gkoenig
Titanium
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2013
- Location
- Portland, OR
So, in an earlier thread, folks were talking about prototype/low volume production. This is something that I've been feeling out for a few months. I have a business that currently outsources about $15k in machined parts a month, as well as a need to prototype new product ideas (and, confession, make useless personal side projects).
We do a relatively high-mix of parts; prismatic milled parts that sing on a 4th axis, mill-turn parts and some basic 2 op mill parts. If I look at what we're making now, I realize that I would need not only a mill, but I would also absolutely need a CNC lathe and a rotary table on the mill. This adds up to shop space, machines to babysit, multiple operations to make a part... a lot of complexity.
Than Brother shows up with the M140X1 - a 3+2 machine (actually, 4+1 reading the specs) that's compact and has a 2000 rpm B axis that is capable of lathe turning.
Product Page here:
Brother International - Machine Tools
Crazy Video Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndVS22ZbqmE
Anyone have one of these bad boys? What am I missing that says this wouldn't be a great machine for prototyping?
IIRC; the base pricing is around $135k. Expensive, but when I price out a Robodrill or Brother 3 axis + rotary table + a basic CNC lathe + lathe and mill tooling + floor space + babysitting two machines... the $135k starts to look like a bit of a bargain.
We do a relatively high-mix of parts; prismatic milled parts that sing on a 4th axis, mill-turn parts and some basic 2 op mill parts. If I look at what we're making now, I realize that I would need not only a mill, but I would also absolutely need a CNC lathe and a rotary table on the mill. This adds up to shop space, machines to babysit, multiple operations to make a part... a lot of complexity.
Than Brother shows up with the M140X1 - a 3+2 machine (actually, 4+1 reading the specs) that's compact and has a 2000 rpm B axis that is capable of lathe turning.
Product Page here:
Brother International - Machine Tools
Crazy Video Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndVS22ZbqmE
Anyone have one of these bad boys? What am I missing that says this wouldn't be a great machine for prototyping?
IIRC; the base pricing is around $135k. Expensive, but when I price out a Robodrill or Brother 3 axis + rotary table + a basic CNC lathe + lathe and mill tooling + floor space + babysitting two machines... the $135k starts to look like a bit of a bargain.
If you are thinking of adding a machine or two and keeping your work in house, think hard. There is so much more to it than just going out and buying a lathe and mill. You are talking about setting up and entire shop that can do CNC milling and turning within a particular size range. Tools and hand tools, taps, drills, vises, collets, inspection equipment, A CMM ? Mic's, calipers, coolant, air compressor, air dryer, this list is long. How and who will program, set up and run your parts. Good software is not cheep. One guy could probably handle the work but he has to be the best and be willing to bust his ass everyday. What will he cost along with the additional tax and insurance burden. I'm sure you have thought about all this but what is the driver ? If it's cost and you are only sending out $15K each month the payback will be measured over several years. If it is about control and current lead times are hurting you I could see the need. If you have deep pockets and just want to add a shop that's great, it will be an adventure and a lot of fun. I have seen some small companies decide to add a shop and keep it all in house fall flat and lose tons of money trying.
