Kitamura 3XG??

[neurosis]

We are currently looking at getting some machines to replace our clapped out 40 taper 15 year old vertical mills. We are choosing this particular machine because of our space limitations but also because we have had good luck with kitamura machines in the past.

 

We are looking at the Kitamura 3XG.

 

Does anyone have any experience with this particular machine? It claims feed rates up to 1400ipm with rapids up to 1900ipm on solid box ways.

 

Only Kitamura can offer the speed of 1969ipm feed rates on the (X) and (Y) axes, 1417ipm (Z) on solid box ways. High speed cutting has a feed rate of 1,417ipm on the X, Y & Z axes making you “job ready” for high-tolerance work.

 

I have never heard of such a thing so I am curious if anyone has any experience with these.

 

 

Also, the control is an Arumatik-Mi (Mitsubishi?) control. They look pretty good but again, never heard of them or have had any experience. Anyone that has had any experience with this machine and can give some feed back it would be greatly appreciated.

[Kevangel]

Are these solid box ways with rollar packs like Trees use to have? Milltronics offered rollar packs as an option. I was always curious are they said much more stiff than regular linear ways.

[neurosis]

These are solid box ways.

[Newbeeee™]

Kit's were always good machines. But I would be really careful with those high rapids on turcite. Going to be very expensive to rebuild if it lifts...just out of warranty.

[neurosis]

According to Kitamura,

 

With rapid feed rates of 1969ipm on solid box ways and a 5-year box way warranty, Kitamura's guideway system is guaranteed to hold high precision motion for the long term.

 

They seem to be very confident that they will hold up.

 

 

I still have some concerns though. This machine will be on our floor for a minimum of 10 years and 15 is probably more realistic. How will they be after 15 years? Thats why I would like to hear from someone that has some experience with these machines.

[Matthew Hajicek - Singularity]

We've got two ten-year-old Kitamuras, an HX300 and an HX400, and are getting a new HX500 next week. We're currently having the two older one's rebuilt a bit since they've gotten a bit sloppy. I'll let you know how they are in a week or two.

[Newbeeee™]

We've got two ten-year-old Kitamuras, an HX300 and an HX400, and are getting a new HX500 next week. We're currently having the two older one's rebuilt a bit since they've gotten a bit sloppy. I'll let you know how they are in a week or two.

Matt - are these both dual ball screw machines? If so, have you ever had any problems with the screws/servo's fighting eachother?

[Matthew Hajicek - Singularity]

They are, and no. No issue with that.

[Joe788]

Interesting that Kitamura is doing their own front end on a control. Is it a Mitsubishi? It looks awfully Siemens-ish.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Interesting that Kitamura is doing their own front end on a control. Is it a Mitsubishi? It looks awfully Siemens-ish.

It's pretty much one of the last ways builders can somewhat control costs. Mitusbishi and Seimans don;t quite give their controls away but only slightly more than a song and a dance. The rest of the cost saving measures builders could come up with would require ALOT from the builders themselves to do which is ALWAYS tough.

[Crazy Bruce]

Hi All,

I have lurked here for a long time, never posted. So I don't know how much weight my opinion will hold, but I will give it to you anyways. We have 20 Kitamuras in our shop including 3 Horizontals,

3 5 axis and many verticals. I can tell you that Kitamura builds a rock solid machine. We have machines from the early nineties that make good parts 20 hours a day, week in and week out, all year long. I have not used the new Mitsubishi control, but have spoken with the service crew in Chicago about it. My understanding is that the Kitamura front end is very Fanuc like. I would be interested in seeing a torque curve comparison between the Fanuc and Mitsubishi.

Good Luck,

Bruce

[Matthew Hajicek - Singularity]

Bruce, have you had to get the Turcite replaced on your ways?

[Crazy Bruce]

Bruce, have you had to get the Turcite replaced on your ways?

 

We replaced turcite on two early 90's Mucenter 1's. I blame our maintenance more than anything for that. On the older machines if you got one leak in the way lube system, nothing would get lube. The turcite pays the price. Also, make sure your way covers are in good condition, pull them back every few months and clean. If you take care of that you won't have any problems.

Bruce