Prima Issues

[chlaser]

Does anyone use a prima laser and if so what would be your biggest complaint about them? Looking into one right now but want to hear from users rather than the sales guy. I would like to know about service as well. Thanks

 

[xbiggy]

They are cheap and cheaply made, the service department are always busy so that in itself should tell you something. Is it a 5 axis or 2D that you are looking at?

 

[chlaser]

5 axis thanks for the info

 

[xbiggy]

No problem. Have you looked at any other machines like the Mazak Space Gear or is cost the main driver in your choice?

 

[chlaser]

No cost isn't I'm just trying to gather as much info as possible. Have you heard of any other issues with them other than the way they are built. Are they expensive to run or rebuild? No I haven't looked at a Mazak would you suggest one?

 

[xbiggy]

it depends on the application you need to use it for of course. the prima machine use a prc laser which is a pretty good unit but the machine itself lets it down. the mazak uses a panasonic resonator which is a good solid reliable unit and the machine itself in my opinion is one of the best around for reliability as it is built like there cnc machine tools. the mazak is very versatile and is just as good a performer if you want to use for either 2d or 3d work. as with all machines servicing is important so you need to factor in service costs as well as the initial outlay of the machine. i believe with the primas 3 seperate gasses are used to power the reso and are mixed using gas mixers in the machine where as the mazak runs of a single gas bottle(the 3 gasses needed are pre-mixed in the bottle). May I ask where are you based?

 

[xbiggy]

I can get some more in depth info for you on the primas off a colleague that used to work specifically on there 5 axis machines . For some the actual size/footprint of the machine is important and the Primas are a big machine where as the Mazak is a more compact unit but if you are processing very large parts then size may be also more important to you. If you can give some more details as to the work you need to do maybe I can offer you some more advice i.e type and thickness of materials as this will depend on laser power required etc... I would suggest checking out the manufacturers websites to get a feel for what is out there.