Block speed?

[k turk]

We are in process for buying a new VMC and i am looking at some numbers that i need some help with. Where would a '600 block look ahead' fall when comparing it to an array of VMC machines? Is this an area in general that I should be concerned about?

 

i have the idea - perhaps incorrectly - that this is a bottleneck area which may effect surface quality. Most of what we do is surface machining and quality finish is important. Are there some machine specs that I should concentrate on in evaluating a machine's ability for surface machining?

 

Thanks for any insight.

[Chris Rizzo]

What brands of controls/machines are you considering?

[k turk]

we are looking at Hurco's VM10 and Milltronics RW15. The space for the machine footprint is very limited - which is how we focused on these two.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

1) Block Processing Time (BPT) - The time it takes to process 1 block. Usually expressed as Milliseconds.

2) Look Ahead - The number of blocks ahead of the current block being executed that the control "sees".

 

Which are you taking about?

[mayday]

With the variety of machines we have, the Mazak Matrix stands out in front when it comes to highspeed smoothing and block look ahead. That comparison is with 2meg plus in size programs running 4 axis inverse time feeds of F10000

[k turk]

yeah . . . i thought i might be referencing two different things. as may be evident - i am out of familiar water.

 

Specifically, in comparing these two machines. I have a 2000 blocks per second (Milltronics) vs 600 block look ahead (Hurco) - which as i am reading things is an apples and oranges comparison.

 

IN GENERAL, i am wondering what type of numbers i should be looking for in a machine if most of my parts will be complex surfacing toolpaths . . . OR if this is even relevant to the issue of surface quality and / or program run times.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Sorry. I know nothing about these controls and how they process data.

 

Strictly a FANUC guy...

[Joe788]

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IN GENERAL, i am wondering what type of numbers i should be looking for in a machine if most of my parts will be complex surfacing toolpaths . . . OR if this is even relevant to the issue of surface quality and / or program run times.

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Unfortunately, this is sort of black magic, and as far as I know, you won't find any "hard numbers" answer.

 

Just because it can read and process X amount of block per second, doesn't mean it can accurately or smoothly interpolate those blocks. Also, the CAM software setting will make a difference here. To further complicate things, some controls will react to different filter setting completely opposite to other controls.

 

I can verify Mayday's opinion that the Mazak Matrix (with Mazacc3D option) does an amazing job of accurate high speed smoothing and look ahead. Turn off the arc filter, set the tolerance to .00005, and let it fly.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Black Magic... you're being FAR too kind.

[k turk]

thanks for the help. i liked mazak but they don't make a machine small enough to shoe horn in the space. the two we are considering made the primary list because of their size.

 

Although it has what is called a 'WinMax Control' the Hurco will almost post from the generic Fanuc post in mastercam (required a few lines of editing). Would that imply that there is a Fanuc Control in there with a different face?

[MIL-TFP-41]

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Strictly a FANUC guy...

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Yet you know that the 840Di blows Fanuc out of the water when it comes to processing speed....tho the Fanucs aren't that bad....

 

 

back on topic....wouldn't a Robodrill match your space requirements? I would put that machine up against a hurco/milltronics any day.

[k turk]

Robodrill was mentioned to me in a different thread - i'm looking into them. unfortunately, now we are under a time crunch to make a decision or loose the opportunity entirely. trying to get the Robodrill info on par with the others.

[jdc]

I would look at the robodrill also. Its a Great Machine for small parts.

[Odell]

ARGO A-56 A.P.C. Fast, fast, fast. with a small footprint and excellent surface machining. Sold by LIH CHANG Machinery co.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

quote:

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quote:

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Strictly a FANUC guy...

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Yet you know that the 840Di blows Fanuc out of the water when it comes to processing speed....

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Yes. 840DI has I believe 5,000 block look ahead with spline interpolation as well.

 

Robodrill will indeed beat the tar out of Milltronics and Hurco but only on days that end with "y".

[Newbeeee™]

+1000 to the robodrill.

Get the 10k spindle with BBT (face + taper dual contact) spindle + 21 tools.

You will NOT be dissapointed.

 

 

1x happy customer for 18 months and counting...