Topper VMC??

[betts]

Anyone have any experience with Topper VMC's? Specifically like MDV-812 bridge style with a Fanuc 18iM control. Supposedly this machine is made for die-mold market. Tong-Tai (Taiwan) is parent company.

[Matt Berube at Ferron Mold]

I don't know anything about that particular machine but if you do get one, make sure it's on a really good foundation. We have a Johnford dual column (bridge) machining center which is not really very accurate. Part of the problem is likely the floor which is only 6" concrete.(I know the manufacturer recommends much more) With these dual column machines, it seems that once they settle in, the squareness of the x and y axes can change a lot. "Tramming/leveling" the machine properly seems impossible although I am sure a properly equipped tech (not our dealer) could do it. You can pretty much take squareness for granted in a C-frame machine but not in these dual columns.

 

I see the control hanging to the right of the bi-fold doors in Topper's picture. Can you comfortably reach the control while looking into the machine around those doors ?

[betts]

Don't know if i can reach it yet, haven't seen it in person. Just trying to sort out the choices for a new machine.

 

I heard somewhere else that a Johnford they had wasn't very accurate, but I don't know their floor condition.