I am working with teachers at my school to look at investing in a CNC machine, and we have 2 options so far. We're just worried about price in the long run (Coolant and lubrication) The pricing, we're not quite sure of at this point. The 2 machines are a Datron M8 (The standard M8 or the Cube, they seem to both fit our needs, however a 3D sensor would be nice along with a mist-based cooling system) and a Haas VF-3 with SMTC and Coolant Nozzle ($74,985 after configuration, If I added networking like the M8 has, I would be looking at an additional $1600, and the electrician costs are currently unknown.)
The ups and downs of both machines (My M8 list is based on Datron's datasheets)
VF-3 Pros
- Long Z-Axis capability
- Previous Experience
- Possible Discounts
VF-3 Cons (For our setup)
- It's huge.
- Uses 3-Phase AC (We don't have 3 Phase already wired)
- It's really heavy
M8 Pros
- Datron says it can use Single Phase AC
- It fits size requirements
- It fits weight requirements
- Uses small amounts of coolant at a time
M8 Cons
- We don't know the cost right now
- We cannot use the Ethanol coolant for steel
- Shorter Z-Axis
I've always loved the look of Datron machines (Seen them, never used them, but I really want to) along with their use of a minimal cutting head to get the job done. If anyone knows the costs of a M8 (With or without 3D sensors, but including the mist coolant system), along with whether or not they do educational discounts, that would be great information, and I would surely pass that on to the Engineering teacher.
My teacher has used Datron mills before, but I have only used a Haas VF-3 at a local machine shop. I think we're leaning towards the Datron mill, but if the Haas mill costs less, then that may be a better option. (We have a Robotics team as well, and we have used machines that have too high of a tolerance, so precision is important)
In a sentence: My school is looking for a CNC mill, What is better for a school, a Datron M8 or a Haas VF-3?