Thread: Looking for Hurco VM20 feedback

I'm ordering a New Hurco VM20, loaded up with air blast and a full 4th axis. All available software options too. We have a Hurco VM10 now and are constantly stretching the limits of the machine with the size of the parts we are making.
This question is only for the current users of the VM20, How rigid of a machine is it? Our VM10 is very accurate, how accurate is the VM20, how well will it repete in a real world senario? How well (roundness) will it interpolate a 18" diameter in 1.25 6061? Any other issues?

I have been really impressed with our VM10, I hope the New VM20 works as well.
Hurco CNC Machine Tools - VM Series -

I have not run a VM20, but I have ran many hurcos (vm1, vmx50, csx 50, tm8). I can tell you that the the repeatability was the same across all three mills and the would hold the same tolerance on a interpolation ( A few 10ths).

Their was a difference in how rigid they were from the csx and vmx to the little vm1 but that is to be expected those were both 20,000LB + machines.

I ran may molds between these three machine and I knew what to expect from any of them mostly prototype 7075 compression molds (very complex toolpaths) surface finish was the same from all three.

I do have a friend with a vm20 and it acts the same as a vm10 about the same in everyway. You can expect the same performance as you are getting out of the vm10.

The 4th is actually very good for the coin, I ran a few mold cores on the 4th on the vmx 50 had nothing to complain about. Also had a few tombstone set ups for it as well you will like it.

Hope that helps

Jason,

Thanks Jason,

I pulled the trigger today and ordered it. I'm glad to hear all the positive things.

Proturn

Mind sharing what options you ended up with and how much $$$?

We've had ours since last may, and put 2505 hours on it. I love the darn thing, maybe a hair less rigid than our old 40SLV, but makes up for it with the rapids... Get the conveyor, we still don't have one, and that sucks... if you didn't get one, get a 8" squgee by the machine, the coolant pools up, then leaks all over if you don't sweep the drain off every few parts! :-S

-Parker

Congratulations on the purchase! Business must be treating you well!

What kind of money do they get for a vm20?

Originally Posted by Parkerbender

We've had ours since last may, and put 2505 hours on it. I love the darn thing, maybe a hair less rigid than our old 40SLV, but makes up for it with the rapids... Get the conveyor, we still don't have one, and that sucks... if you didn't get one, get a 8" squgee by the machine, the coolant pools up, then leaks all over if you don't sweep the drain off every few parts! :-S

-Parker

I know what you mean, we put drip pans under our VM10 because the trapdoors leak when the chips pile up. I figured we could do a lot of scooping for $2500, the cost of the auger. We dont do a lot of production so we scoop about once a week. It is what it is.

As for How much you can get one of these for?..... about $80k

Originally Posted by proturn

I know what you mean, we put drip pans under our VM10 because the trapdoors leak when the chips pile up. I figured we could do a lot of scooping for $2500, the cost of the auger. We dont do a lot of production so we scoop about once a week. It is what it is.

As for How much you can get one of these for?..... about $80k

The auger will clean out the chips when the spindle is running. Scooping them out manually means machine sits idle. CNC lathes even more important to have auto chip disposal. You may find a used auger for the machine as they probably did not change the design much.

Originally Posted by Philabuster

The auger will clean out the chips when the spindle is running. Scooping them out manually means machine sits idle. CNC lathes even more important to have auto chip disposal. You may find a used auger for the machine as they probably did not change the design much.

I agree that a chip conveyor on a turning center is a no brainer and I wouldnt think about not having one on them. The mill is a different story. As of now we do not do production milling. Our largest job requires that the machine gets scooped out every 8 hours and it takes about 20 minutes at the end of the day. That job comes around 3 times a year. it would take 115 cleanings to pay for it charging full shop rate. I just cant justify that at this time. it's something we could add on at a later date.