I used a 2015 VF-3SS for six years. It wasn't hard to hold a tenth in XY. Z would move a little with thermal expansion, +/- .0005" was about the best I could rely on in Z. Get the machine professionally laser calibrated, it goes a long way.
I got a VF4 SS at my work a little over 1 1/2 years ago. Great machine. One thing that you should do, take the plunge and get a rotary 4th axis. I got the HRT-210SS. Once you figure out how to program a 4th axis you won't go back. It is awesome. The probing is a must to have. Honestly that should be standard on the machines now.
I remember wondering why they provided hundreds of work offset positions until dealing with a 4th axis tombstone for the first time It was not a fun experience to change out the parts but it ran for almost 2 weeks due to all the small details and just how many parts there were.
We use the same work offsets on every program based off the vice it will run on. Take the time to standardize your programming with origin to wherever you want it on the vice in relation to vice. Layout every part the same. Save the headache of touching off every part and possible crashes. Implemented this method after using up all the work offsets on the machine for different production parts and not wanting to start probing every setup. Also handy when you have 7 machines being robot tended with the same vice and jaw setup for quickly moving jobs to different machines. Use G54 thru Gxx to store the master vice offsets then run all your parts on G154pxx that mirrors your master offsets just in case you need to make minor adjustments for op to op blends.
Love the idea of having a Tool Holder for Every Tool. Downside ?? Cost and, Where to put the Holders, LOL. I like the angled tray I guess you could call it under the Controller. Just a little concerned with Coolant wet hands, dripping all over everything that is sitting on this tray ?? Looking forward to your next video, in regards to how you make use of Lean Manufacturing in your shop. Work Smart, Not Hard.👍
We have a vf4 and vf4ss with 24" Z option. Z will change with temp. We write by hand, no posting from Cam. Fun and more fun. Dry run tools above Z zero to keep from crashing. Have you used a programmable part stop? Curious if that is still used.
Dont waste time with manual programing and dry runs. Buy base Fusion360 without machining extension. Make good library for each material and condition, make templates, standardise…. I program simple parts under 8 minutes which include 2 OPs (two side machining), program postprocesing, preparing picture for operator how is zero located and loading it to machine via LAN… no dry runs. I benchmark myself and change programming workflow to decrease programing time…
Haas has never been good at chip management. I own a couple of machines starting year 2000 and newer, they actually got worse over time. Best thing I've ever done is mimic the large horizontal machining centers and add a second pump and spray bar to either side of the cabinet. It takes about 15 gpm per side and at least 4 nozzles on the vf3/4/5 cabinets and the chips will be continuously washed down to the auger. A standard shallow well pump works great and has good pressure. I modified my post processor and use an m code and machine output to turn on the pump relay whenever a program is running. The spray bar is high enough on the back wall that I can point a nozzle at each of the X axis way covers and prevent buildup there also. Best thing I've ever done to increase productivity in a haas.
Go to the HAAS website and it will give you the cost of whatever machine you want to get. They have upfront pricing which is really nice, then when you pick a machine you want call the HFO in your area and they can help get you discounts etc.
I used a 2015 VF-3SS for six years. It wasn't hard to hold a tenth in XY. Z would move a little with thermal expansion, +/- .0005" was about the best I could rely on in Z.
Get the machine professionally laser calibrated, it goes a long way.
As a common shop, I would suggest you to get Haas shrink fit machine and holders, they are cheapest on the market with decent quality.
I got a VF4 SS at my work a little over 1 1/2 years ago. Great machine. One thing that you should do, take the plunge and get a rotary 4th axis. I got the HRT-210SS. Once you figure out how to program a 4th axis you won't go back. It is awesome. The probing is a must to have. Honestly that should be standard on the machines now.
I remember wondering why they provided hundreds of work offset positions until dealing with a 4th axis tombstone for the first time
It was not a fun experience to change out the parts but it ran for almost 2 weeks due to all the small details and just how many parts there were.
We use the same work offsets on every program based off the vice it will run on. Take the time to standardize your programming with origin to wherever you want it on the vice in relation to vice. Layout every part the same. Save the headache of touching off every part and possible crashes. Implemented this method after using up all the work offsets on the machine for different production parts and not wanting to start probing every setup. Also handy when you have 7 machines being robot tended with the same vice and jaw setup for quickly moving jobs to different machines. Use G54 thru Gxx to store the master vice offsets then run all your parts on G154pxx that mirrors your master offsets just in case you need to make minor adjustments for op to op blends.
Saunders Machine works has a free file on their website for 3d printed brackets that prevent chips building up in the machine.
have you thought about an modular table on top of your vf4ss table?
they very good to reduce setups
Love the idea of having a Tool Holder for Every Tool.
Downside ??
Cost and, Where to put the Holders, LOL.
I like the angled tray I guess you could call it under the Controller.
Just a little concerned with Coolant wet hands, dripping all over everything that is sitting on this tray ??
Looking forward to your next video, in regards to how you make use of Lean Manufacturing in your shop.
Work Smart, Not Hard.👍
We have a vf4 and vf4ss with 24" Z option. Z will change with temp. We write by hand, no posting from Cam. Fun and more fun. Dry run tools above Z zero to keep from crashing. Have you used a programmable part stop? Curious if that is still used.
Dont waste time with manual programing and dry runs. Buy base Fusion360 without machining extension. Make good library for each material and condition, make templates, standardise…. I program simple parts under 8 minutes which include 2 OPs (two side machining), program postprocesing, preparing picture for operator how is zero located and loading it to machine via LAN… no dry runs. I benchmark myself and change programming workflow to decrease programing time…
How much was the rigging cost you?
Haas has never been good at chip management. I own a couple of machines starting year 2000 and newer, they actually got worse over time. Best thing I've ever done is mimic the large horizontal machining centers and add a second pump and spray bar to either side of the cabinet. It takes about 15 gpm per side and at least 4 nozzles on the vf3/4/5 cabinets and the chips will be continuously washed down to the auger. A standard shallow well pump works great and has good pressure. I modified my post processor and use an m code and machine output to turn on the pump relay whenever a program is running. The spray bar is high enough on the back wall that I can point a nozzle at each of the X axis way covers and prevent buildup there also. Best thing I've ever done to increase productivity in a haas.
How much does it cost for this machine?
Go to the HAAS website and it will give you the cost of whatever machine you want to get. They have upfront pricing which is really nice, then when you pick a machine you want call the HFO in your area and they can help get you discounts etc.