Anvil Bikeworks in Colorado builds tooling for bicycle frame builders around the world. Anvil tooling is designed by a professional framebuilder with input from the top builders in the industry. Anvil is known for modular designs that allow builders to eliminate lengthy and difficult setups and minimize mistakes so they can spend their time building frames instead of adjusting fixtures.

Anvil uses Hurco CNC machines to manufacture their state-of-the art tooling that lets builders work with speed, efficiency and accuracy regardless of the frame material or joining method. They have the distinction of being the first shop in the world to purchase a Hurco CNC machine with the new MAX5 control! Matt Hartman, Production Supervisor at Anvil Bikeworks shared his thoughts about the new MAX5 control.

“Since getting our first Hurco Mill in 2010, our productivity has increased greatly.  This year we traded in the older Hurcos and could justify upgrading to the VMX series.  It was a pleasant surprise when we saw…[we were getting] the first MAX5 control in the country.”

“The first thing you notice on the new control is the 2 huge monitors.  We don’t do much conversationally where you would appreciate the screens the most, but even running NC programs you have access to a lot of good information all at the same time. ”

“Even if I only use the second monitor for a DRO it’s a huge DRO and gives me graphical representation instead of just numbers.  Plus you can quickly draw the part on the screen pointing out any major problems with your program.  The finish of the control is top notch and the layout is well thought out.  You can do almost everything with just the few buttons on the control, but when you need the keyboard it slides out quickly and is out of the way again.”

“The RPG (Remote Pulse Generator) is a work of art.  The magnetic base makes it easy to take off the control and put it on the mill.  When you are using the RPG remotely having a DRO on it takes it to the next level for usability.  You’re using it remotely for a reason, so looking at the main screen might not be easy.  You can start and stop programs from the RPG, control speeds, and it even has a built in flashlight for quick inspection. The new Max 5 control is a pleasure to work with, I’ve been spoiled, and anything else would be a downgrade.” Matt Hartman, Production Supervisor, Anvil Bikeworks