Case Study: HMC Wood and Furniture College achieves precise 5-axis milling and real-world CNC training with Vero Software (Alphacam)

HMC - Customer Case Study

HMC Wood and Furniture College student Alex Blok designed a unique wooden electric bass that sits in a more natural playing position — its body is twisted 15 degrees upwards and the neck 20 degrees downwards — and is built from four different kinds of wood with all four parts (the neck, two cheeks and the keys) milled using Alphacam. The complex, non‑standard geometry required simultaneous 5‑axis machining, but the college’s supplied postprocessor couldn’t reliably control five axes even though the Biesse 5‑axis CNC router and Alphacam could.

CNC Technology lecturer Anton van Veldhoven bought a new postprocessor from Alphacam reseller Proteus Systems Europe BV so Alphacam’s full 5‑axis programs could be communicated to the Biesse, enabling accurate milling of the guitar. The project validated Alphacam’s extensive 5‑axis capabilities, earned praise from bassists, helped Alex secure a job (his new employer also bought Alphacam and CNC equipment), and demonstrated how Alphacam Educational and Proteus Educational prepare students for real‑world CNC work.

HMC Wood and Furniture College

Alex Blok

Former Student and Creator of a unique wooden guitar