Question for the experts,
If you had to justify the cost of a high speed spindle for a one time purchase,(let's say for the next 10 years) how fast would you want to go?
back ground:
I know, my lead sounds a little snobby but this is why: I am about to purchase a new VMC for the shop. This may be my only chance to get what I need. My shop supports a grad school environment. We do everything from put things a mile under the ice to flying parts into Jupiter. I need to be prepared for as much as possilbe. While we will always have the capability to send jobs out, I want to provide as much service to my employer as humanly possible.
Outside sources are encouraging me to move from my original TOOL ROOM type CNC mill to consideration of a fully automatic enclosed VMC.
Currently a Haas Super Mini Mill is under consideration. Seems like the most expensive upgrade is always the high speed spindle. My work requirements are as follows:
I primarily work in aluminum, either 6061 or 2024/ 2022. From a tooling stand point and working in 3D CAD/CAM how fast of a spindle speed will I really be able to use?
The shop has in the past made parts out of titanium and magnesium and copper.
You can see why I want to hear from the experts in cutting tool design. Opinions are great but I need justification for spending money. Using CAT40 tool holders and exotic cutting tools (no more then 3/4" I imagine), how fast of a spindle speed could I ever even use?
See, I never know what will come in the future. For the next 3 years I may be making parts where 4,000 rpm is fine. I may have some very small holes to drill in the time frame where I need the high speeds.
When a high profile job comes to me, and my abilities continue to improve (a serious goal of mine) it will be easy easy to buy a high tech tool $200-$500 cutting tool. But I cannot later decide to buy a 15,000 RPM spindle. Maybe this question is better suited for a tool and die maker.
How fast have you ever used?
Could you have worked around it?
If you think the highest speed possible is necessary, would you go with through tool cooling options?
Thanks a bunch, if you need to talk to me, a phone call would be welcome. Email me and I will give you the number.
Lee