Looking to buy Charmilles 310 or 440 machine - Input appreciated!

[CNC_Tools]

Hi Guys!

Have a need for some tall Z axis parts (10 1/2" tall) Have about 4" linear of cut in that height at +/- .002. Material is 4140 Alloy steel. Any Idea what kind of burn time I'd be looking at on these machines. I've found a number of them for sale and don't have any experience w/ Charmilles other than they have a good reputation.

We currently run a Sodick Aq300L in our shop and love it, just need to get a machine with more Z travel with good cut speed.

Any input would be appreciated, as well as anybody that knows of machines for sale or that has a machine that would be willing to do a test cut for us (we will pay for it)
(PS these are production parts)

Thanks!

Chris

[Wire-EDM-Guy]

Im cutting some 8 3/4" long action bodies for a gun mfg'er on my 300 (brass generator) in about 4.5-5 hours. The profile is 2.98" long through 8 3/4". Im holding +/- .0002 and .0001-.0002 belly with a rough and 2 skims. We have 7 Charmilles - a 4020, 2020, 510, 2 - 310's, and a 440. I love the 440 and think it would cut them even faster, but I keep it for other jobs - as I've been cutting these action bodies non-stop for the past 3 years or more... Our 440 was one of the first ones out so its not their new CC generator which is supposed to be even faster...

[Wire-EDM-Guy]

Forgot to mention the profile has several corners that slow it down due to the corner strategy. If you cutting more straight lines it should be quicker...

[jerry278]

As a sales rep for Methods Machine Tools, I would definitely reccomend looking at the FANUC ROBOCUT, as this machine has been completly redesigned with a wider stance and much improved features. All touch screen Fanuc control, the servo controlled threader is the most reliable on the market. Take a look as you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. There are thousands in the field running today and they have a great reputation. visit Methods Machine Tools, Leading-Edge Precision Machine Tools for your nearest dealer. I am sure they would be happy to do a test cut or cycle time for you. Good Luck!

[sodickappsguy]

any reason you are looking to get away from a Sodick? The AG600L has just under 14 inches in Z. If you are looking for a used machine an AQ537L with the LQ33W control is great for tall parts. The 33 In the control call out stands for a 60 amp power supply. New software has angular comp built in for straightness of the part. The other upside to sodick is that you wouldnt have to relearn a new type of machine