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for repair shops and small-scale production

Compact size for flexible use 1 | 6

Plek Guitar Technology / A+D Gitarrentechnologie GmbH • www.plek.com

Plek Station for repair shops and small production

The Plek Station is a compact machine developed around the high speed and highly accurate Plek technology but small enough to be used in repair shops, as well as in guitar manufacturing. It is a tool that not only performs precise fret dressing, nut slotting/shaping, bridge slotting and engraving but also helps with quality control and R&D. All of these procedures will reflect the work style and judgement of the operator, albeit with greatly enhanced accuracy.

This computer controlled device scans instruments under actual playing conditions – strung and tuned to pitch - and performs all functions around that data. This is a major breakthrough since the Plek illustrates precisely what needs to be done for perfect fretwork in any style, executes this rapidly, and delivers perfect results when the instrument is re-strung.

In repair, the Station achieves superior playability and frees the tech from time-consuming and strenuous handwork. Viewing a Plek scan allows the user to decide between dressing and a partial/complete refret by showing exact fret heights and projecting post-dress results. For small builders, the Plek Station speeds up the production process and raises the quality of instruments to an extremely high and consistent level.

MultifunctionalMultifunctionalMultifunctionalMultifunctional capability capability capability capability As always, the Plek concept features a modular design for flexibility and to facilitate the ongoing development of tool modules and new processes. Due to the online support design and desktop link up, software is easily upgraded and real time help and remote training is easy.

Research and developmentResearch and developmentResearch and developmentResearch and development The Plek measuring and graphic display capabilities open up a wide range of R&D applications. For example, one important use might be the study of a truss rod function and how it affects neck design. Also fret installation techniques can be compared. Fingerboard issues can be evaluated in accurate 3-D, the effect of humidity and gluing procedures can be studied, and instruments can be observed over the long term for stability and setup issues.

Quality Quality Quality Quality controlcontrolcontrolcontrol The impact of material defects, manufacturing problems and curing intervals can be quantified and this data used to improve production. For example, outsourced fingerboards could be checked for fret placement and radius, and fret seating can be studied. Also, customer returns can be quickly and accurately examined, complaints validated where correct and solutions documented.

Scan results can be displayed for customer consultation and to visually prove quality. The Plek Station creates printable graphic feedback to aid the repair person. A neck scan can be used to carefully correct fingerboard issues before re-fretting. A permanent record of all instruments remains in the database for later reference as needed. This work history is useful and easy to access, to check fret life or to quickly tweak a neck back to its ideal setup if necessary at a later date.

High frequency spiHigh frequency spiHigh frequency spiHigh frequency spinnnndledledledle (nut, saddle and fingerboard cutting)

Sensor fiSensor fiSensor fiSensor finnnngergergerger

Fret Fret Fret Fret cutter cutter cutter cutter (w/ replaceable cutter head)



Plek Station tool modules

The Plek Station is delivered with a scanning module and two cutting modules.

Scanning moduleScanning moduleScanning moduleScanning module The scanning module consists of a sensor finger combined with a high-resolution magnetic linear encoder. This sensor is able to measure all 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.

Fret Cutter HeadFret Cutter HeadFret Cutter HeadFret Cutter Head 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 crown shapes and lasts for 200-2’000 guitars per shape, depending on the type of use (guitar repair / production).

High High High High FrequencyFrequencyFrequencyFrequency Spi Spi Spi Spinnnndledledledle 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-, cone-type) 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.

OtherOtherOtherOther functions (optional) functions (optional) functions (optional) functions (optional) There are even more functions available, such as additional software plug-ins which can be purchased or enabled on a pay-per-use base anytime. This means that the HFS can also be used to plane and engrave the finger board, cut the fret slots, mark the pin holes on an acoustic bridge, cut the pocket for a nut or an acoustic saddle, or trim an acoustic bridge saddle to the exact height. All these functions are based on a scan with or without strings and thus all the measurements and reference points are related to the given instrument and

calculated as per your specs. Lines with a resolution as fine as 0.2 mm (.008in) can be worked. For most of these functions aditional cutter bits will be needed, some functions require even more hardware, such as a special vise for the saddle inlay cutting.



Working with the Plek Station

Preparing the instrumentPreparing the instrumentPreparing the instrumentPreparing the instrument The operator places the instrument - strung to pitch - in the cradle door and aligns it with a simple positioning device. String gauge, fret width measurements and some basic info are entered in searchable fields. The cradle door is closed and the operator starts the program sequence.

Plek ScanPlek ScanPlek ScanPlek Scan

The instrument scan measures string spacing, distances to neck edge, action at the first and twelfth frets, board radius and relief and fret height throughout. This can be graphically displayed to compare the existing fret-plane, board adjustment, fret height and action to any target info inputted with that info file. This not only illustrates problem areas, but also aids with adjustment and serves as a source for all the procedures that follow. All data is filtered through the proven Plek algorithms of fret plane relief for a given action and gauge.

The Virtual Fret DressThe Virtual Fret DressThe Virtual Fret DressThe Virtual Fret Dress

The heart of the Plek process is the "Virtual Fret Dress". In this interactive window, the frets can be "dressed" using an idealized surface, a software "dressing file" that can be manipulated until all low spots are touched either with minimum amount of fret material removed or until the "finished" frets are at target height.

This is an extremely user-oriented program that allows any preferred dress to be done for any action and with any compound radius and/or upper end "fall-off" implemented etc. The operator can work in his/her usual style except that many different fret "solutions" can be studied in a virtual mode. Then, when ready, the strings are loosened, held to the side and the frets are cut exactly as designed.

ProcessingProcessingProcessingProcessing With the strings out of the way, the fret dressing gets done, the nut slots and nut surface can be cut if selected, and a saddle, mounted in the saddle vise can be trimmed, all in one process. A final scan after re-stringing is suggested for the history files. Again, this will result in an extremely precise fret plane, nut slots and a saddle height that yields the exact target action when re-strung.

CleanupCleanupCleanupCleanup The frets, nut and saddle will only require a minimum of surface polishing, a matter of a few minutes, to complete the job. There is a simple suggested procedure for this.



Plek Station performance

Generally, the performance of the Plek Station machine depends on various factors, such as the type of use (guitar repair, guitar building), number of frets and strings, the amount of material removal, finger board dimensions and the general condition and functioning of an instrument.

In a typical repair shop every guitar requires unique handling - instrument and customer data need to be entered, process data may need to be adjusted and work decisions need to be made individually. Used guitars typically cause longer process times due to worn out frets, not properly working truss rods, or other problems and damages which hold up the work flow.

In production the Plek machine cycle times can be optimized by using software templates for guitar and process data, special fixturing for recurring instrument models and an improved pre-production, based on the analysis of the scanned instrument data.

Independently of the type of use, the main factors determining the cycle time are:

• Number of strings / neck width

• Number and width of frets/ fret material (hardness)

• Accuracy of fretting and neck work / required amount of fret removal

• Truss rod operation

• Size of nut and saddle blanks / required amount of removal

• Operator skill level

Workflow examples



Cycle time examples

Preparatory work:Preparatory work:Preparatory work:Preparatory work:

For machine processing the instrument has to be strung up to pitch.

Average pAverage pAverage pAverage process timesrocess timesrocess timesrocess times Repair shopRepair shopRepair shopRepair shop

(min:sec) Small ProductionSmall ProductionSmall ProductionSmall Production

(min:sec)

Loading a guitar 0:25 0:25

I Data entry Load template

2:30 0:15

II

Initial scan

Checking number of frets Spacing measurement: neck width, spacing, action Fret scan

3:30 3:30

Optional: Truss rod adjustment and rescan

2:00 2:00

TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL PREPARATION AND SCANNINGPREPARATION AND SCANNINGPREPARATION AND SCANNINGPREPARATION AND SCANNING

7:00 – 9:00 min. Repair shop 4:00 – 6:00 min. Small Production

It takes 4-9 minutes to have a complete graphic and numeric evaluation of the fretboard at your disposal: scale length, relief, fret positions, fret heights, nut data, and saddle height.

Setting parameters (Virtual Fret Dress) Automated Virtual Fret Dress adjustment

0:30 0:00

III

Loosening strings 1:30 1:30

Scan (without strings) 1:30 1:30

Fret cutting Typical processing times range

from ~ 6:00 to ~ 12:00 min. 9:00 7:00

History Scan 1:00 1:00

TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL FRETBOARD WORKFRETBOARD WORKFRETBOARD WORKFRETBOARD WORK

10:00 – 19:00 min. Repair shop 8:00 – 15:00 min. Small production

Optimal truss rod adjustment and fret dressing takes 8-19 minutes in average.

Nut surface cutting 2:40 2:40

IV

Nut string slot cutting 1:50 1:50

NUT WORKNUT WORKNUT WORKNUT WORK

4:30 min.

Restringing and tuning 1:30 1:30

Optional: Rescan 3:30 (1:20 w/out

nut/saddle work)

3:30 (1:20 w/out

nut/saddle work)

RESCAN FOR QCRESCAN FOR QCRESCAN FOR QCRESCAN FOR QC (optional) (optional) (optional) (optional)

3:00 – 5:00 min.

V Unload guitar 0:20 0:20 UNLOAD GUITARUNLOAD GUITARUNLOAD GUITARUNLOAD GUITAR

Finishing work:Finishing work:Finishing work:Finishing work:

Strings are loosened for polishing the frets which takes 1 to 5 minutes if a Plek recommended procedure is used.

Average Average Average Average process timeprocess timeprocess timeprocess time ---- summarysummarysummarysummary Repair shopRepair shopRepair shopRepair shop

(min:sec) Small ProductionSmall ProductionSmall ProductionSmall Production

(min:sec)

Fret cutting only (without optional scans)

19:00 15:00

Fret and nut cutting only (without optional scans)

24:00 19:00

Complete (including all optional scans) 29:00 24:00



Requirements for using a Plek Station

Lifting deviceLifting deviceLifting deviceLifting device (fork lift, crane, etc.) for moving shipping crate: 400-500 kg (880-1100 lbs)

SpaceSpaceSpaceSpace for the machinethe machinethe machinethe machine

Power

AC 110-230 V, fuse 15 A

If you wish to protect the Plek Station in the event of a power failure we recommendwe recommendwe recommendwe recommend using a UPS (uninterruptible power uninterruptible power uninterruptible power uninterruptible power susususuppppplyplyplyply) with a power of approx. 1000 W.

AccuracyAccuracyAccuracyAccuracy mmmmmmmm inchesinchesinchesinches

Sensor Finger +/- 0.005 +/- 0.0002

Fret cutter +/- 0.01 +/- 0.0004

HFS (nut/saddle cutting) +/- 0.05 +/- 0.002

Manpower:Manpower:Manpower:Manpower:

Any person with a basic knowledge of MS Windows and guitars. An operator can be trained in 2-3 days.

Compressed air

5-6 bar / 72-87 PSI

Phone linePhone linePhone linePhone line and internet accessinternet accessinternet accessinternet access (DSL) is required for online support/maintenance via remote computer.

Plek is a registered trademark | All rights reserved | © 2015 A+D Gitarrentechnologie GmbH

technology worldwideLocations of manufacturers and guitar repair shops

the optimum in tone & playability

= Service

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NORTH AMERICA1 Glaser Instruments, Nashville/TN (Plek USA)2 Brawer Stringed Instr. Rep., San Francisco/CA3 Philtone, Baltimore/MD4 Suhr Guitars, Lake Elsinore/CA5 Peekamoose, New York/NY6 Norman Music, Norman/OH7 Gibson Custom Shop, Nashville/TN8 Wechter Guitars, Fort Wayne/IN9 G&L Guitars, Fullerton/CA10 Martin Guitars, Nazareth/PA11 McPherson Guitars, Sparta/WI12 Gibson Custom Shop, Memphis/TN13 Sam Ash, Huntington Station/NY14 Crossroads Guitar Shop, Washington DC15 Music Gallery, Chicago/IL16 Mike Lull Custom Guitars, Seattle/WA17 Gibson USA, Nashville/TN18 Westwood Music, Los Angeles/CA19 Lakland, Chicago/IL20 Weber Custom Guitars, Granville/OH21 J. Mahoney, Minneapolis/MI22 Martin Guitars, Navojoa/Mexico23 Wolfe Guitars, Jupiter/FL24 Santa Cruz Guitars, St. Cruz/CA25 Collings Guitars, Austin/TX26 Fodera Guitars, Brooklyn, NY27 T.J. Thompson, Concord/MA28 BassMods, Citrus Heights/CA29 San Francisco Guitar Works, SF/CA30 Gibson Montana, Bozeman/MT31 Grover Jackson, Laguna Hills/CA32 Elliott Guitars, Hiddenite/NC

EUROPE

ASIA / AUSTRALIA

1 A+D Gitarrentechnologie GmbH (Plek Berlin)PlekHaus Berlin, Berlin/Germany

2 Charlie Chandler’s Guitar Experience, London/UK3Guitarlabs Scandinavia, Stockholm/Sweden4 Framus, Markneukirchen/Germany5 Duesenberg, Hannover/Germany6 CLOE, Roma/Italy7 Haar Guitars, Utrecht/Netherlands8 Gulden Guitars, Oslo/Norway9 Musik Meyer, Marburg/Germany10 Sandberg, Braunschweig/Germany11 L’Atelier d’Alexandre, Paris/France12 Tonewoods, Laucha/Germany13 Guitar Repair Gams/Swiss14 Thomann, Burgebrach/Germany15 Mayones Guitars&Basses, Gdansk/Poland

1 Sydney Guitar Setups, Sydney/Australia2 Takamine, Gifu/Japan3 Sleek Elite, Tokyo/Japan (Plek Japan)4 Rick Hanes Guitars, Surabaya/Indonesia5 Samick Guitars, Jakarta/Indonesia6 Tune Guitar Maniac, Oosaka/Japan7 Gracias, Nagoya/Japan8 Maestro Guitars, Singapore9 Swee Lee, Singapore

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dressing frets and more - plek frets and more ... action, fretboard relief, fretboard contour, fret...

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