Looking for informed opinions

[chris m]

SAIPEM

 

1) Mazak outsells ALL machine tool manufacturers, not just Okuma

 

2) I believe that Okuma-Howa is now a subsidiary of Okuma Japan

 

Kyle

 

I agree that Okuma's "closed-door" macro philosophy sucks; especially when it comes to probing. There are ways around it but they are cumbersome and labor-intensive.

 

That being said, the machines are great and I am an unashamed Okuma guy.

 

C

[Guest SAIPEM]

quote:

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1) Mazak outsells ALL machine tool manufacturers, not just Okuma

 

2) I believe that Okuma-Howa is now a subsidiary of Okuma Japan

---

1) That was exactly my original point

 

2) That change just happened on July 1st of this year.

Prior to that, they were completely separate entities.

[Kyle Waters]

So, has anybody used a Multus? I just got back from our "demo". I am a little bothered that when you are using the Y axis the machine is programmed like a mill, however if cancel this mode, back to lathe? It seems that this could be quite confusing for an operator. I was again impressed with the layout of the control(P200). Setting and adjusting tools seemed to be quite involved compared to our MT2000, but part of that may be due to the experience level and familiarity of the machine to the applications tech. My boss grilled me for 5 hours on our way back about my "opinion" of the machine, after the whopping few hours I spent with it. I do seriously wonder about the ability to write to system variables simply because we had a 40K file to turn a few diameters, mill a keyway, and drill and tap some holes. In addition to the fact that operators here have a habit of "removing" program pieces that they do not like(understand). A lot of the code I am sure was graphics related, but the new "collision avoidance system" seemed fairly impressive. I really am hoping to hear some things from the MAC-TURN and Multus users out there......good or bad just need info

[Rick Henrickson 65]

you are correct much of the data is graphics.

did they program it with IGF or from a cam package?

dont be affraid of the variables on a okuma they are much easier then they seem

like fanuc spindle tool lets say is #5021

on an okuma it is vatol

stands for actual tool on a mill but the lathes are similar

the first macros I ever started righting were on okumas and they are pretty easy.

one program on our lathes could run 170 diffrent dash numbers depending on how you filled in your local variables

and another great feature is setting your g and m code feature with library files simple to use

[Jack Neelands™]

dont get an Okuma with windows embedded on the control...have to keep replacing drivers on ours all the time ..most times its the video drivers but everyonce in a while its the network drivers that go out on us as well

[Kyle Waters]

Jack, we only have one with windows embedded, that was the first MB-46VA with P100. The second P100 came with XP Professional, and it has run much smoother. One day I am going to look into the password issues we have with that first machine....

[Kyle Waters]

Rick, I would love to see some more info on your macros, I've only really made a handfull, all on the mills. Like I said before, I don't have anything against Okumas, I am just ALOT more familiar with Fanuc. I am definitely very interested in learning more about OSP macros.

[Rick Henrickson 65]

I just went and bought a new zipdrive to get my info off the disks, (I know old school!)

I will send you everything I have and if you need any help I would be more then happy to.

I beleive I even have the factory documentation to.

I know the original books supplied are not very well written or incorrect for that matter.

[desmotom]

I use both Mori and Okuma. I love the mori the're great control and machine. The okuma is a good machine but the controller takes some time to get used to. I hate the restarting pain in the butt.

[Rick Henrickson 65]

why would you say the restart is a pain in the butt I think the restart is the easiest and if you are stitching a huge mold and the power goes out how can you restart from where you left off on a fanuc?

how about on an okuma?

restart * will restart right where it was

restart * -2 2lines back fron where it left off

there are many features to use

[Guest SAIPEM]

quote:

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can you restart from where you left off on a fanuc?

---

Yes

[Kyle Waters]

Thanks Rick, I'm looking forward to learning some new things.

[Kyle Waters]

Hey Jack, I just noticed your location. I was just up at the distributor near Toronto. You wouldn't happen to have a Mac Turn would you?

[chris m]

quote:

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I hate the restarting pain in the butt

---

Yeah, going from Auto to Edit, forward search, back to Auto, single-block through a couple of lines here, back to Edit, cursor down down down down, back to Auto again....that's MUCH better...

 

 

As far as operators who 'like to remove sections of programs' I have and easy solution for that: 'Go tell your wife you got fired because you are an a$$hole'

 

Typically the 2nd guy will leave the program alone

 

C

[VMCman]

Nakamura has some great machines for Multitasking as well. The ATC is very nice, with a rack style expandable system, so as you get more jobs, you add more tools. It also has a double door, so when the ATC is changing tools, chips to not get into the back of the ATC. Nice system.

[chris m]

Looks like the Methods guy got a new handle....

[MMT-USA]

Not me sorry

[3D WHIZ KID]

worlds worst controller is probably a xxxxor. I've ran a bunch of different controllers, and most of them are good, some are better. But xxxxor was by far the crappiest. makes me embarrassed to be part portugese.

fanucs, mitsubishi, ect... they all have their good and bad points. It seems to me that's more of what your used to.

[desmotom]

You can restart anywhere with the fanuc. I just single block through my start up and then press edit and scroll to the line I left off on if its safe or I'll start a couple of lines before it. No problem.

[jeff]

The thing that I really like about the Okuma controls is the Mid-Auto manual feature,VERY helpful and a huge timesaver for when you want to do in-provess inspection before the tool makes another cut.

 

SOmeone mentioned in an earlier post that their lathe gcode is horrible,I don't care for that either,but once you get used to it,it's easier to program and more user friendly.

 

Restarting is way better than Fanuc IMHO,but if you have a large program it can be a pain.

And the DNC-DT is excellent.

128mb hard drive and 500k memory on the control is sweet.

I haven't ran any newer Fanucs so I don't know if they have the capability to network to a PC and "grab" files without the need for RS232.

[machtek]

quote:

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As far as operators who 'like to remove sections of programs' I have and easy solution for that: 'Go tell your wife you got fired because you are an a$$hole'

---

Gotta wonder where your at with this. I have a constant problem with this very thing. I know I am personally an a$$hole but thats beside the point. Just run the program, it aint for readin!

 

 

[chris m]

confused

 

[ 08-16-2006, 10:42 AM: Message edited by: chris m ]

[Colin Gilchrist]

The worst control I've found so far was an ancient Allen-Bradley. Running one is slightly more painful than having teeth pulled, sans novicane.

 

 

-Colin Gilchrist

[chris m]

I agree that Allen Bradley controls are pretty horrible; Sony's attempt at a ProtoTRAK is dreadful as well...

[Guest SAIPEM]

Biesse owns the title to worst CNC control on the planet - the XNC.

 

NOTHING about their control makes any sense.

Biesse took perfectly good G-Code and made it UNUSEABLE.

 

Thank GOD they really only deal with woodworking.