New DT-1

[Excelmachine]

Anyone have one of these new machines yet? Any feedback? We are tempted to get one. I used to run a Robodrill and I liked it a lot. I'm hoping this is as good or better. We mainly do small prototype parts in plastic materials and lots of aluminum. Thanks.

[leggazoid]

To me this is a lot of extra money for a little extra speed. If speed is what you want then this may be just the thing. Even tho it has 15hp, the tourqe is low. The 30 taper tools are less rigid and cost more than 40 taper. If you take big cuts in aluminum, I would recommend a 40 taper. I worked at a place with a fanuc robodrill. It was limited to the smaller parts and often sat idle. I like the haas machine and control. I would compare the following machines before buying.

DT-1 $40k 46ft.-lb. @1700
TM-1P $35k 33ft.-lb. @1200
MINIMILL $33K 33ft.-lb. @1200
MINIMILL2 $39K 33ft.-lb. @1200
SMINIMILL $43K 17ft.-lb. @4600
SMINIMILL2 $48K 17ft.-lb. @4600

Well the torque looks good compared to the other models but I still think the 30 taper may limit you in aluminum metal removal rate. I vote for a DT-1 with 40 taper spindle.

[pit202]

the prospect looks fine, but there is even no video on their site to see how it work

[dahun]

Originally Posted by pit202 the prospect looks fine, but there is even no video on their site to see how it work

We're testing the snot out of the machines we built for our use. I believe we've confirmed a .8 second tool change however. The trick is in the tool changer. Also the way the motor/spindle are mounted is new for us. The axes are accelerating at about 1G. The side mount tool changer has fixed pockets, they don't tip up.

[Excelmachine]

Just an update on our research on this machine. The doorway is 22" wide, since my shoulders are 19.5" wide, it would be a pretty tight squeeze working in there. So now we are looking at a VF-2 with a high speed spindle. Thanks for the replies and comments.

Cheers.

[dahun]

Originally Posted by Excelmachine Just an update on our research on this machine. The doorway is 22" wide, since my shoulders are 19.5" wide, it would be a pretty tight squeeze working in there. So now we are looking at a VF-2 with a high speed spindle. Thanks for the replies and comments. Cheers.

Keep in mind that the depth is small too so reaching in may not be an issue...
Pete

[ihavenofish]

i was at CMTS today and saw one of these running. its actually really nice.

i think anyone saying the machine is too small, too expensive for "a little extra speed" is just not doing the type of work this machine was meant for. its a special purpose machine, not a do all mill like the supermini.

i had been looking at the robo drill eco model, and this new haas is basically "the same" in most ways, but over $25000 cheaper even when the useful options are added to both.

they have a little trunion table that matches the machine too, making a complete 5 axis high speed system for under $85k including through spindle coolant, probing, and chip auger. i also like that you can start with the basic mill and add many of the options after the fact. the fanuc with 5 axis table run closer to 120k.

it was running a 2" face mill in the demo i saw, as well as tapping what looked like 1/2" holes at 5000rpm.

i think this machine has bumped the fanuc off my list. the only thing that could hurt it as a great deal would be service life. the fanucs seem to have a reputation for lasting decades.. haas.. not so much. but since its so new, it is probaly hard to get reliable data there.

they also had an office mill running, which didnt impress me.