Hello guys,
I have been reading the forum for a while now, I finished my studies as CNC programmer and operator and even If I have a good understanding of cnc machining I still have a lot to learn and that's the reason I create this topic.
I'm negotiating the price and caracteristics of a cnc router from the company Philicam, I will list all the details of the machine here, but I have the feeling that my questions about technical details of the machine (as power diagram of the spindle, torque of the servos, precision of the table etc) are bothering the manufacturer.
First of all I will resume what will be my milling requirements, I am planning on making signs (pvc, abs, plexiglass,wood) but also stone and aluminum engraving.
I will surely have some rare aluminum or steel milling work to do and of course a gantry (especially of this size) is not the right tool for such jobs, the seller told me it would mill steel and aluminum with no troubles but I'm really guessing it will be the opposite. My idea was to mill aluminum and steel only using high speed/small cut milling strategy but I have no idea of how the machine will react.
To make it simple I am looking for a machine able to process most of the common materials with a size that permits to mill large boards and with the maximal rigidity possible.
Now for the machine specs:
1. Working area: 1500*3000*200mm
2. Price: 16500$
3. 7.5 KW water cooling spindle with 8 auto tool changer (BT30) max 15000rpm.
4. Delta servo motors and drivers (working speed 20-30m/min rapid speed 60m/min)
5. 7.5 KW Fuling inverter
6. NK300 control system
7. T-slot or Vacuum table (still have to decide because I would have liked a steel table and they use aluminum frame table)
8. X,Y axis gear transmission, Z-axis Taiwan TBI ball screw transmission.
9. Dust collect system
10. Z tool lenght sensor
For the coolant they want me to take the Spray Cooling System, I already worked with this type of lubrification, it is fine even if water based coolants are more effective, but my problem is that there is no extractor for the oil mist and I don't want to cover the room in oil or breathe that each time I have to machine a part requiring lubrification.
I would like to use a water based coolant (especially for stone carving and slotting as I am planning on producing tombstones and stone signs) but I'm not sure they will be able to make a machine table with coolant drains, water tank, filter and pump.
Now that I have told you all that, what are your advices?
Is this machine the correct choice if I'm looking for a polyvalent machine able to process many materials and having a large working zone?
knowing that the price I mentioned is already the limit I can invest for my first machine can I hope milling aluminum and steel parts?
Thank you for all your advices.