On 2 Feb 2005 23:05:27 -0800, wrote:

I would like to CNC vertical mill some 2024-T3 aluminum parts from
stock approximately 12"X12"X2". The parts are about 6"X6"x2" and have
a general profile tolerance of +/-.001. The parts will require full 3
axis machining.

What are my basic options for a fairly affordable CNC but one that has
decent enough speed and rigidity to make these parts in an
average/reasonable amount of time? For instance I would be happy if I
could make them in half the time that say a $50,000 used Haas or Fadal
VMC could make them in. The machine would only run about 10 hours a
week so it doesn't need to be too hell-for-stout.

A small machining center? A retrofit/conversion? A benchtop? Import
vs domestic? Other options?

I would like to keep the price down under about $7k if possible. Am I
dreaming?

Thanks folks.

Joe



+/-.001, 3 axis profiling, $7k, half the machining time of a machine
costing 7x ???
Not gonna happen.

Your main issue is that I don't think you'll find a machine fast enough for
+/-.001" on 3 axis in your price range. Your cutting AL, but I also don't
think you'll find anything rigid enough in your price range to hold .001".

If you want fast feed, that also means faster spindles. Fast spindles means
hotter cutters and you'll want flood coolant and that generally means an
enclosure. Enclosure cost more money. So do the pumps, tanks... for the
coolant.

You don't want to pay $50k for a machine but want better than that level of
performance. Regardless of your opinion on Fadals, Haas' etc, you really
*do* get something for your money spent.

Decide which of your parameters you'll sacrifice (tolerance, speed, price).
--
Skuke
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