As of late the company I work for hs been growing more and more interested in getting a High Speed Machining Center. I think, why not build one? I understand the limitations of a home made machines and realize that high speed machining of steel is probably out of the question, but I think that aluminum is doable. It of course would have to be of steel construction or a E/G-steel combo machine. This is slightly out of the normal DIY catagory, but for those of us with access to metal working equipment available, I think that it can be done. What I am looking for is ideas and tips on the following topics:
1) machine type. gantry vs knee mill or what ever other style there is out there.
2) The spindle. I would like to aim for the 25,000 rpm range. design, balancing, and spindle motor ideas are needed.
3) control. Will mach. 3 handle high speed machining? or would I have to make my own?
I am not asking just for the heck of it. there Is actually a good chance this is going to be made. I am a full time machinist and a full time engineering student. The company I work for is interested in sponsoring my senior project for school and having us build them a small (20" x 14" travel) high speed machining center. I just need to give them some information and proof that their money would be well spent and not waisted. All of the work on the machine would be done by engineering students and we can get alot of companies to give us good deals on conponents, so I think that I will be able to stick with a 8-10k usd budget. Please let me know your input! Thanks everyone!