corlett: “The new face framing software is another unique innovation from Masterwood. Because of its simplicity and speed of operation it opens up a whole new world to the one-off bespoke high-value kitchen producer. As far as we are aware, no other entry level cabinet software package offers anything like it.”

The software module is now available with all three levels of the popular Master Cabinet program, which speed ups and simplifies cabinet design and production.

Level 1 creates straight cabinets in a few minutes using simple commands to produce a cutting list.

Its library contains 10 models of doors and drawers, in both classic and modern design, plus various types of handles, legs, hinges, drawer guides and shelf supports.

Once the components have been selected Master Cabinet creates the required machining programs. This includes grooving, drilling and dowelling plus any other processes needed including optimised nesting.

The Level 2 module incorporates all these features. In addition it has a built-in library of 10,000 components and 50 door models. This allows around 500,000 different design combinations.

Designs can be changed by inserting or substituting different doors, handles, legs, hinges, drawer fronts and drawer guides.

The shape of a room – for example, a kitchen – can be drawn, complete with all the walls, and the cabinets placed in the exact spots they are to go. You can then obtain a 3D view of the room, which is useful for face-to-face meetings with customers.

Level 3 incorporates all of the features in the first two modules but can also deal with straight or curved furniture or curved rooms. It can also develop complex cabinet designs, such as curved cabinets and those incorporating mosaics or marquetry.

Masterwood is rare amongst CNC machining centre manufactures in developing its own software rather than relying on third-party packages. Its software designers work closely with the company's development engineers to deliver the innovative Windows-compatible, icon-led programs which are simple to learn and easy to use.

The new face framing software module will be amongst programs to be demonstrated in the software suite on Masterwood's stand (Hall 19 Stand RO3) at the W6 Working with Wood exhibition in October.

All enquiries to Masterwood (UK) Ltd, Telephone 01436 675000, Fax 01436 678999, Email masterwooduk@aol.com.

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