Haas, what gives? (Not a Haas bashing thread.)

[double a-ron]

Ok, I've now had to replace all of the air solenoids on the MINIMILL 2. The one in the side mount twice and now the two for the draw bar. The one in the side mount was just terrible until you added the new little plate thing to it. Thank you. The ones behind the spindle cover are not too bad but, getting the cover off is a total pain with the smtc. My question is this, what purpose does it serve to put the solenoid right next to the component it actuates? Why not centrally locate all air solenoids somewhere on the back of the machine? Our TL-15 has them all in a row on the back. Just a thought.

Before I catch a bunch of guff from people who live in Arizona or California about having moisture in my air lines, know this: I own a rotary screw compressor with a "clean air system". More importantly, I'm in Miami. I don't care how much you spend on compressed air, in this city you will always have a problem with air solenoids on any machine. It's so humid here I'd swear it can rain indoors.

[john_100]

Hi double a-ron

my first thought is,
depending on the rate of the air flow into the pipe connecting the valve and the volume of air needed to fill the pipe
you could have an extra delay before the pneumatic cylinder operates

or may be its just cost cutting
if the extra wiring now costs less than the extra pneumatic pipe work if you relocated the solenoid valves

John

[keebler303]

Additionally, every time you cycle the cylinder, you lose the volume of the pressurized part of the system. The longer the lines, the more air is lost and so the air consumption is increased. It may also be a little cheaper to run only a single pressure line to all the valves, rather than running two lines all the way to each cylinder (or 1 if a single acting cylinder).

I think I would sacrifice this for easier service though.
Matt

[txcncman]

Just remember, in addition to being somewhat functional, machine tool builders also must make the machines look good and sexy to increase sales. A marketing person with a college degree told them so. So, putting solenoids on the outside of covers would be a big no-no.

[double a-ron]

I don't mean on the outside in front, I meant in the back, under the elec box. Also, how about online parts ordering? I know what part I need, why do I have to call and talk to someone to order it? What century is this? OMAX now has online parts ordering and I love it.

[locash]

I agree on the online parts ordering, as I have had major issues in the past with a parts guy that wasn't the brightest bulb in the box. If I order the wrong part, its my fault and I can handle the downtime lost. When the parts guy screws up repeatedly, it is another story.

[Machineit]

For a non-Haas bashing post, it is beginning to look kinda like one! But, that's okay.

As far as parts are concerned, it is because they have an extensive system of Haas service centers, dozens. The centers have to buy and maintain a large assortment of parts in order to be able to service the machines. It would not be proper for Haas to undercut these dealers and sell parts directly to the customers.

OMAX has a total of 14 distributors in the states and most probably don't stock parts, so online ordering is not a problem for them.

As far as getting the correct part, if you give them the part number, it is always going to be he correct one isn't it? I have found that most of the time the parts guys are pretty damn good. If you do have a problem, deal with someone else.

Mike

[txcncman]

For a non-Haas bashing post, it is beginning to look kinda like one! But, that's okay.

As far as parts are concerned, it is because they have an extensive system of Haas service centers, dozens. The centers have to buy and maintain a large assortment of parts in order to be able to service the machines. It would not be proper for Haas to undercut these dealers and sell parts directly to the customers.

OMAX has a total of 14 distributors in the states and most probably don't stock parts, so online ordering is not a problem for them.

As far as getting the correct part, if you give them the part number, it is always going to be he correct one isn't it? I have found that most of the time the parts guys are pretty damn good. If you do have a problem, deal with someone else.

Mike

I do not think making suggestions for improvement or wants and wishes known is the same as bashing.

[underthetire]

Give them time. 10 Years ago, other things on Haas were a nightmare, now very easy. Other builders are doing centrally located waylube metering units, solenoids, etc. where they can. Just takes Haas a couple years to catch up usually.

[txcncman]

I am wanting Haas to offer a machine with features enhanced so all I have to do is think of a part, then the machine will get bids for material from vendors and order it. Then receive the material and verify compliance. Then it will rough cut the stock and develop the needed G-code to machine it. Then it will machine the part complete and inspect it and generate an inspection report. Then it will package the finished goods and ship to the customer along with the needed paperwork and invoice. All the while looking like a super model and bring me beer at the end of this tiring work day.

Is that too much to ask for?

[KenFoulks]

Is that too much to ask for?

Yes

[Vern Smith]

I can not complain about the parts department at my local HFO, they are very good with a quick quote and additional information as needed. I am mystified by the inefficiency of the Haas parts distribution system. Contrary to some other's experiences, the local HFO has never once had a part I needed in their local inventory, it always came from CA direct.

Now if you follow the logic of this type of system and respect Haas' obvious obligations to their HFO's under their franchise agreements why not simplify the process for everyone as previously suggested in this thread. Go to online ordering direct from CA, it would save time and money for everyone. The HFO's territories are geographically delineated so the markup can easily be credited to the appropriate HFO's account without them ever knowing the transaction took place.

The guys in CA must have thought about this so I can only assume they have good reasons to resist it, probably has something to do with our friends the lawyers

Vern