motion guru
Diamond
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2003
- Location
- Yacolt, WA
We have been developing an articulated arm that works inside of a machine and our customer is showing an interest in these units. Each part requires about two dozen machined parts - the largest starts from a block of aluminum about 8" x 8" x 14" and requires removal of about 75% of the material.
We are making all of the milled parts (along with a huge mess) on our Tree J425 - I don't even want to think about the mess we would make if we got an order for a system (which is 16 actuators + spares). Our customer is thinking 5-10 systems a year. If we head down this direction, we will need a better solution for milling.
This is the resolver housing for the 2-axis motor assembly - this is typical of the parts we have to make for each actuator. We make covers for one end, stator housings, drivetrain housings with bearing bores, etc. All of the turned parts go into our turning center which has a nice chip conveyor and leaves no mess.
Considering we bought the Tree for $1000 on Craigslist - I am pretty happy with how it is running after a little bit of creative retrofit work . . . all the same, we can't do these parts in quantities on this machine.
I would like to make 4 of these at a time - not sure if a VMC or an HMC is the best way to go. I am open to ideas.
I did a search of the local craigslist and came across this - seems like more machine than we need and probably more money than I want to spend considering it would need further investment of time and $ to get it into production.
Any thoughts on what it would take to get this one into production?
Haas VF-5 Vertical Machining Center CNC 50 Taper
sorry for the tiny photos - Craigslist photos are kinda dinky . . .
Our other machines include a open side planer mill with a CNC retrofit and two milling heads for larger parts and a CNC turning center (Whacheon copy of a Mori Seiki with a Fanuc controller) - and of course the J425 . . . so our primary need will be production parts (primarily aluminum)
I might even consider a VMC or HMC with no controls if the price is right.
Any "good" advice is greatly appreciated . . .
We are making all of the milled parts (along with a huge mess) on our Tree J425 - I don't even want to think about the mess we would make if we got an order for a system (which is 16 actuators + spares). Our customer is thinking 5-10 systems a year. If we head down this direction, we will need a better solution for milling.
This is the resolver housing for the 2-axis motor assembly - this is typical of the parts we have to make for each actuator. We make covers for one end, stator housings, drivetrain housings with bearing bores, etc. All of the turned parts go into our turning center which has a nice chip conveyor and leaves no mess.
Considering we bought the Tree for $1000 on Craigslist - I am pretty happy with how it is running after a little bit of creative retrofit work . . . all the same, we can't do these parts in quantities on this machine.
I would like to make 4 of these at a time - not sure if a VMC or an HMC is the best way to go. I am open to ideas.
I did a search of the local craigslist and came across this - seems like more machine than we need and probably more money than I want to spend considering it would need further investment of time and $ to get it into production.
Any thoughts on what it would take to get this one into production?
Haas VF-5 Vertical Machining Center CNC 50 Taper
This is a used 1999 Haas VF5 Machining Center in great condition. It was used to prototype a specialty machine then warehoused. The machine has very low hours. The machine has a 50 taper 7500 rpm spindle with 2 speed gear box. It does not have a tool changer or the tool clamp/unclamp air cylinder and draw rod. The enclosure and chip pans were never used and are in like new condition. The machine has the built in chip auger. This machine is a great value for someone who doesn't need a tool changer or who wants to save $70,000 off of new pricing and install their own tool changer and complete this project. This machine is being sold AS IS as a great project machine. Fully supported by your local Haas dealer for parts etc.
EQUIPPED WITH:
Haas CNC Control (8MB Memory, 4th Axis Ready, Visual
Quick Code Programming, User-Definable Macros,
Coordinate Rotation & Scaling, High-Speed Machining,
Remote Jog, Floppy Disk Drive, Spindle Orientation)
2-Speed Gear Box - High Torque
Auger-Type Chip Conveyor -
sorry for the tiny photos - Craigslist photos are kinda dinky . . .
Our other machines include a open side planer mill with a CNC retrofit and two milling heads for larger parts and a CNC turning center (Whacheon copy of a Mori Seiki with a Fanuc controller) - and of course the J425 . . . so our primary need will be production parts (primarily aluminum)
I might even consider a VMC or HMC with no controls if the price is right.
Any "good" advice is greatly appreciated . . .