About the Datron machines. I've done much research on these as a few of our competitors are using them.
Couple things come to mind compared to the other iron out there at same if not very close price :
1/ Traveling table router type gantry arrangement rather than traditional bedmill ( rigidity and dampening )
2/ Servo motors are not attached to lead screws directly
3/ No counterweight on Z axis
4/ The machine itself rests on a fabricated steel frame rather than a cast to floor base
5/ Spindle /tool interchange is not common nor as robust as proven 20 or 30 taper toolholders
using ER16 or other commonly used tool holding methods
6/ No flood coolant is a serious issue for many applications.
7/ Rotary axes available are small and low powered compared to steel cutting machine tools
8/ Empirical evidence of frequent expensive spindle rebuilds ( found here in PM, one here-say
anecdote heard through a customers and sellers of used Datron machines )
9/ High depreciation, seen a late 2000's sell on eBay for 17K with rebuilt spindle. It
was snapped up pretty quick and seller already had a few people lined up if deal fell through
when I called.
That said we'd be in the market for a good clean used example at reasonable cost for the following reasons :
1/ Training of staff before moving on to true machining centers ( less intimidating and ease of use )
2/ Much vaunted hype could help attract newcomers into the industry ( they enjoy cult-like status )
3/ Fast set-up times for one off's thanks to probing and advanced camera options, auto tool wear management
4/ Probing irregular surfaces for making the tool path fit odd work pieces and for quick turnaround of
decorative control panel, personalized trinket and trophy - awards type work.
5/ Micro-machining and engraving of small non ferrous work pieces and graphite or copper electrodes
( using their sealed ball-screw way cover option for graphite protection )
6/ Can engrave some smaller steel and mold cavity work, brass hot stamps and coining or minting dies
7/ Very fast rapids and feedrates, 60,000+ rpm options
8/ Ease of installation and rigging due to light weight, compact size and voltage requirements
9/ Tidy enclosure for noise and dust control
There you have it, feel free to add to the list as needed.