Best CNC for a research lab

[cqed]

I'm purchasing a CNC Mill for a research lab. Ideally I'd like to spend less than $10k if possible but could probably go as high as $20k for a much better machine. The mill will be housed in the lab so I'd like it to be relatively compact/clean. I've been primarily thinking about benchtop machines but would also consider standing mills if they are on the smaller side of things.

The mill will be used primarily to machine OFHC Copper (high purity cuts like chewing gum) and Aluminum (6061 and ultra-high purity). It will mostly make parts like sample holders and brackets and things like that with typical dimensions of order 2x2x2" though it could be larger in the future. I've attached a few typical drawings.

It should be CNC capable out of the box (no conversion) and capable of making real parts (in a reasonable amount of time) to 1mil precision. Most pieces will be 1 off's or a run of a few parts. Main users will be graduate students. I will definitely have compressed air available, 110V and probably 220V should also not be a problem.

I've looked a bit at the following brands:
Syil (mainly X4 and X5)
Tormach (mainly PCNC 770)
Levil (WL-400)
CNC Masters (Baron Jr or Baron)

What do people think of those brands/models? Are there are other brands I should consider/avoid?

Other questions:
What spindle type is best?
What spindle speed is best (up to 5000 like standard mill, or >10000) would be best for parts like the ones shown?
How important is it to get an Automatic tool changer? Power draw bar?
Worth getting a 4th axis? (most parts are 2.1D but would it pay to have it just in case)
Built in flood cooling?
Most sell a stand, is it worth getting theirs or is it ok to put it on a table?
What type of maintenance will be required?

[Spinnetti]

IMO Tormach is the best of that bunch by a lot - save your self some hassle. It's not "neat" though as it doesn't have a full enclosure. If you want that, look at the Mikini, assuming they have their motor issues worked out.

[TXFred]

I'd suggest a Tormach 770. Since you're making small parts, you don't need the larger travels of the 1100. The 770 will fit through a doorway, only needs a 110 connection, and has a high speed spindle that will save you time when you're running small tools. And the 770 has an ATC option.

I am a Tormach owner, and I rave about them purely because of the quality of support that I have gotten from them.

Any mill is going to sling chips around the lab, so plan on some sort of enclosure. A simple shower curtain will work well.

Answers to your questions:
What spindle type is best?
Answered above. High speed is good for what you're doing. 110v motor means you can relocate the machine without first calling an electrician.

How important is it to get an Automatic tool changer? Power draw bar?
PDB is very important. ATC isn't as important until you start running large volume production.

Worth getting a 4th axis? (most parts are 2.1D but would it pay to have it just in case)
Probably not. It can be added later. I would spend the money on a PDB first, and then on additional tools and tool holders. Besides, the thing about a 4th axis is that you have to learn how to program for it. If nobody knows how, it's not a very useful accessory.

Built in flood cooling?
Not needed for copper. Pretty useful for aluminum.

Most sell a stand, is it worth getting theirs or is it ok to put it on a table?
It would have to be a very strong table. I recommend the stand simply because it's the simple solution. Why reinvent the wheel? Besides, with the Tormach's, the stand comes with a flood cooling system.

What type of maintenance will be required?
Refill the lube oil pump occasionally. Change the coolant occasionally. Adjust the gibs occasionally. If you're in a setting where many people will be using the machine, then the automatic lube pump is a good idea. Most operators will forget to lubricate the machine, assuming that the last guy did it.

Frederic

[LUCKY13]

I would also say the Tormach would be hard to beat. There service is tops in the hobby class machines and there machines have proven to last & perform. It would be hard to go wrong buying one.

The only thing I dont like about the Tormach is the Mach3 controlles. Now we all know Mach and it is great but it can be a bit of trial sometimes. In a production shop it would not be my choice but it seems you want really be doing production so it should work out for you just fine.


Now the little Levil WL400 I am impressed with for what it is. It looks like a very good design for a small parts machine, and it appears to be built with some good parts. IDK know anything about how they hold up but its a fast good cutting machine that should be great for small stuff. Very versital also. Its not going to be able to do heavier cuts like a Tormach and if you do grow into bigger parts later that might be a gotcha. Small parts with soft metal I would have to look into one and see it in person.



One other place I would look into

David deCaussin
ddecaussin@aol.com
(818)429-6942 Cell
(480) 513-0240 Land line

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv-0Cjj0S-o&list=UUg7cLMjcUNP1D07BmjX1Fgw&index=9&feature=plcp]"Automatic Tool Changer" - YouTube


His UMC 10 would make a perfect machine for your needs IMHO. This guy use to own Fadal and now he is building & sales of his own machine again. For the price I dont think any of the listed machines above would come close. It also comes with Flashcut which is a really good controller that I feel would work much better in a shop. DOnt get me wrong I really like Mach3, but this is a step above IMHO. If I am not mistaken its also priced right along with the Tormach & other CNC benchtop machines. He has other video's also on U-Tube so when you watch this one check his others out. This guy is good at this he is straight up about his stuff. Check him out and clal him up and see what he has at this time.


Jess

[Winnfield]

You can't beat a Wabeco with linear rails for a benchtop machine. Fast, accurate, and capable of doing high precision work if you need it for that at some point in the future. I have seen these machines in person, and they are impressive. They will set you back 15-18k.

[Fixittt]

Jess, not trying to start anything, but Im going to have to disagree with you on the flashcut software.

I have had the pleasure (please note the sarcasm here) in dealing with flashcuts tech support. Im just going to say that it was less tech support and more sales pitch to BUY more product. Then when you get thru the sales hole BS.... the tech support side was a bunch of....."ummmmm.... well it could be the signal generator, or it could be this or that ummmmmm" maybe I just keep getting the tier 1 new guy, but every time I told them to just forget about it, I will solve it myself. If I wanted to run in circles I would still be using windows ME.

I cannot recommend the use of flashcut to anyone. I have even replaced several flashcut based setups to mach3 just because the client got the same run around I did and felt that if they had to replace electronics that they would rather get something less proprietary.