Machine Recommendations

[Ocean Lacky™]

Looking for suggestions. The company is wanting to buy a new CNC for rough machining of forging dies. Currently, we are using Mazak 300VTC for the cavity work, but they don't seem to be stout enough to rough mill the shanks. It's quicker to machine on the old Hydrotels.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Jerome]

Haas all the way

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Kitamura, Mori Seiki, Makino, Yasda, would be a good bet IMHO. Definitely a step above Haas though and quite a bit more expensive but worth the extra $.

[Hardmill]

Perhaps its not just a machine issue, maybe you need

to take advantage of new age tooling, tool paths, and

even workholding.

Properly applied any machine could dance circles around

an old hydrotel.

 

Drop me a line if ya need help.

 

 

PEACE

[Chris Rizzo]

quote:

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Haas all the way

---

...to the bottom of the river.

[robk]

quote:

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Definitely a step above Haas

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A step???? C'mon James you usualy say what's on your mind

Ocean, if you don't think your Mazak could handle the job you could bet your 1st born that the Haas will NOT also.

I agree with the choices that James mentioned, but as Harmill suggested;

quote:

---

maybe you need

to take advantage of new age tooling, tool paths, and

even workholding.

---

You will be surprised with some of the tooling available out there and how it could benefit you.

Good luck

[Guest]

They have a Mazak, to suggest a HAAS, now that's some funny xxxxe

 

James' reccomendations are spot on.

 

Though HAAS is a little mare than one step down from the rest it might be several steps above a Fadal.

 

[ 01-27-2006, 06:59 AM: Message edited by: jmparis ]

[Storkman]

quote:

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Haas all the way

---

 

u funny guy Jerome.

 

Horizontal - Niigata

Vertical - OKK

Mori - Great but too pricey

[Chipmakr]

Mikron machines are very high quality.

 

 

http://www.mikron-ac.com

[b_daddy]

Our Okuma's are a pretty tough machine also

 

 

-----------------

Bryon

[chris m]

Even though I hate Mazak I gotta laugh at the Haas recommendation...how 'bout one of those Smithy all-in-one machines they sell in the back of Popular Mechanics

[Psychomill]

Well, not knowing what material you're working with other than its a forging, I'm inclined to think that you may be using the wrong machine for the app. The 300VTC is more geared for high speed machining of large work pieces. If you need a machine to "plow" large and/or deep cavities, this particular model may not do it. Better off with a FJV or V series.

 

Follow Hardmill's advice on this one for this particular machine and change the process/methods. I think you have a good machine, just need a different approach.

 

[Ocean Lacky™]

Thanks for all the input. Hardmill's comment brings up another issue. Being located in the backwoods of Central florida, there aren't too many tool salespersons who are knowledgeable in the type of materials that we use. (Finkl Die blocks) Generally, when the tool reps come in, everyone in the shop gathers 'round the machine and places bets on when the "Latest and Greatest" tool technology will melt down. As of this moment, the best performance comes from a 2.5" dia face mill with .5" dia button inserts(900 RPM, 50 IPM, .03 depth) but I'm sure it can be done faster. Any ideas?

[gavetta]

Hey Ocean,

Who you using for a tool rep? We use Southern Tool & Machine down here. Their pretty helpful when you ask.

[Ocean Lacky™]

Psychomill, We're cutting the actual forging dies, Finkl FX-2. Block sizes run up to 40" x 34". We're generally pleased with the finishing capabilities. It's when we need to move about 4" of stock that we think we can do better.

[robk]

quote:

---

As of this moment, the best performance comes from a 2.5" dia face mill with .5" dia button inserts(900 RPM, 50 IPM, .03 depth) but I'm sure it can be done faster. Any ideas?

---

Here is one example (not familiar with you material though.

Mitsubishi AJX type in stainless;

2.5" Dia with 4 flutes

SFM 560

FPT .060

DOC .060

= 856 RPM @ 206 IPM

 

We have so much confidence in these cutters that we run them unattended at night. BTW, the body is covered under warranty for 2 years. You blow it up, they send you a new one for free.

Check out some videos from their website web page

[Ocean Lacky™]

gavetta, We use AFI. (alternativ

[Ocean Lacky™]

Gotta luv these laptops! AFI - Alternatives For Industry.

[DC Gorn]

Is it to late in the topic to give Haas another slame?

[Ocean Lacky™]

Slame away!

[Ocean Lacky™]

just wanted to say thanks to all who replied. I've learned alot, lurking in here over the last year or so.

[Psychomill]

+1 Robk for the Mitsubishi AJX. Use them here also. Not familiar with the material though. Sounds like tough stuff and given the machine being used I'd try the high feed cutters. But at 4" deep, I may look into plunge mills to plow it out.

 

[kamman25]

Ocean Lacky, We also cut forging dies so I am very familiar with the material you are cutting (nasty stuff) We are using a Haas VF-8 and have not had any problems with it at all and are cutrently looking into a Haas EC-1600. We use Iscar fast feed mills for our heavy cutting but are looking at the Mitsubishi AJX. If you have any other questions just ask. Don't be so hard on a hydrotell Hardmill they can move a lot of material real fast.

[Hardmill]

quote:

---

Thanks for all the input. Hardmill's comment brings up another issue. Being located in the backwoods of Central florida, there aren't too many tool salespersons who are knowledgeable in the type of materials that we use. (Finkl Die blocks) Generally, when the tool reps come in, everyone in the shop gathers 'round the machine and places bets on when the "Latest and Greatest" tool technology will melt down.

---

Thats the problem right there, they're salesmen.

Soon, real soon I'll be making a push with tool sales,

not just gettin you to buy but to educate at the same time.

Showing someone how to properly apply new technology

is key and there is just no real support out there.

Alot of these guys are good but the vast majority

will only take the time to open the book and say

"run it this fast", collect their check and be gone. Always been a big hole in the system in

my opinion.

 

 

PEACE

[Psychomill]

Amen Hardmill.