What machine to buy

[Oti]

Looking to but a new machine. We have narrowed the choices to either a Multus or a Matsuua Cublex. 99.9% of the machining will be on aluminum. Milling and turning will be split about evenly between the two. All programming will be done in Catia as all parts are either sent to us as a model, or one is made from the prints sent. We currently have several types of machines here so I am familiar with Okuma, Fanuc, and Siemens controllers. Looking to hear from people who have seen both in action or have had the opportunity to run them. What are the pros and cons of each.

[zooloader]

Hi, I have been using a Multus for around a year now. I hadn't heard of the Cublex before, so I took a peek on Youtube.
To me, the biggest difference is one's a lathe that will mill, the other's a mill that can turn.(Sorry, too obvious?)
If you need 5 axis simultaneous machining you're out of luck with the Multus. The B axis (turret) is positioning only, not a "true" axis.
You can use a barfeeder with it (if you want), and hold much bigger billets as well.
We have the 2nd spindle so parts are transfered and finished completely.
Internal turning in the Cublex looked like the usual hassle of swarf staying in the part, because it's vertical.
What I like the most about the Multus is the Thermal Compensation really does work well.
About 20 deg celcius change in ambient temps here during the day and I don't have to warm it up, or chase tool offsets all day. In fact I didn't adjust anything at all today (it easily stayed within 0.02mm).
What I don't like are the terribly long tool changes, the weak turret coupling which can get knocked out of alignment at the drop of a hat, and IGF just plain sucks.

But a big part of your decision is, what support will you get from your supplier. All machines require a learning curve and can be frustrating. If you can get a question answered over the phone, or have someone come take a look, good.
If you have to wait for an answer from HQ or Japan (or can't get one at all), you might be spending a lot of time here at CNCzone!

So, Multus or Cublex? They look too different to me, apples and oranges.

Good luck.

[underthetire]

Well, thats pretty tough, considering we don't know what your parts look like. As far as the software goes, Mori Seiki has built in Esprit with the correct post, so importing models to the control are simple. They also have A full B axis for 5 axis work on the NT, and they also have a 5 axis mill similar to the Matsuura, although I don't know if it will spin 3kRPM. Either way, Okuma and Mats are both good machines. I personally believe Fanuc drives are better than Okuma now, and easier to get. Didn't always be that way, Okuma used to be the best at controls.

[Algirdas]

service and support is the main priority

[budgieW]

The Multus Lathe now has Full Simultanious B axis.

[CNCZILLA]

The Multus Lathe now has Full Simultanious B axis.

Agree with BudgieW, the multis has come a long way since its inception. Now has full functioning 5 axis and most bugs have been worked out. I don't know about the service with your other choice but Okumas' for the most part is pretty good. As with any new high end machine as the technology goes so does the not so forgiving part so be sure your operators are very well trained and good at it. Crashes on the Multis or any other high end precision machine of today will require a lot of work to get it back right and can be time consuming and costly, the two things that are the arch rival to production. Such is the tradeoff for new high end precision machines but the Okuma would be a great choice.

[zooloader]

Wow, thats pretty cool they've upgraded the B axis. I hadn't heard about that.
I'd love one of those!
Will the Macturn's be getting the same?

[budgieW]

Macturns have always had Full B axis as an Option

[DouglasR]

I've run Okuma since the early 80s and the machines are rock solid and very reliable. In fact, when the company I used to work for went under, I bought the 1983 LB15 CNC lathe that I ran since new! Still holding tenths and still making good parts.

The OSP control is unique, but very powerful! Cycles are well thought out.