New control, more features but equally quick and easy

Five-axis CNC milling may already be the trend, but not everyone has the volume or the products to work with such machines. Those who make prototypes, single pieces or small series especially do not want and cannot waste time on complex programming. That's where the proven technology of the ProtoTRAK control makes all the difference. The new version reaches even more possibilities for users but at the same time has remained just as simple and fast.

Most of the operation can now be done via a large touchscreen.

The team behind the development of the ProtoTRAK control system (back in the 1980s) had a clear profile in mind. They wanted to offer metalworkers who were still working conventionally but did not have the volume or product to move to fully CNC-controlled machines an alternative. A way to program their workpieces via a simple dialogue control in no time. Jan Crispyn, manager of Crispyn Machines, distributor of ProtoTRAK machines in Belgium: "Anyone who spends all day milling or turning conventionally will have earned back the added value of these machines in less than six months. The ideal way for a company to continue to grow with the same number of employees. Provided, of course, that the parts lend themselves to it. Especially for prototypes, single pieces, small series, repairs and revisions, these machines make the difference."

This year, ProtoTRAK launched a new version of its controller with the RMX (milling) and RLX (turning). It is already available on eight models of lathes and seven models of milling machines.

Control from now on with touchscreen

This year, ProtoTRAK launched a new version of its controller with the RMX (milling) and RLX (turning). It is already available on eight models of lathes and seven models of milling machines. Once again, the developers had a clear goal in mind: to preserve the simplicity of the concept while giving users the ability to customize the controller to their needs. And all in a modern look, of course. Crispyn: "Most of the control is now done via a large touch screen. All users now have this technology at their fingertips. In addition, the control has become even more powerful. Faster rapid travels and movements is what characterizes modern metal machines and also what is needed to evolve to larger machines. The control system can handle them all. But the most important innovation is in the additional possibilities that have come along to evolve even faster from a sketch or drawing to a programmed piece."

You can very easily see for yourself the new ProtoTRAK controls. In the modern showroom of Crispyn Machines in Maldegem, you can see each machine in operation.

Control tailored to each user

A key feature for this is the Defaults menu. "In it, the user can determine how he would like the steering to work. The control is, as it were, completely adapted to his own knowledge and way of working," Crispyn clarifies. That is, if he so wishes. The old, familiar way of working with the ProtoTRAK control is also still present. For milling, for example, that means that users now have the option of adaptive milling. A method that is fast, requires less from the machine and makes full use of the milling machine. Win-win, in other words. In turning, the control was already more advanced. Here there are still specific improvements for larger lathes with more powerful motors. "Belgian metalworkers are very eager to learn. They want to learn to get the most out of their machines and workpieces. This controller gives them those wings, precisely because it knows how to perfectly translate the craft that is milling and turning into a simple program. The new capabilities make her all set for the future," Crispyn concludes.

Discover the benefits for yourself

It is very easy to see for yourself the new ProtoTRAK control system. In the modern showroom of Crispyn Machines in Maldegem, you can see each machine in operation, but also take a look at the workshop where machines are customized. You will be convinced in no time.  

Making the most of it

The new controls also include a utility program in which users are shown videos and technical information about the design they are working on. Since they are only in English for now, Crispyn Machines has launched a Dutch-language alternative. On leerprototrak.be, customers can browse through different topics that bring support, from the basic manual to more advanced knowledge to get the full return on their investment.