Rapid Tool Fabrication
From packaging to aerospace, polymer processing is necessary to achieve the desired shape, properties and performance for a polymer article. CAPE has a range of equipment to carry out operations with polymeric materials and/or systems to increase their utility. The polymer processing equipment at our facility is detailed below.
This mill is useful for tool/fixture fabrication and post-cure machining of composite components and assemblies. Creation of deep, complex molds is possible with this machine.
Specifications
- 22.5 HP, high torque, 10,000rpm spindle
- Travel (X, Y, Z): 60" x 30" x 30"
- Chilled air and flood cooling
- Fully enclosed with dust/oil mist collection
- Fadal 88HS controller (8MB memory)
- 21 station geneva-style tool changer
- Cast iron box ways on all three axes
- Remote control
Accessories
- Tri-Tech Precision 5-Axis head
- 6" Kurt reverse-jaw vise (2)
- Precision micrometers, gauges, and calipers
- Broad range of tool holders and cutters
Applications
- Tool/Fixture fabrication
- Component fabrication
- Post-cure machining of composite structures

The Extrusion attachment enables the processing characteristics of many materials. The tool is used for screw plastification - i.e. extruding and injection molding - the most common method of processing plastics, rubber, food stuffs and ceramic materials. The measuring extruder contains the necessary measuring, control and monitoring technology for the respective application.
Specifications
- 5,000 RPM Max
- A-axis travel: ±90°
- B-axis travel: 360° continuous
- Fadal 88HS Controller (8MB memory)
Accessories
- Broad range of HSK tool holders and collets
Applications
- Surface finishing/contouring of complex tools, parts and templates

This turning center features robust headstock castings with symmetric ribs for rigidity and thermal stability and embedded chip trays and high-volume coolant systems for efficient chip removal.
Specifications
- 30 HP, 3400 RPM Spindle
- CNC turning with precision of 0.003" or greater
- Max spindle torque - 300ft-lb, 407 Nm @ 700 RPM
- Spindle nose - A2-6
- Spindle bore - 3.50", 88.9mm
- Draw tube bore - 3.03", 77mm
- Swing diameter - 30", 762mm over front apron; 14.5", 368mm over cross slide
- Chuck size - 10.0", 254mm
- Max bar capacity - 3.0", 76mm
- Distance between centers - 39.0", 991mm
- Max cutting diameter - 17.0", 432mm
- Max cutting length - 34.0", 864mm
Applications
- Mandrel and component fabrication

The Coperion Twin Screw extruder is used for process development of polymers and composite materials. Currently the machine is being utilized for experiments involving cellulose fiber processing for future ethanol production sources. This robust machine is capable of running extended production cycles and high torque demand for high viscosity substance mixing and extrusion.
Specifications
- Diprosonic DUS-300
- Polytor USP 2000 ultrasonic power supply
- Speed / frequency control with feedback
- Very high frequency (18 -25 kHz)
Accessories
- Broad range of hand tools
- Multiple tips and fittings
- Precision tips and files
- Infinitely variable speed
Applications
- Precision tool finishing and polishing
- Useful for finishing narrow cavities and slots
Specifications
- 5 HP, 4000 rpm
- Heavy, cast iron trunnion
- Precision fence with 50" right hand and 12" left hand cutting capacity
- Dust collection
- Maximum cutting depth at 90°: 3.125"
- Maximum cutting depth at 45°: 2.125"
- Maximum bevel capacity of 45°
- Maximum dado width: 13/16 in.
Applications
- Rough and finish shaping of wood, polymeric and composite mold components and parts
Specifications
- 2 HP
- Tilting 24" x 22.5" table - 8 fwd/back, 15 left/right
- Blade Width - 1/8" min., 1/2" max.
- Blade Speed - 65-3280 SFPM
- Height Capacity - 12"
- Throat Capacity - 20"
Applications
- Rough and finish shaping of wood, polymeric and composite mold components and parts

The FDM 400mc is capable of making prototypes or molds from a variety of engineering thermoplastics. With high resolution and detail capability, this system provides many options for manufacturing composites and polymers. Creation of complex molds and prototypes is possible with this machine.
Features
- High accuracy: [ ± 0.127 mm] or [ ±0.0381 mm / mm] whichever is greater
- Highest resolution and feature detail capability
- 0.005 inch (0.127 mm) for highest feature detail and best surface finish
Applications
- 3-D tooling and prototypes
- Multiple material options for a range of applications
- Capable of multiple color parts in a single build
Technical Specifications
- Material Options (
Stratasys Material Comparison)
-- ABSplus
-- ABSi
-- ABS-M30
-- ABS-M30i
-- PC-ABS
-- PC
-- PC-ISO
-- ULTEM* 9085
-- PPSF/PPSU
- Build envelope: 16 x 14 x 16 inches (406 x 356 x 406 mm)

The Wabash Genesis press is a hydraulic press for compression molding of rubber, plastics and composites, and laminating and assembly of preimpregnated thermoset and thermoplastic composites.
Features
- Hydrostatic power steering
- 2-stage limited free lift mast
- Wide-view carriage bars
- Auxiliary attachment
Specifications
- Max Load: 3800 lbs
- Max Fork Height: 131.5 inches
- Tilt range: 6 degrees Forward; 10 degrees backward
The Vestil gantry crane provides versatility for lifting components and equipment around the lab.
Features
- Capacity: 2000 lbs.
- Overall beam length: 8ft.
- Under I-beam range: 7ft.8in. to 10ft.2in.
- Base width: 54in.
- Lightweight I-beam
- Height is adjustable in 6in. increments
The Wilton 720R radial arm drill press gives CAPE the ability to precision place small and large diameter bores in wood, polymeric and composite mold components and parts. The press is built to withstand exceptionally heavy drilling and boring loads while insuring maximum accuracy. The press contains a counter-balanced spindle return, includes 6 speeds/3 feed and a centralized control center.
Features
- Built-in work light
- Coolant pump
- Box table
- Precision slide table for manual mill operation
Applications
- Mold framework construction
- Rough boring
- Finish boring and shaping
Technical Specifications
- Steel Drilling Capacity (in.) - 1-1/2
- Cast Iron Drilling Capacity (in.) - 2
- Steel Tapping Capacity (in.) - 3/4
- Cast Iron Tapping Capacity (in.) - 1
- Steel Boring Capacity (in.) - 2-3/4
- Cast Iron Boring Capacity (in.) - 4
- Distance from Column to Spindle (max/in.) - 29-1/2
- Distance from column to spindle center, Min.: - 8-5/8
- Travel of head (Horizontal): - 20-7/8
- Distance from base to spindle end, Max.: 41-3/4
- Distance from base to spindle end, Min.: 9-5/8
- Travel of arm (Vertical): 23-13/16
- Table Size (in.) - 23-5/8x17-1/2x15
- Base Dimensions (in.) - 49-5/8x25-3/16x6-9/32
- Spindle Stroke (in.) - 8-1/4
- Range of Spindle Speeds (RPM) - 6 (88-1500)
Other Equipment
- Trinco Dry Blast 48"x60" Grit Blaster