KC3KNM
Plastic
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2018
- Location
- Vermont, USA
Where I currently work we've got a small shop in house to support prototyping within our company. We're growing and recently picked up a Haas VM3. For what we do it's been a great machine, but I'd like to try to optimize my programming to keep the machine in as good condition as possible for as long as possible. I've got a PM schedule I adhere to and inspect the machine pretty thoroughly monthly to catch issues before they become significant, but outside of that I'm looking for input on programming methods that will be easier on the machine.
We've got the 12K spindle in it and from what I can gather the 30hp 8.1k, 12k and 15k spindles are the same with the software options being the difference. Is this correct, or do they have different bearings in them? That said, I've been using the spindle at higher RPMs with light radial engagement and high feeds. I know the common sentiment is that running at lower speeds preserves the bearings, but how much of a difference would you see in beating life from lighter cutting loads at high RPM vs heavier loads at lower RPM? We're running aluminum for about 90% of our parts. I've been practicing HEM techniques, so I'll typically rough out parts using an adaptive toolpath with a 1/2" rougher at .025 radial, 1" DOC @ 12K RPM and 350-400IPM feeds. I rarely see spindle loads over 30%, but I'm also running on the higher end of the RPM range for the majority of the parts I run.
We're not a production shop, so outright speed isn't a huge concern as much as reliability is. Having a machine with linear rails my thought process is that it's a little better to move it quick with light loads than it is to take deeper cuts... would the higher pitch screws on the VM3 wear any differently moving quickly than something like the VF SS models? Or does the pitch not really play a part outside of resolution (and max feed)?
I've read a ton of differing options here and I think it'd be really helpful to get some input. Thanks!
We've got the 12K spindle in it and from what I can gather the 30hp 8.1k, 12k and 15k spindles are the same with the software options being the difference. Is this correct, or do they have different bearings in them? That said, I've been using the spindle at higher RPMs with light radial engagement and high feeds. I know the common sentiment is that running at lower speeds preserves the bearings, but how much of a difference would you see in beating life from lighter cutting loads at high RPM vs heavier loads at lower RPM? We're running aluminum for about 90% of our parts. I've been practicing HEM techniques, so I'll typically rough out parts using an adaptive toolpath with a 1/2" rougher at .025 radial, 1" DOC @ 12K RPM and 350-400IPM feeds. I rarely see spindle loads over 30%, but I'm also running on the higher end of the RPM range for the majority of the parts I run.
We're not a production shop, so outright speed isn't a huge concern as much as reliability is. Having a machine with linear rails my thought process is that it's a little better to move it quick with light loads than it is to take deeper cuts... would the higher pitch screws on the VM3 wear any differently moving quickly than something like the VF SS models? Or does the pitch not really play a part outside of resolution (and max feed)?
I've read a ton of differing options here and I think it'd be really helpful to get some input. Thanks!