Hello,
Ive been looking over the forms for a while now and seem to be getting more confused than I started out.I co-own a firearms business and we are looking into starting to manufacture parts and guns(I have the correct licensing so no risk of jail time) to expand our business and possible mark our spot on the tree, so to speak. We are looking for a good 3-axis CNC to start using to make parts. We will need to machine anything from plastic and aluminum to hardened steel.
I originally started looking at manual mills to convert to CNC. After reading a bit I don't think it will be beneficial or cost effective to take this route. Secondly I started to consider a 2-axis machine and again was steered away by reading on here.
So now to my current search for a 3-axis machine. I'm mostly interested in a Bridgeport because of their popularity and serviceability. But I'm less than adequate in knowing all of the different machines.
So... What I'm looking for is:
A good 3-axis machine that has good controller system.
Use of CAD/CAM software to design what we are cutting and then would import it to the controller. Do any of Bridgeport's controllers have an input port that would allow us to import the design from the computer to the machine? Or do you use the software on the controller to design the parts?
And a coolant system(though this seems standard)
Would a Bridgeport R2E3 or E4 be what I'm looking for? Would a Tormach 1100 mill be better suited for what I'm looking for?
Any advice and direction would be a great help and much appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
Mitch