Following my other thread
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85921
regarding the known DX32 controller problem with no look ahead capabilities, I would like your opinion on this:
The machine I am using is a Torq Cut 4 with the notorious DX32.
I like this machine after all, I got used to it and I like the idea of being able to find any part with ease. My use is light, aluminum and plastics, modelling and prototyping only, where speed is not an issue.
Almost every day I hear horror stories from users of Japanese machines being ripped off by service and maintenance, often at prices at which you might consider finding a well maintained second hand machine.
Expensive as it may look, Bridgeport parts are more than reasonable compared to other machines.
But.... I am unable to keep hearing the machine knocking at every tangent turn and being almost unable to do 3D profiling.
So, I have 2 options:
1- Is to replace the DX32 with a Numerix control. The switch, while keeping the Yaskawa drives and motors and replacing everything else should cost $15K.
The Numerix control is a killer, I visited today a guy with his 3'rd such upgrade done and he is doing high speed profiling of repaired jet engines blades.
The performance of the Numerix is unexplainable, it is considered to be the top..... unless someone has an other opinion which I will be more than glad to hear.
2- I am offered a model 2000 VMC3020 with Fanuc 21i control for a very reasonable price, $12500 including a Troyke 4'th axis ( I know, I should have added "notorious" before the Troyke as well).
The machine is basically the same as the TC4, Yaskawa drives, 8000RPM belt driven spindle and almost same table and size.
Any idea or input on the Fanuc 21i with Bridgeport combination?
I hear a lot about "Fanuc people" and " the other people".
I have no experience with Fanuc myself - is it really that bad?
How is the VMC3020 in general? Are there any known issues with this combination with the Fanuc as I have with the DX32?
Please, any reply from experienced users might save me some of the hair left on my head after tearing a considerable ammount with the DX32.