CNC high speed mill for graphite

[snarman61]

Looking for a machine that has a small foot print. We have a bostomatic 12G now. Like to replace it soon than later.
We've looked at Mankinos and mikrons , but they're so big and pricy. any suggestions. The Mikron is half the depth than the Mankino , but over 100'000 more in price. looking in the 250's range

 

[david n]

Roku-Roku may be an option.................

 

[TeachMePlease]

If it's not a Mikron or a Makino, it should be a Roku-Roku.

Or maybe you can get a Robodrill/Speedio configured for graphite? Just because I've never seen one doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

 

[MCritchley]

Roku-Roku may be an option.................

The Roku Roku looks like a very well built and stable machine. I really like their mounting of the X axis rails on top of the bridge.

Wonder how they are priced in comparison to the others

 

[GENERALDISARRAY]

Trodemaster - Methods Machine Tools

 

[White Lightning]

It all depends on what you are doing and more importantly what you want to do in the future. We had 5 12G Bosto's at one time. They are all gone and replaced with 1 machine doing more work.

If the 6 station tool changer was ok on the 12G you will be fine with 16, 24 or 30. Personally 60 is limited for us. The Mikron I run has tool management and its a necessity when running graphite and holding tight tolerances unattended. We have numerous backup cutters preventing not catching a worn cutter.

The major problem with the Roku is stepping back to the mid 90's in controls , usually a limited tool changer and they are slow. We have 4 Roku's with one used as a graphite mill. It is paired with a robot feeding it trodes. They are decently accurate but really slow on the highest accuracy and setting and no cutter management. I feel they are a better hardmilling machine than graphite machine.

I mainly run a mikron 400 linear drive . It has a 60 stations tool changer and 48 position electrode magazine. It blows the Roku away. Roders makes a great machine also. Unfortunately they are both expensive.



Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[snarman61]

Mainly graphite , floor space is limited. Bostomatic is working for now , but don't want to get stuck if it break down for good. I like the mikron and it will fit , but price well over 300. Mankino is cheaper but foot is huge. The lead time to buy is 6-8months for most. plus we just brought a new CNC hole popper and sinker which put a dent in milling purchase. We are a family run business custom molders with small tool room that make limited small molds. I appreciate all the feed back. I'm just a mold maker with maybe 8 more years left in the trade.