Need Help!- Need to purchase 3AXIS Machining Centre

[camgp]

Hi All

We need to purchase a machining center to do build all our own molds for thinwall containers.

Some of the models we are looking at are:

- Makino S56, 12k spindle, linear scale feeback, Super GI.4,
- Okuma MB-56, 15k spindle, linear feeback, SUPER NURBS die mold version.
- DMG DMC1035V eco(shanghai) 8k spindle, standard machine
- DMG DMC1035V (GERMAN) 14k spindle, scale feedback, HS smoothing

All our molds are made from H13 and need to be reworked at in the hardened state (52Rc)

The reason why I have only chosen the three brands listed above is because in Australia only these companies have a good reputation for service and backup.

I am very interested in the S56, however I am a little concerned about the workmanship and the overall quality of the machine being manufactured in Singapore as compared with Japan.

The DMG offers two lines, the eco series which is the cheaper (MADE IN CHINA) version and the normal (MADE IN GERMANY) version.

We only build about 8 molds a year. However, we do chase after fine tolerances. This machine has to be capable of roughing and finishing the molds.

Which machine is recommended out of the ones listed above?

Cheers

Cam

[Kool Parts]

camgp,
Hello and welcome!
You are right about staying with company's with good reps. Out of that list the Makino and Okuma stand out to me. I just don't know enough about the DMG line to comment...but they look great!

There is a difference in the Makino line, and its worth investigating just what those differences are with a company rep.
So what I see between these two are the machine language. Okuma has their own language and way of programing..very different than a Fanuc controlled machine.
My feeling on this is if you have a Mazak or Okuma then you should stay with that brand on all of your machines. (if you can)
In your case doesn't sound like that will matter.

I have a soft spot for the Makino and the Super GI.4 myself.
Gary

[Kool Parts]

Here is some info and a video (not the best) of the S56
Gary
http://www.makino.com/machines/S56/

[camgp]

Thanks for the help Gary

Is there anyone here that has worked with one of these machines?

[Superman]

Hi Cam,
We maybe not be far from each other, I'm near Ess Airport
We are an Okuma shop
with 1 DMC80

Okuma reps are extremely good at their job, product knowledge , service and support is 2nd to none. No they are not paying me, The guys there know me.
l
Machine reliability, rock solid - eg MX55-VB =(1) set of spindle bearings, (1) screen, and door glass in 10 years. Similar on the other machines, apart from operator errors.

So what I see between these two are the machine language. Okuma has their own language and way of programing..very different than a Fanuc controlled machine.

Can't agree with this, every machine maker has their own G & M codes, and methods of setting work origins, you can use G92 or G15( same as G54/55 )
Okuma post for mastercam is a modified Fanuc post

Okuma run ISO, so this should not be a problem if you are creating code from a CADCAM system ( just make sure you get the posts correct ). We are running Mastercam

If you can get the 25kW motor, 25k HSK spindle, 32 tool option, with the "SUPERnurbs"
Note! BT50 are big and heavy to run up to hi RPM, but these big tapers allow for some solid machining, we get better results using BT50 over the BT40 or HSK63
Our MX55 is VB and fully optioned, allows for a 4th axis, DNC-b, large memory (1Gb)

Now the 5-axis MillTurn DMG with MillPlus control
German technology -ha, currently creating a downtime sheet, always having alarms, for different reasons, it is not looking too good. Programming and operating takes a little getting used to, it has some good stuff. ( 1st major alarm, pulled apart to find an earth lead not done up during assembly )

A 3-axis DMG, I would expect not to have these sorts of problems

Steve
You guessed I'm leaning to the Okuma,
Makino --never seen
Checkout my homepage or PM me