Machine Comparison

[Brian B 74]

My company is looking for a machine that can cut mold cavity into a 60x50x8 piece of 4140. Tolerance is not too tight. Cost of the machine is an issue. We are looking at either a Milltronics or and Amera Seiki. Any thoughts on either machine?

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Wel the Ameri-Seiki is a Fanuc machine so that would get my vote just on control alone...

 

JM2C

[specv]

you can get a milltronics with a fanuc control also. The only milltronics machine i have ever run was a cnc knee mill. but that was 8 years ago.

[Kevangel]

I would take a good look at the Milltronics, and look into the rollar ways option, supposed to be way stiffer, (think some Tree VMCs had that) not the linear ones (think on 50 taper its standard)..little extra money, But I would check out for a new one as I cut my share of 420FSS...they are one company that is gettin better instead of stayin the same or worse. You can also get fanuc on them for $$$, I think.

[Thee Dragracer1951]

I think I'd take an Ameri Seki over a Miltronics any day.

But thats just me.

[Brian B 74]

I was doing a bit more investigating and found that Johnford has a bridge style machining center that has 63x52 travels. Can also be a HighNet machine with a 24k spindle and a high end Fanuc 18i. Anyone have an opinion on this machine?

[Rick Henrickson The Boeing Co.]

that would be a better choice, YCM, and Daewoo may be another. I use to do applications for a company that sold milltronics as an entry level line they are pretty light duty and support can be an issue.

[Kevangel]

quote:

---

company that sold milltronics as an entry level line they are pretty light duty and support can be an issue.

 

---

Milltronics has really changed in the last 10 years, all cast iron construction, lots of improvements and service is excellent in Dayton area but our dealer is or was their biggest dealer, I think...dealer can make a big difference in your area. I have talked to the factory several times on questions to do some simple things myself and factory was very helpful. Just my experiance. My landlord bought 4 new Milltronics VMCs last year in one pop, has 3 others, they have their place. A lot of their product is sold, as made in the USA, so I pull for them. (Minnesota) Good Luck on your decision.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

What about a Fanuc Robodrill??? I'd take that machine over ANY mentioned above.

[Wise-ACR]

http://www.roeders.de/eng/next/hsc-fraesen/typisches.php

[TR Mfg.]

I would take the Amera Seiki over the Milltronics based on it being all Fanuc electronics. We have a Johnsford SV32P and have been happy with it, but it is only a 30x20 machine. I know they offer a bridge mill in that size.

CNC Apps Guy a 60x50 Robodrill? Do they make one that big? If so sign me up for one.

[iowajim62]

quote:

---

What about a Fanuc Robodrill??? I'd take that machine over ANY mentioned above.

---

you gonna share ?!?!?!?!?

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Nope... All mine.

 

Jim, who's your salesman?

[Thee Dragracer1951]

Jeez, I like the little robodrill and all, but JEEZ!

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Apparently I need to get my eyes checked. I didn't see the large travel requirement. 700mm (27.5)x 400mm(15.7) x 330mm(12.9) in Z is the largest one unfortunately. My bad.

[Kevangel]

Brian, there is a Double columm Johnsford coming up for auction on sept.6th at Dem-Cav Tool and Mould, windsor, ontario. "think" its a 2004 18K spindle. auctioneer is Corporate Assets Inc. brochure at their site. (shop looks really clean what a shame)

[Brian B 74]

Thanks for the tip Kevin. Will have to check it out.

[Dave Miller]

Brian-

Have you looked into the Haas VM series machines. Quite good mold making machines if I do say so myself.

Dont believe you specified your cost restraints but they are fairly priced.

[Guest]

quote:

---

Have you looked into the Haas VM series machines.

---

 

I will be sooooo glad to be leaving HAAS land on Thursday. Sometimes you make a mistake when taking a job and boy oh boy was this one of those.

 

Brian,

 

I have no personal experience with Ameri-Seiki but people that I know and respect their opinions have been impressed with the bang for the buck and the reliability of the machines

[Brian B 74]

Thanks to everyone for the positive remarks. Dave - I looked at HAAS, but they don't have a bridge/gantry size mill big enough for doing mold work. The Amera-Seiki has an intro price of $239k. With options, it will end up around around $265k. Have to see if we can swing this deal.