Fadal 104d controller

[Daniel Boone]

I have a chance at purchasing a fadal with the 104d control, Are they as bad as everyone makes them out to be, or with the latest software update are they still a usable machine????

[Neal]

The latest version of the 140D control was quite good. However I would check with Maintenence Technologies concerning parts and service. That machine could also be converted to the NC 88HS control also. My best advice would be to consider the machine separte from the control. Then consider the control and how tp handle what ever you found out.

Neal

[Daniel Boone]

The latest version that you say was pretty good, Was that just a software update, and if it was, is the latest software available? Thanks

[Neal]

Daniel--
I believe that the Silver Box contained most of the improvements to that control.
You would need to check with Maintenance Technologies about any update availabilities. Since they decided that I no longer have any value for the Company, I do not know their level of parts or service that they maintain.
You can call them at 818 727-2100

Neal

[Scanfab]

I had a 104D 4020 which had software problems after I received it. Things like cutter comp not working in repeated sub-programs(aka L104) and also the feed pot wouldn't work after first rep-went mute, no feed control.
Also using the engraving macro caused problems when in subprogram, first engraving came out fine, next part on X-pattern had "start point" from first part making the engraving "enlarge", not "copy" at new X position.

If you only use "written out" programs like with CAM software, you might not encounter problems in my experience. But if you write programs at the machine using the awesome shortcuts (sub-programs,macros) you might hit some problems that you wouldn't see in the legacy control.

So if you have to "use" a machine like this I don't see why not, but I wouldn't "buy" one knowing that it can lack in what it can do with my style of programming.