At the Online Tool Show we were trying to create something useful for machinists, machine shops, machine buyers and manufacturers that are considering purchasing a new or used CNC machine or even a manual machine, so I did a little research and came up with a short outline of considerations. Some of these points you probably already know, some of them may jog your memory, and others will give ideas for more questions you should be asking your CNC or manual machine manufacturer, importer, oem or distributor.
These are by no means the only considerations, but I think they give a good starting point in your search for the perfect new or used CNC machine for your shop or factory.
Determine what is the correct machine for what you want to do
Size of working envelope
Horsepower required
Compatibility to your current cad-cam software
Speeds/Cycle times
How many axis do I need
What kind of speeds do I need
Machine dimensions/footprint
Machine power requirements
Price range
Support required
What manufacturers make a machine like you want to purchase -
"You get what you pay for" - so keep that in mind.
Where are they located - how close is the dealer
Check out the tool changer as this is a source of problems
Tolerances
Spindle speed
Maintenance issues
Rigidity
Service department reputation
Parts availability - do they need to order from overseas?
Online Manuals?
Lead Times
Price
Tooling availability
Warranty
Controllers
What control is available with the machine selected
is there a conversational mode available
Is my cad-cam software compatible with that controller
Controller memory
Program management
Macro Programming
Financing
Will you need to finance the machine
Does the manufacturer/distributor offer financing
Should I do bank financing
Financing Types
Loan
Program
Flexible Payment Structures
Capitol Lease / Lease Purchase
Tax Lease
Non Tax Lease
Promissory note /security agreement
Step up / step down payments
Many others
Tool Life Management
How To Cnc Machine
CNC refers to the computer controls of a machine. With the help of a program code, it will be easier to replicate same parts. It is a great innovation in the field of manufacturing that makes mass production more efficient and practical. That is why companies, large or small, must exert effort to find a CNC machine that will best suit their needs.
Here are some tips on how you can get the best CNC machines.
- Buy and choose with the help of buyers representative. A buyers representative has been made to cater to the following needs and give advantages to CNC machine users -
1. To allow users to save time in negotiating
Most people who would buy CNC machines will have to settle with getting quotations from two to three manufacturers to save time and to avoid the hassle of talking to a lot of sales representative.
By asking professional help from someone who knows a lot about CNC machines and manufacturers, you will just coordinate with only one party- the buyers representative. They will be the one who will shoulder all the talking and negotiations for you.
And since they regularly collect updated quotations from the CNC machine manufacturers, it will take lesser time for you to get information regarding the CNC machine of your choice.
2. To check the quality of the products that they are referring to buyers
Buyers representatives exert effort to check that the machines that they will be referring to buyers are of good quality.
3. To offer a large variety of machines from different machine manufacturers
Most people do the common mistake of asking for quotations from the well- known (and expensive) brands in the market when they have the options of buying other brands that are as efficient yet cheaper than the "mainstream" brands.
Buyers representative offer quotations from less prominent CNC machine manufacturers that has cheaper price as well. In this way, the buyers representative also gives equal playing fields for all CNC machine manufacturers, both in the large- scale and medium scale.
4. To allow buyers opportunities to get the best deal for their money and save some too.
All buyers would like to get the best thing that their money can buy. Also, all buyers would also prefer to save their hard- earned money without sacrificing efficiency and quality. Here are some ways buyers representative can help you save money -
- The buyers representative only charge 5 percent of the cheapest CNC machine that meets the buyers requirements. That is a small price to pay for the assurance that you will get a wonderful CNC machine that will cater to your needs.
- The buyers do not have to settle in buying prominent brands and pay for the brand name. With lesser money to spend, one can get a machine as efficient as the prominent brands.
- By forming buying groups, buyers representative can also negotiate with manufacturing companies to give discounts to prospective buyers.
- With greater competition among the manufacturers, there will be better quality of products and more affordable prices.
- If getting help from buyers representative is not your choice, you can always do it yourself. The general rule in buying CNC machines is to be familiar with all the parts first then everything else will follow.
1. Make sure that the following parts are intact and correctly attached to the CNC machine to ensure the perfect working condition of the machine -
- the safety shield (a plastic that cover that protects the working space),
- the tool or drill bit (the part that does the cutting),
- spindle shaft (the part that holds the tooldrill bit),
- the spindle motor (the part that drives and controls the cutter),
- the vertical or upright column ( holds the pieces together) and
- the control box.
2. Always look for the emergency stop button in your CNC machine. This is to ensure that when an error is made, the machine can be stopped manually to prevent further damages from happening.
3. Big control guides are preferred so it will be easier for user to refer to it. It will also be helpful for operators who have poor eyesight too.
4. The plastic that comprises the shield must be made from sturdy polycarbonate.
Both Jim Mathieson & are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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