Want/need new machine. Thoughts on Mazak VC-Ez20

[RCS Machine]

I'm a long time Haas user that is fed up with having to "put-up" with a sub standard machine. Currently have a 2016 VF3 and 2020 DM1. Don't have any real issues with the DM but the VF has been a thorn in my side since I bought it. My main gripe is the thermal comp can't take care of a Y axis that travels on me throughout the day as the machine heats and cools. Kind of hard holding tight tolerances when every time I rededicate my G54 the Y is off by up to .0015. Makes it a bitch transferring parts to the EDM and not having the surfaces blend together nicely. Other than that, I can live with the machine, but I'd like upgrades if I were to buy something new. This machine is kind of a bare bones unit. The only real upgrade is the probing system.

Most of our work is building molds, prototypes and short run stuff. Lots of 3D contour. So here's what I'd like/need.
12-15k spindle
Through spindle coolant and air.
Probing
Expanded memory
High speed machining
Spindle to table distance of 3-4 inches on the short end and at least 25 inches of usable Z.
Most importantly, something that's going to produce a nice surface finish and hold tolerance.

I was looking into DN Solutions DNM5700 but the total Z isn't enough and the spindle doesn't get close enough to the table, we do a lot of milling to the table and don't want to have to use extended reach tooling.

The Mazak VC-Ez20 seems to be comparable in work area as the VF3 so I'm starting to look into that further.

Any insight, good or bad, going this route?

Thanks.

Ed

 

[Vancbiker]

No idea where the Mazak falls price wise, but if I were looking in this size range, the Okuma Genos 560V would likely get the nod.

 

[Houdini]

The Ez had issues of air consumption for air cooled grease packed spindle.
I would get it with the 20k air oil lube and spindle chiller.
Pricing is at Haas or less.

But also agree Genos M560 is best choice, but higher price, I would say worth it though.

 

[Houdini]

Let us know how it goes, I'm waiting to get a VcEz-20X

 

[ManualEd]

What's "Lots" of 3D surfacing and with what tool size?
A 42k rpm HSK spindle on an Okuma MB56 with supernurbs will make you 3 times more money than a 12k Mazak while you're surfacing.

25" of Z travel, or just spindle to table?

The Okuma M560V has 24" of daylight between the spindle face and table at max height, and 6" at lowest Z height.
18" Z of actual travel. (IMO one of the weaker points of the machine, and bridge style in general)

The Okuma (18000lbs) weighs almost 50% more than the Mazak (13000lbs)

 

[dave morgan]

Ed,

The VC Ez line really can’t compete with the Genos line. A better comparison would be the Mazak VCN. While the Ez machines have their place, you cannot realistically expect them to take the place of a machine that is 5 to 6 thousand lbs. heavier.

This is the base machine list pricing that I received back in 2021 when I was shopping a new machine: VC Ez 20 98,200 , Genos M560V 132,990, Hardinge V1000 89,000, Hass VF3SS 82,000, SMEC MCV 5500 101,100.

I ended up purchasing the Ez 20 and it is a great fit for my situation. If you decide to go with an Ez machine be sure to include the spindle chiller option with the grease pack spindle. You do not want to be blowing 20 CFM of air all day long.

I would recommend that you choose 4 or 5 machine brands that are popular and have good service in your area and get their reps out to discuss. Once the reps see that you are serious about a purchase and considering other brands major discounts will be applied.


Dave