The desktop CNC milling machine is often used in the manufacture of small batches or single parts. Thus, the installations have found application in the production of printed circuit boards or in the application of three-dimensional drawings on long sheet blanks. In the field of metal processing, the axis system automatically creates machine parts, which saves on the purchase of spare parts.
Important points
The desktop CNC milling machine can be controlled from a regular PC or laptop with an expansion board. Computerization of the process made it possible to quickly create a cutting program. The loaded 3D model is instantly converted into a set of G-codes understood by the controller.
The following types of materials can be processed: stone, plastic, metal, wood. Serial multi-axis systems have the following advantages:
- increased structural rigidity;
- cutter movement accuracy;
- high performance;
- compatible with a wide range of electronic equipment;
- storage of all information on the hard drive in the form of archives;
- interchangeability of units, availability of spare parts in online stores;
- the ability to display the process in a graphical form using programs that are freely available on the Internet.
Earlier, craftsmen invented a desktop CNC milling machine for metal from scrap materials. With my own hands it was possible to make quite nimble installations capable of working with high accuracy. Machine manufacturers have taken into account the needs of the small-scale industry and produced miniature models.
Setting options
Medium desktop CNC router works with 0.02-0.05mm precision. This allows us to produce products that are not inferior in quality to factory parts made on expensive industrial machines. Additional axes for turning the table eliminate the need for additional technological operations. The cutter is able to select grooves in hard-to-reach places of the product.
The control program is based on the principle of a combined method, including positional and contour programming. As a result of this approach, figures of unique beauty are obtained that do not require additional grinding and refinement. For example, manufacturers use end-piece shaping machines.
Variants
Desktop CNC milling machine is performed with a horizontal spindle or with its vertical orientation. In the first case, the cutonly translational movement takes place, and the workpiece is rotational and is clamped in special cams. As a result of processing, cylindrical parts come out.
In the second case, the rotating tool bores the specified grooves and holes. For an additional fee, 2 more axes are installed on the spindle, allowing you to work in 5D mode. Such a desktop CNC milling machine for metal is able to bring the cutter horizontally, changing its spatial position. However, the complexity of the design leads to an increase in the cost of installation.
One of the designs
The BF20 CNC desktop milling machine is representative of the small scale production plant. Compact dimensions allow it to be placed in small car repair shops or other equipment. Workpieces are processed from the following materials: non-ferrous and ordinary metals or cast iron.
Models available for sale:
- three-axis;
- four-axis.
The design uses precise movement stepper motors. To determine the reference points, inductive sensors are built in, they also work as limit switches. The positioning accuracy of the cutter is no more than 0.05 mm. The control system is connected to its own PC via a USB interface.
The NCdrive eco CNC controller was created in Germany. It performs processing by reading G-codes. The coordinate table with a rigid surface has grippers of a manual fastening principle. The mechanics provides the specified stiffness parameters, propellers are mounted on ball bearings. The machine bed is made of 6 mm metal sheet, powered by 220 V.
