Bungard or LPKF CNC milling machine

[dakicha]

Hi,

I need to buy soon one CNC machine in order to make some prototypes.
The only two proper option here in Spain that I know, are Bungard or LPKF.
I want to know with one is the best choice, the Bungard CCD/ATC
(http://www.bungard.de/content/view/16/30/lang,english/)
or LPKF ProtoMat S62
(http://www.lpkf.com/products/rapid-p...-s62/index.htm)

Could anyone give me some suggestion or comments?

Thanks!

[Zig]

I have seen the S62. It is a "nice " desktop unit.
I am sure the Bungard is a "nice" machine too.

I did not purchase the s62 though; i made my own. The money thaqt LPKF and Bungard want for their machines I thought was just too much.

If you are keen on purchasing a machine then consider other makes that You can access via internet.

Keep in m ind mechanical aspect of Your purchase is an important consideration but equally important is the data processing software You get with the machine.

LPKF have an excellent software package ( having seen it in operation) Bungard offer a third party Isolator package ( i think and i have only seen the demo version).
In Europe You also have the Belgian made machine ( another "nice" piece of equipment) made by Colinbus ( google for Coliliner).

I would also look at the American made T-Tech. Machines might be a bit cheaper and they have sometimes special deals. T-Tech software is based on Graphicode professional gerber editing suite ( I am runing with Graphicode software on my home made machine).
T-Tech from what I understand had graphicode rewrite their software to include machine controls as well as data processing .

In addition to a couple of other american brands there is a plethora of Aisan ( Taiwanese and Mainland Chinese ) machines at a fraction of the cost. I do not know about how well theyare supported and designed.

There is also a Japanese supplier MITS who make equipment comparable to LPKF with their own software ( have visited the MITS factory ). MITS are somewhat better priced than LPKF and are probably a more attractive purchase.

I did not have the sort of budget .. no not quite true.. i didnot think the machine build of any of the baove makes warranted the price tag so I went about making my own. All of the above machines use stepper motors.. and fairly light weight structures for the articulated gantry ( combined XYZ structure) and a stationary work table.
This makes for a smaller foot print.
My preference was for a split axis structure. Stationary gantry carrying the Z and Y axis and a moving table for X axis. Result is a larger machine bed but decoupled X and Y axis for adjustability.

This is what i refered to as " nice" machines above. My preference as I said resulted in a more robust structure, not as nice and compact as some of the above units.

Just to reiterate a machine without easy to use software is not a good investment; consider both. If You have the budget for an S62 then CONSIDER MITS SERIOUSLY.

Good luck.

PS alternatively send me Your Gerbers and I can make the prototypes for You for a fee ofcourse.
I haveset up a quick turn prototyping service. have a look at http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...124#post644124 for an example of work.


PPS I would go with LPKF in preference to Bungard. Bungard i think is made like the VHF brand .. from aluminium extrusions bolted together.

[TDA]

Last I heard AccurateCNC (Link) shipped overseas. Everything I've heard has been very good and the unit I inspected here looked great. Their software is also top notch and as I understand it now has optional video inspection.