I am revamping machie shop, replacing the traditional manual lathes with CNC Lathes. My requirement is to install 24 lathes in next 12-18 months timeframe.
The CNC Lathe operations would be turning and facing - its a cylindrical job with height of max 75 MM and max OD of 460 MM
The machines short listed are:
HAAS: ST-40
DOOSAN: V 400
HYUNDAI: LV 500
MORI SEIKI: CTX 510
OKUMA: SP-V60R
MAZAK: QSM 350
Since this is quite a huge investment, I wanted expert opinion / experiences on the same.
I've ran mori seikis quite a bit. super dependable and extremely rigid. Combined with a automatic steady rest, it works perfect to face, center and turn all with one set up.
If this is the only work you will do, I would definitely recommend one of the vertical lathes. Much higher rigidity provide better possibilities for effective turning. Also much more ergonomic loading/unloading. If you want real production there are vertical lathes with hanging spindle (free chip fall) and where you load the parts outside machine on conveyors and the the spindle itself pick up / leave the part on the conveyor belt
Regarding the Mori Seiki CTX510 I don´t think this is an original Mori Seiki. As far as I know it´s a DMG lathe (originating from the Gildemeister line)
There are also two other German made machines that are rather common in Sweden
Hessapp range DVH and DVT. Hessapp is nowadays a part of the MAG-IAS Group MAG - The Global Machine Tool Manufacturer: MAG
DMG with their CTV-range is also an alternative, but I think Emag and Hessapp are sturdier machines
The only Jap I know have made this type of machine is Hitachi Seiki with their CS-range. As you probably know Hitachi Seiki went bankrupt 10-12 years ago. Mori Seiki bought the remains, but I don´t think they continued manufacture this range very long. These machines can be bought secondhand at low prices here in Europe because of Mori Seikis very poor support for these machines. Don´t know about the support in US
For your Steady Rest requirement you can consider going for Steady Rest manufactures in India. They offer same quality at nearly half the price of US & German manufactures.
ARMS Steady Rest is a leading Steady Rest Manufacture & exporter from India and have their client base in India, US & Finland.
ARMS Steady Rests are at par with international standards and very competitive in price. They can be used as replacement to any other make due to its unique design which enables interchangeability in mounting dimension. They can be used on any CNC make.
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Help Selecting Turning Lathe
