O/T New Machine Purchase-Requimendation

[tpreb6]

Currently, we have a Makino S56 and it has been an awesome machine! We are looking at purchasing another or would like to move up in size to accommodate the larger tools that we have been building. The next size up in the Makino class is the V77. Very pricey (could buy 2 S56's for the price of one V77) and hard to justify since most of the molds we build are aluminum prototypes.

 

What other High Speed machines have you worked with that were well worth the money without a huge price tag (or not worth looking at).

 

...just looking at all of our options before buying.

 

Some specs we are looking at:

 

20k spindle

X axis...40"-50" of travel

Y axis...28"-35" of travel

Z axis...24"-30" of travel

Fanuc control

 

 

Also, the Makino distributor here is presenting the YCM brand to us. Anyone have expierence's with their machines?

 

I would appretiate the input!

[Rick Henrickson The Boeing Co.]

YCM has proven to be a good machine here in the NW

people who buy them seem to love them. But I thought you were looking along the line of mori type levels. the makinos are the s__t though we love ours

[tpreb6]

cas,

 

There is no doubt about it, Makino's rock.

 

Have you heard anything about the spindle life and maintenance on the YCM's?

[Rick Henrickson The Boeing Co.]

yeh, they have been very good, where i use to work they have a 10,000 run stell with it all the time, the shop next door has bought 4 over the last 2 years and they love them. I can give you the numbers of people up here that have them if you would like to talk to them.

[tpreb6]

cas,

 

Yes, if you don't mind I would like to talk with them. When it comes to spending alot of money it never hurts to be well informed.

 

Thanks!

[Rick Henrickson The Boeing Co.]

john landau, westwood precision 425-742-7011

dan olson, metal motion 360-403-7330

i will get you the others in the am

[Greg Williams]

No doubt Makino's are very good

Also Okuma MD series will work for you

[HevyMetl]

Tom,

 

You guys have built some proto type knock downs for us over the last few months, and I can say that engineering has been pleased with the quality you have been providing. I wouldn't stray too far from the Makinos because of the molding support background that they have established. We are looking at a new purchase, and after looking around the higher up front cost is well outwieghted by the quality and reliability. Aluminum or not surface finish and accuarcy are hard to beat on those machines.

[tpreb6]

Greg,

 

How long have you used Okumas? And, not to sound repetaive but, because of the high expense in spindle replacement, how is the spindle life?

 

HevyMetl,

 

Thank you for the complements! It is always good to know that our customers are happy. We have a great crew here that work together as a team and put much pride into their work. I will pass it onto them.

 

You are right about not straying away from the Makino's. It is a very reliable, fast and accurate machine. We have done some pretty incredible things on this machine that we would never even think about two years ago. We've cut ribs with a .040 dia. cutter relieved straight back .700! Not to mention being able to cut P-20 tools almost as fast as aluminum tools. It is just hard to look at the big price jump to the next size. "We are just trying to get the most bang for the buck" and window shopping.

[tpreb6]

cas,

 

Thank you! I will be calling them later today.

[Chipmakr]

Mikron

[New Job]

As a former contract employee of Makino's I can attest to the quality of the machines and support staff. If I was using Makino's I would definitely stay with them. I know of instances where people lost work because they did not have Makino's in the shop.

 

On the other hand I have been programming for YCM's for the last three years and just love the little fella's! Tough, sturdy and accurate. With all the bells and whistles they are hard to beat for the money.

 

JM2C...HTH