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Deutsche Version   

The plek station is delivered with a scanning module and two cutting modules.

Scanning module

The scanning module consists of a sensor finger combined with a high-resolution magnetic linear encoder. This sensor is able to measure all the relevant parameters of instrument playability: action, fretboard relief, fretboard contour, fret height, fret spacing as well as nut and saddle details. The plek station's software analyzes and displays all measurements numerically and as intuitive graphics.

Cutting modules

For fret dressing the plek station makes use of a specially manufactured carbide cutting wheel contoured to simultaneously cut the fret height and round the fret crown. Each fret cutter comes with 2 or 3 customized crownshapes and lasts for +/- 1000 guitars per shape.

The plek station's second cutting module is a High Frequency Motor Spindle (HFS) - a 5.000 - 50.000 r.p.m. tool which is used for cutting nut string slots and saddle slots as well as for engraving. The plek software selects the appropriate bit from a menu of precision rotary bits (ball-end, shaft or cone type) which are supplied with the plek station. Bits are changed manually but touch off for a perfect depth of cut.

The HFS can create a precisely calibrated nut slot for even the smallest string gauge. For wider slots the bit can cut in multiple stepped passes or be changed to a larger bit if preferred. All nut slot specs are fully adjustable in 3 dimensions and referenced to the fret plane. The nut spacing and style can be selected from a menu of spacing formats, break angles and splay angles as desired to reproduce any look and feel. The HFS can also trim an acoustic bridge saddle to exact height, automatically achieving the desired action when re-strung.

Another feature of the HFS is the engraving software which can cut a design into a fingerboard and/or nut surface to personalize an instrument. It can also cut recess patterns for inlay work. Image data can be imported in any common format, transformed into black & white for the layout and easily manipulated in intuitive graphics. Lines with a resolution as fine as 0.2 mm (.008in) can be worked.