Minimal.ltd
Plastic
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2022
Hi, I have read through nearly all of the posts on this topic but I'm looking for a little more clarity. I have a business doing special effects/prototyping for commercials/film/tv/artists. I do not rely on machining but I do it a lot. Most parts are smaller one-offs or small runs in aluminum but I end up with really random projects so materials and size can vary.
I feel that a 700mm Brother with a 4th axis would allow me to do nearly everything I need, although the limited Z travel concerns me a little. I am thinking about a used machine in the ~$25k range (without tooling/workholding, etc). I have a sense of what I can get as far as a used brother but what would be comparable in terms of a robodrill? I don't really understand the models and generations of robodrill and I am trying to figure out if could get more for my money. My understanding is that robodrills seemed to have transitioned from drill/tap machines to more of a VMC before brothers did, if that makes sense. I do want the ability to run 3D/HSM toolpaths and I like the idea of having a simultaneous 5 axis option on the robodrill although I'm not sure if that is an option in this price range. I would obviously be looking for machines that are not beat to hell from production. I am not looking for a project but I am also not afraid of doing some work on a machine. Any suggestions would be appreciated, particularly models to seek out or avoid, cutoff years, etc.
Thanks
I feel that a 700mm Brother with a 4th axis would allow me to do nearly everything I need, although the limited Z travel concerns me a little. I am thinking about a used machine in the ~$25k range (without tooling/workholding, etc). I have a sense of what I can get as far as a used brother but what would be comparable in terms of a robodrill? I don't really understand the models and generations of robodrill and I am trying to figure out if could get more for my money. My understanding is that robodrills seemed to have transitioned from drill/tap machines to more of a VMC before brothers did, if that makes sense. I do want the ability to run 3D/HSM toolpaths and I like the idea of having a simultaneous 5 axis option on the robodrill although I'm not sure if that is an option in this price range. I would obviously be looking for machines that are not beat to hell from production. I am not looking for a project but I am also not afraid of doing some work on a machine. Any suggestions would be appreciated, particularly models to seek out or avoid, cutoff years, etc.
Thanks