Need advice on an entry/novice level CNC

[Rendrog18]

Hello,

Ive been looking over the forms for a while now and seem to be getting more confused than I started out. I co-own a firearms business and we are looking into starting to manufacture parts and guns(I have the correct licensing so no risk of jail time) to expand our business and possible mark our spot on the tree, so to speak. We are looking for a good 3-axis CNC to start using to make parts. We will need to machine anything from plastic and aluminum to hardened steel.

I originally started looking at manual mills to convert to CNC. After reading a bit I don't think it will be beneficial or cost effective to take this route. Secondly I started to consider a 2-axis machine and again was steered away by reading on here.

So now to my current search for a 3-axis machine. I'm mostly interested in a Bridgeport because of their popularity and serviceability. But I'm less than adequate in knowing all of the different machines.

So... What I'm looking for is:
A good 3-axis machine that has good controller system.

Use of CAD/CAM software to design what we are cutting and then would import it to the controller. Do any of Bridgeport's controllers have an input port that would allow us to import the design from the computer to the machine? Or do you use the software on the controller to design the parts?

And a coolant system(though this seems standard)

Would a Bridgeport R2E3 or E4 be what I'm looking for? Would a Tormach 1100 mill be better suited for what I'm looking for?

Any advice and direction would be a great help and much appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Mitch

[KevinV_MEI]

Although this is a Bridgeport forum, I'd look at a new Prototrak or Haas MiniMill.
Either will give factory support to novice users. Bridgeport's will require tremendous ramp up time for someone who has never done any thing with CAD design or CAM programming.

[Rendrog18]

The CAD/CAM software and design is not an issue. Both of us are computer scientists, my partner works for the state as a cad systems specialist and I have done enough design work to know my way around somewhat. basically we would design the part and I would control the mill as far as feed rates, cutting tool, etc. which is where I know some information and he knows nothing about.

I guess I basically need to know which bridgeport models have the controlling system that would allow us to import a cad design or if I just need to stick to a newer style mill like Tormach, Prototrak or Haas. Then I can continue my search in the right direction.

Also, thank you for your response Kevin

[KevinV_MEI]

There aren't any I know of that let you import a CAD design. You have to import the CAD design into a CAM program like MasterCAM, WorkNC, BoBCAD, Hypermill, etc(or design it in one of those programs). Then create the NC programs based on the features you are trying to create, then send that information to the controller on the machine. Most newer machines will show you visually what you'll be cutting but not import actual CAD data. AFAIK.

Kevin V.

[Rendrog18]

Sorry, you are correct, I didn't mean to directly import a cad file. Rather to import a converted G-code(for example) file like you said.

[KevinV_MEI]

Sure then, the older machines you cite could work, just don't be hasty in assuming communications issues, post processor availability, and hardware will be readily available. If it's a hobby business then going that route is probably the least expensive as far as cash outlay, but will take longer to get up to speed in cash flow return.

[Rendrog18]

first of all, thanks kevin for your help. after more extensive searching and a sit down discussion with my partner, we have done an evaluation of finances and future goals and we have decided to wait and get a newer cnc mill instead of doing a retrofit or getting a bridgeport knee cnc. with the parts and pieces we are making, a bridgeport will be over kill, plus the additional cost of 3 phase or a converter. The smaller cnc mills seem to be the best choice for our business as of now with how we stand and our goal products and productivity rate.

again, i appreciate your help.

[ichudov]

Originally Posted by Rendrog18 first of all, thanks kevin for your help. after more extensive searching and a sit down discussion with my partner, we have done an evaluation of finances and future goals and we have decided to wait and get a newer cnc mill instead of doing a retrofit or getting a bridgeport knee cnc. with the parts and pieces we are making, a bridgeport will be over kill, plus the additional cost of 3 phase or a converter. The smaller cnc mills seem to be the best choice for our business as of now with how we stand and our goal products and productivity rate. again, i appreciate your help.

I run my retrofitted Bridgeport from single phase, no phase converter needed.

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