Which is the Ultimate Machining Centre ?!?

[karthik]

Good morning to all,

I just wanted to know which machine from which company, according to you, is the ultimate machining centre that is available in the market as of June 2009. I do understand that not everything can be done on a single machine, but there are machines out there that can do most of it. (Turning, milling, drilling, tapping, grinding ….. )

I’m looking for the biggest machine in terms of maximum turning dia and length, that also has 5, 6, 7?? axis capability, that also has an extreme accuracy of 3-5 microns on all axis, that also has a repeatability of 1-2 microns on all axis, that also has the fastest chip-to-chip time, that also has the maximum number of tool holders, that also …….. . .. .. . lol …. Im sure you get the idea and can fill up the rest of the spec needed :P

I know it’s a ridiculous ask. However, want to know which is the biggest and meanest machine out there

Please do comment

[JMWorks]

The biggest meanest machine out there is the one that everyone in your shop can run easily and efficiently and produce parts to spec with no errors, with tooling being the only limiting factor and having a bulletproof CAM post for. That is the best machine, whether it be brand new or 20 years old depending on your situation. But, I get what your saying.

My vote goes for an E-series vertical Integrex or one of the big DMG 5 axis horizontals that have turning ability. For a smaller machine, a Matsuura cublex is pretty impressive, and there is always the Mori NT which is a bad ass machine for horizontal turning work.

[machineguy]

You might check with mag industries we have some very large VTC'S from them ,but in the end i doubt you find anything to hold 3 um. Work pieces that large a very hard to machine to that close tollerence with any machine. We turn some pieces 4' in diameter and 9' tall and have trouble holding 6-8 um size on dia. and 3-5um taper in 3-4 inches in a 2'-3' dia. bore.

[sandiegocnc]

I like the Mori Seiki ZT1500 multi-axis lathe. But I'm biased since I'm a lathe guy to begin with.