Looking to buy Charmilles 310 or 440 machine - Input appreciated!

Hi Guys!

Have a need for some tall Z axis parts (10 1/2" tall) Have about 4" linear of cut in that height at +/- .002. Material is 4140 Alloy steel. Any Idea what kind of burn time I'd be looking at on these machines. I've found a number of them for sale and don't have any experience w/ Charmilles other than they have a good reputation.

We currently run a Sodick Aq300L in our shop and love it, just need to get a machine with more Z travel with good cut speed.

Any input would be appreciated, as well as anybody that knows of machines for sale or that has a machine that would be willing to do a test cut for us (we will pay for it)
(PS these are production parts)

Thanks!

Chris

Im cutting some 8 3/4" long action bodies for a gun mfg'er on my 300 (brass generator) in about 4.5-5 hours. The profile is 2.98" long through 8 3/4". Im holding +/- .0002 and .0001-.0002 belly with a rough and 2 skims. We have 7 Charmilles - a 4020, 2020, 510, 2 - 310's, and a 440. I love the 440 and think it would cut them even faster, but I keep it for other jobs - as I've been cutting these action bodies non-stop for the past 3 years or more... Our 440 was one of the first ones out so its not their new CC generator which is supposed to be even faster...

Forgot to mention the profile has several corners that slow it down due to the corner strategy. If you cutting more straight lines it should be quicker...

http://i.imgur.com/mTY0O.jpg

As a sales rep for Methods Machine Tools, I would definitely reccomend looking at the FANUC ROBOCUT, as this machine has been completly redesigned with a wider stance and much improved features. All touch screen Fanuc control, the servo controlled threader is the most reliable on the market. Take a look as you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. There are thousands in the field running today and they have a great reputation. visit Methods Machine Tools, Leading-Edge Precision Machine Tools for your nearest dealer. I am sure they would be happy to do a test cut or cycle time for you. Good Luck!

any reason you are looking to get away from a Sodick? The AG600L has just under 14 inches in Z. If you are looking for a used machine an AQ537L with the LQ33W control is great for tall parts. The 33 In the control call out stands for a 60 amp power supply. New software has angular comp built in for straightness of the part. The other upside to sodick is that you wouldnt have to relearn a new type of machine :)