We seam to have similar problem managing all relative post, control and machine files. one thing we have done is standardize some (ie we have a couple sets of machines where most all is the same except 10k and 12k spindles) , it was decided we are such short runs to use one standard post for these two sets of machines and clamp at 10k. this does not limit us from hand edit or temp. unclamp this max for a production job but we only have to manage two posts versus 4 posts relative to these machines. I would be very interested how others are handling this. Doug

We saved all our setup info in pdf format and could be read on any platform. html is a little bulky file structure wise and graphic resolution can be a problem. this was in a previous job, am working on converting the ways of thinking in current job (html here) have to do seperate print outs cause some of it cannot be read.

we called them reference work instructions and had a book in each department or for different machines. wise advise to keep this seperate from your iso. revisions are so much easier for reference instructions as things change or you find a better way. AS9100 and ISO only hold you specific to certain things dont volunteer more. it is also good to look for any thing that is value added to you, they do not pay you extra to be certified.

NHX8000 wish it had a 5th but guess this will do

intalled 3 months ago and loving it. its twin is on the way. life is good

just ran accross this in my journey of searching up 800mm tombs http://www.omlusa.com/pdf/CATALOG_USA_Tomb_01.pdf know nothing about them but would love any input anyone has

Just left a place with that culture (dont show teach or inform anyone else) lot of insecurity and stabbing. I wish them luck, that company will not have a chance at competing in very short order, you cannot grow using only ones knowledge. JM2C

thread mill is your friend. any tool that works multi purpose is a plus

foghorn speaks very good logic. simplify and standardize will go miles over complication and confusion. dont over think it and it will fall in place

Question for those that have experience with Icam and Vericut. What would you chose for a multi machine configuration (3-5 axis mill) high work mix one off part shop? the main goal is verification of nc programs for collisions, interference and net part-model comparison. TIA Doug

I would consider drawing max work piece diam. and place some of your most common parts up to see what configuration tomb works best for your average work. you can run out of envelope very quick with pallet, fixture and stock stack. putting hole pattern in on machine has always worked best in my experience (standardize between tombs) this will let you know at all times where you are within the envelope and be able to easily use either or tombs. Doug

thanks all. am rockin now

I received the same message. FYI I was trying to log in on a computer with hasp with current maint. ????

My xeon quad 3ghz is way slower than my i7 was. not apples to apples rigs but I question it a little? its old technology?

Crazy your approach sounds good but I would consider a 1/2 end mill. seems to be a sweet spot for 40 taper machines the cost of end mills is much better too. other wise rock there world. JM2C

this to me is absolutely ingenious for lights out on the cheap. dont think many neg. comments are coming from those that pay a payroll. jus sayin. now with that being said. it has some serious risk. one tool breaks its a domino from there. idk. does not fit in my world but is very cool all the same. doug

good input but can I inject some basics? I like my machines with every thing needed to do the job in arms reach. a bigger shop is not always the most efficient. I am talking basic clamps, bolts, dead blow, chuck for indicator-edge finder etc. the rest is in my box. would always like a rock and computer withing station area too. nice staging area for stock and rack for staged job paperwork is good too. just my simple mind working on this one. your shop sounds cool and your dreams sound even cooler. doug to me job flow is just as important as equipment and personell.

Bob, you made me think about this a bit as to your origanal question as to another mathine or cell. without reading the whole thread I think most answered your question. was walking thru the shop the other day and noticed that they have 10's of thousands of tooling on the floor, in racks, on shelves etc. it made me think of how nice it was at last shop that in the pallet pool I had all that bolted down, indicated in and ready to go. ran over 20 jobs (qtys 20-50 all different hogouts) thru that machine complete in less than three weeks. that is plan, program, setup bought and ready to ship. they had 12 other stand alone machines but even if we could do it in that amount of time it would have been 12 setup guys and one to two programmers to get it done. we did it with two people, myself programming and one setup guy. it does really depend on the type of work and flow within any shop but I will take standard tooling setup with good documented position any day over programming for all the mismash someone can throw at all the machines any day. just my thoughts thus far, hopefully I made some sense. another spindle always makes sense if you can keep it running all the time. but a nicely tooled machine may beat it?? Doug

Kinda a newbee question but I would like to confirm. Will maintenance updates affect usability? ie if I am on X6 MU3 can another user with X6 base work with my file without issue? TIA Doug

general size of parts might be good info. would a mill turn be something to consider? just trying to think outside the box a little. bar feed in mill turn may come into play for lights out production? otherwise you are going to need to tool for multiple parts- dont forget load unload times. how many sides do you need access to? just some food for thought. can you post pic of your parts proposed for production? welcome to one of the greatest places for machining information, am sure you will get plenty of help here. Doug

worked in many different shops many different machines, many different materials and the only crappy mori's I had to deal with were the ones that had the ph*** beat outa em and it took them many years to accomplish this. I do not consider all mori's top of the line but have yet to run one that I would consider bottom. they seam to do very well at delivering what you paid for them for a loooong time.

Ours has done us well. things to ask about are: 1 control heard rumor they offer mits. controls? we have Fanuc Oi 2 High speed AICC is a must to make use of this machine, esp. Alum those are just what I would consider musts, ours is fully optioned out. just past 1st year with this machine and has not missed a beat. Coolant tank-recovery system is a little week.

YUP sure would be a nice option. HINT HINT CNC

let me throw this in since you seam to be committed in your project at this point. try a smaller diameter and generate your .875 dia. (.4375 rad) cuts. this will be less tool rad. contact thus less heat. Carbide would be good too if you can get something ground stagger tooth usually doesnt hurt either but you are looking at pretty small dia cutter for that so am not sure if that is practical. Doug

Now that looks use full and a very realistic solution.