Need a little advice on new CNC VMC!

[RnJones]

I am in the process of setting up a precision machine shop and am looking to buy a general purpose CNC VMC. Only trouble is there are so many makes and models out there I'm not sure where even to begin me search. I don't mind doing the research into these but am wondering if any experienced machinist would have any tips on what I should be looking for- and recommended makes/models? I only need a 3-axis for now.

I have a budget of about £35,000 to £40,000 ($45,000 - $55,000) and would like a fairly up to date computerised system that can be programmed from 3D Design files (such as Solidworks)- so probably no more than 5 - 6 years old?

I really will appreciate any words of advice, no matter how small- even just a point in the right direction- thanks!

[DareBee]

Please inform us as to what you hope the machine to do?
Type of parts?
production or prototypeing/tooling?
typical tolerances?
do you tap much?
How much XY travel?
Type of material mostly cut?
Do you have any existing tooling you expect to use (Cat 50, BT 40, etc)?
What power do you have available in your shop?

[RnJones]

Please inform us as to what you hope the machine to do?
Type of parts?
production or prototypeing/tooling?
typical tolerances?
do you tap much?
How much XY travel?
Type of material mostly cut?
Do you have any existing tooling you expect to use (Cat 50, BT 40, etc)?
What power do you have available in your shop?

Hey, Darebee, thanks for the reply..
It will have to be capable of high precision parts- custom car parts, anything really that a precision workshop would be asked to make.
It will mainly be used for production, but a little prototyping from time to time.
Tolerances of maybe 0.01mm.
The travel should be about (X)1000mm (Y)500mm or greater.
Hopefully milling more than tapping for better results, but possible tapping a bit..
With current customers I guess the most common material is aluminum atm, but will be using it to cut all materials, alloys, steels (even got a customer looking a titanium part made).
I have no existing tools to cater for, and power won't be an issue, I've got a good 3-phase supply on site.

Thanks!

[reynoldsben]

You just need to find a used Haas Vf-3 dated 2001 or newer. You will have to search alot to find the price your looking for but they are there. These machines are fully capable of performing what you want.

Ben,
CNC MACHINIST/PROGRAMER

[DareBee]

Yep.
Any reputable 4020 VMC is good for you.
You will not program any machine directly from SolidWorks. You will need CAM software.
Great news for SW users, HSMworks has a FREE integrated CAM (2.5D). It is more than you will need for most perf auto parts.

I suggest minimum of 10K spindle but 15K is best suited for Alu production work.
I would also get the rigid tapping option.

Thanks for supplying a reference # to example what you consider high precision.
I get people wanting high precision work all the time, then when they send the specs I realize that high precision for them means measured with a yard stick.