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Best Used CNC Machines for High-Speed Machining

Different machining shops have different machining demands. Some shops require machines that can perform high-speed machining work, enabling them to produce bulk products, which in turn helps increase revenue. For these types of shops, high speed CNC machines are a necessity, which can produce a high volume of products while maintaining tight tolerances and high precision. In this blog, we will discuss the top CNC machines that one can use for high speed machining work. We will also give you a balanced view of the advantages and disadvantages of the particular machine series.

Top 4 CNC Machine Series for High Speed Machining:

Here are some of the top CNC machine series that you might buy if you need to do high speed machining work

1. Mazak VCN Series

The first name in the list is the machines of the Mazak VCN series that can be used for high speed machining works. They feature built in spindles of 12,000 RPM for vibration free HSM. These machines offer a good balance of speed, power, and automation.

Advantages of Mazak VCN Series:

The Mazak VCN series machines feature the MAZATROL control system, which makes it very easy and smooth to operate the CNC machine.
The high accuracy ball screws and thermal resistant beds ensure consistent accuracy and superior quality of products.
Most of the Mazak VCN series machines are either equipped with top automation features or can be easily upgraded with automation features like pallet changers.

Drawbacks of the Mazak VCN Series:

The advanced features of the CNC machines make it highly difficult to set up the machine, and also require skilled operators for smooth operation.
Some of the Mazak VCN series CNC machines are large in size and need significant floor space, which can be a hurdle for small sized machining shops.

2. Makino V Series

Makino’s V series CNC machines are one of the most well known CNC machine series for high speed machining works. They have built a strong reputation for high precision machining work. They have very short tool change times and fast rapids, making them a great choice for high speed machining work.

Advantages of Makino V Series CNC Machines:

These machines feature unrivaled thermal management features, with core cooled ballscrews, spindle chillers, and sophisticated thermal mapping.
Ultra high speed machining capability with spindle speed reaching up to 20000 RPM, helping in rapid material removal.
The machines have robust construction, helping in vibration damping, which further helps in maintaining tight tolerances while machining. Achieves tolerances as tight as ±0.001 mm.
The machines of this series excel in creating products with superior surface finishes that eliminate the need for secondary finishing operations.

Drawbacks of the Makino V Series:

The machine has steep learning curves, and it can be challenging for newbie operators to run these CNC machines, and can be less intuitive for operators habituated with running simple machines.
Maintenance of these CNC machines is highly costly and complex too; it can be tough to find parts for the machines.

3. Haas VF Series

Haas VF series CNC machines are one of the most affordable high speed machining options for shops around the world. This vertical mill series of Haas is hugely popular even in the used CNC machines market, and their affordable price segment makes them approachable for small sized shops.

Advantages of Haas VF Series CNC Machines:

One of the major advantages of these CNC machines is their affordable price and their availability. The used models of these CNC machines are widely available everywhere.
The machine can be upgraded with different new features, like spindle retrofits and control upgrades for better performance.
The machines have high speed spindles, like the Haas VF2SS model features a spindle with 12000 RPM speed, and a rapid traverse rate of 1400IPM.
They have a widespread support network, helping you to get your machine diagnosed in the fastest way possible.

Drawbacks of the Haas VF Series CNC machines:

They are not one of the fastest options for high speed machining, as some machines have spindles with a speed of 20000 RPM, but that’s not available in these CNC series.
The machines are quite basic in features, which can be problematic for complex machining work. Upgradation can help, but the cost of retrofit is also going to shoot up in that case.

4. Doosan DNM Series

The DNM CNC machine series of Doosan (DN Solutions) is another well known CNC series valued for its high speed performance and superior machine rigidity. These machines are also a cost effective solution compared to other high end CNC machine brands.

Advantages of Doosan DNM Series CNC Machines:

The machines have a robust build, which provides good rigidity and build quality for high speed machining work. The rigidity of the machines also makes them durable, and they can run for decades.
The machines of this series are known for their high value for money. The service of these machines makes your every penny feel worth it.
Thermal compensation features help in maintaining tight precision of machining, especially during long machining cycles.
The machines are very easily available as they are used by several machinists all around the world.

Drawbacks of the Doosan DNM Series CNC machines:

One of the main drawbacks of the DNM series CNC machines is that they might lack some modern advanced features of automation and thermal compensation.
The machines of these series are often said to be consuming more power for high speed operations.

Conclusion:

If you want to do high speed machining, then these CNC machines are one of the best options out there, with the Doosan and Haas CNC machines also being a cost effective solution for small shops and startups. In case you’re looking for other used CNC machines, you can check our collection of used CNC machines.