Quick Question- Vertical or Horizontal

[jspangler]

Hi

What is difference when using MC8.1.1 to program for a Horizontal compared to programming for a Vertical.

 

Would I need a different post. How do I program for the different sides of the tombstone?

 

Thanks

 

John

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

No difference the way I do it. I draw it the way it will sit in the machine and I change T/C planes about the C/L Rotation when I need an index.

 

Go with the Horizontal that way you can load up a night's worth of work, hit cycle start and come in in the morning and voila, parts done.

 

I was going to suggest looking into a horizontal after you mentioned pallet changers but it slipped my mind.

[Greg Williams]

Some horizontals have the same axis orientation as verticals.

We have a Makino A77, The Z axis is into the job , So it takes exactly the same program as a vertical.

I have also seen horizontals where the Y axis is into the job so it depends on who made the machine and how they set it up

Good luck.

[Aaron]

ANSI/EIA Standard 267-B (ISO 841): Z-axis through the spindle regardless of machine orientation or type (mill, lathe, edm, etc.)

 

My two cents.

[jspangler]

Hi

are all 4 sided tombstomes for Horiz. machines a standard size? I'm trying to figure out if the listed travels will work with the fixturing I have in mind, and still have clearance to rotate and change pallets/ tombstones.

 

Thanks

 

John

[Finecut]

Tombstones come in different sizes,and are a extra cost above and beyond the machine cost.

You need to figure the travels you want or are looking at. Then look at the pallet size for that machine. Next you size the tombstone to fit the machine and your app.

You can go with 1 pallet or for what you may want is at least 2 pallets, one can be running and the other can would be at a load/ unload station.

A haas vf-3 starts at 60,000. a horz is about starts at about 130,000+

Just compare what you can do with each one, size is a big factor on a horz. But if you got the work it will pay for itself.

 

Finecut

[F. JAVIER]

One thing to always keep in mind in horizontals is to figure out your travels and cleareances. When laying out your job always check your "Safe Cylinder Zone" which is tha area that your pallet rotates around so that you do not crash as you rotate the pallet inside the machine.

[F. JAVIER]

sorry for the incomplete message.

 

You can then know what size tombstone you might need.

 

You can also Engineer your own tombstones if you can spare some time...

[jspangler]

Hi

Thanks for the response. When you say engineer your own tombstones, what is involved in that? The ones that i've priced are very (!!!) expensive. Welding the plates and squaring them would be a piece of cake, if that is all that is involved.

 

Thanks

 

John

[F. JAVIER]

That is exactly what we have done!!!

you may want to talk with your welding house and they will give you some pointers regarding weld prep cut allowances. The tombstones we made have worked great for us. Its worth it!!

[jspangler]

Hi

Where are you getting them, and what are you paying?

if you don't mind me asking? Also, what are the made out of? I can do all the welding here, but if they are like 2" thick aluminum, I won't be able to come close to welding them here.

 

Thanks

 

John

[F. JAVIER]

2" should work fine. I'll check with the boss and see if we can help you with more solid info and once I check with him, then I could fax it or e-mail direct. In the while ck with workholding manufacturers and see the sizes available for your machine, their suggestions... compare cost of making it yourself and plan an effective way of utilizing them within your needs... how you could apply it to repeat jobs, new jobs, whtever your needs are.

Get planning!!!!

Javier

[F. JAVIER]

sorry for the incomplete info; I just felt that this info may have been under the "classified" category and now after being given the OK I'm more than happy to share.

 

1.5" to 2" should do fine. make some 45 deg weld preps about .3 to .5 at the edges to be welded and build to size as it fit your needs. Would highly suggest making a rectangular type tombstone, since it allows you to get to larger work at the wide faces and smaller work pieces at narrow faces. Yet your needs should drive your t-stone size.

Good luck!!!

Hope this will help; if you need more info e-mail me.

Javier.

[jspangler]

Hi

Thanks again for all the responses, and tips.

 

The Forum Rules!!

 

Thanks

 

John