Integrex 5 axis

[R. C. Hinds]

Hello All

 

we are considering replacing our aging integrex with a new and improved 5x head model. I was hoping that someone who has worked with one of these machines could respond with contact information so we could talk about the machine and it's capabilities and limitations under Mastercam. We are looking to do 5 axis like work on this machine if possible.

 

Mcam x4, 5axis,solids,lathe,etc.

[chris m]

Do a quick forum search, man; there have been quite a few " I just got my new Integrex" threads lately

[R. C. Hinds]

Thanks Chris,I will do the search.However I was hoping for someone who has not just put one on the floor but who has been up and running for some time.

[Psychomill]

Which Integrex type are you looking to replace the old one with? There's a 'few' versions for these. The Mark IV (traditional type), the e-Horizontal (Lathe based with 5x), and the e-Vertical (mill based 5x with VTL type turning).

[Ron Branch @ Verisurf]

Hope over to www.integrexmachinist.com and they can tell you about the machine. From a programming stand point what are you expecting?

 

Do you want rock solid never have to worry about the NC code programs? If the answer is yes then get Vericut. If you are cool with your set-up guy taking 3 days to prove out programs then no need to get Vericut.

 

How much 5 axis programming experience do you have? If the answer is none, get ready for a big old learning curve of 6 month to 1 year before you are god at it. If the answer is limited then about 3 to 6 months. If the answer is expert the expect about 3 months.

 

Pro's and Con's of the machine I assume you know about the Mazatrol/EIA things so that carries over to these machines. If you go with the Mark Slant style be ready for some limitations from a 5 axis standpoint and tool changes on long parts. If you go with the more expensive, but more capable E series be ready to treat it like a 4th axis mill with turning capabilities and 5 axis capabilities. In my opinion the 2 machines are night and day. The Slant Series Y axis has about 1/2 the travel of the E series. The E series has an independent Y axis where as the slant Series is the combination of 2 axis to make the Y travel just about the case on most Slant style machine with a Y axis. The NT series Mori is the same design for axis travels and method to move the machine.

 

Programming with Mastercam takes some work. Some thing you do with C axis programming some thing you do with Axis sub and other things you do with full 5 axis so being a good 5 axis programming does not mean you are going to be a good 5 axis mill/turn programmer. You need good turning skills, with good milling skills, with good fixture skills and also good process of operations skills to efficiently program these machines. Clamp pressure if holing in the chuck or good fixture if using an sub plate method. We made a cradle to go between our 2 spindle and have done only milling on our E series Intergrex so again really boils down to the work and how far you are willing to expand what you are doing now.

 

HTH