My employer is looking for a solution that would add turning-like capabilities to a machining center. We manufacture parts which have cavities of various shapes and diameters, the main application range being from 1/4" to about 2". The machine procurement process has already begun and we need to know the best options available. Currently the two viable options are
a) a programmable boring bar system (such as Ta-tronic from D'Andrea)
+ Accurate
+ Can do cavities small in diameter
- Expensive
- Radio control, how reliable is it?
- Are there manufacturers other than D'Andrea?
b) conventional boring where X and Y axis are synchronized with the spindle which kind of oscillates (looks fancy; there is a name for it but I forgot what it is)
+ Cheaper
+ Easier to program
- Not so accurate
- Probably cannot do small cavities as the axes would need to move at a tremendous speed.
No one I know have any experience with either of these processes so we are going in blind. Does anyone have experience with either of these or some other that should be taken into consideration and would like to share some wisdom? Much appreciated!
a) a programmable boring bar system (such as Ta-tronic from D'Andrea)
+ Accurate
+ Can do cavities small in diameter
- Expensive
- Radio control, how reliable is it?
- Are there manufacturers other than D'Andrea?
b) conventional boring where X and Y axis are synchronized with the spindle which kind of oscillates (looks fancy; there is a name for it but I forgot what it is)
+ Cheaper
+ Easier to program
- Not so accurate
- Probably cannot do small cavities as the axes would need to move at a tremendous speed.
No one I know have any experience with either of these processes so we are going in blind. Does anyone have experience with either of these or some other that should be taken into consideration and would like to share some wisdom? Much appreciated!