Desktop CNC machining is one of the best ways to create prototypes and convert your idea into reality. We want to introduce you to some of the best CNC routers and desktop CNC machines available in the market.
These Desktop CNC machines and CNC routers have applications to prototype metal, plastic or wooden products in-house. Therefore you don’t need to rely on your vendors. In this way, you can also iterate your design multiple times and launch products faster in the market.
What is the difference Between CNC Router and CNC Mill ?
The major difference between CNC routers and mill machine is in their construction, cutting tool movement, and spindle speed.
CNC Router
A CNC router can cut soft materials such as wood, plastic, acrylic, and sometimes soft metals such as aluminum.
Compared to CNC mill machines, CNC routers have a larger workspace (Larger X and Y but small Z-axis) and are used to remove material at high speeds. High tool speed helps in cutting material fast.
In most CNC routers, the part remains stationary and the cutting tool moves in all three directions X, Y, and Z.
CNC Mill
CNC milling machines are used to cut soft and hard materials with relatively small work-area. But most Desktop CNC milling machines available in the market can cut soft materials such as aluminum or brass.
In most CNC Mills, the part moves in the Y direction and the cutting tool rotates at relatively high speeds moves in the X and Z direction.
Selection of CNC Router and Desktop CNC Machines
You should consider the following points to select the best CNC Router or desktop CNC machine.
Work Area or Build Volume
Desktop CNC machines are available in various bed sizes. Here the bed size indicates the volume that a CNC machine can machine. Therefore you should consider the maximum part size before selecting a CNC router.
Material to be Machined
Not all machines can machine hard materials. Therefore you should consider a machine’s capability to cut material with the machine manufacturer.
DIY or Fully Assembled machine
DIY kit CNC routers are easy to assemble, disassemble and transport. But they require initial assembly which can be a time-consuming and challenging task.
Availability of CAM Software
CNC machines require G-Codes for machine parts. You can generate G codes using CAM software. Therefore you shall check the compatibility and availability of free CAM software with the machine manufacturer. Click this link to know the difference between CAD CAM and CAE.
Best Desktop CNC Machines Available in the Market
The Bantam Tools Desktop CNC milling machine is a robust solid CNC machine that can machine aluminum, brass, plastic PCB, etc. Using this machine, you can develop your prototypes at home or in your workshop.
Features
- Working Volume: 7” × 9” × 3.5”
- Spindle Speed: 10,000 to 28,000 RPM
- Solid Construction
- Automatic Stock Location
- High Speed
- 2.5D AutoCAM
The Nomad 883 Pro is easy to use CNC milling machine used to machine plastic, wax, wood, and soft metal parts up to 6 mm thickness.
Features
Nomad 883 Pro desktop CNC machine comes with the following features.
- Working Volume: 8” × 8” × 3”
- Spindle Speed: 2,000 to 10,000 RPM
- Spindle Power: 70 Watts
- Automatic tool Calibration.
- Free 3D CAM Software.
The Shapeoko CNC Router is one of the best available CNC routers in the market that is made from aluminum extrusions. It can be used to cut plastic, wood, and aluminum parts.
Features
Shapeoko CNC Router machine comes with the following features.
- DIY kit (2 hour assembly time)
- Working Volume: 16” × 16” / 16” × 33” / 32” × 16”
- Spindle Power: 1.25 hp
- Control Motor Type: NEMA 23
- Customizable
- Free 3D CAM software.
It is one of the best options available for carving wooden materials in a relatively larger area. You can add extra accessories to add more features to the machine.
Features
- Working Volume: 750 x 750 x 65mm
- Available Free Software
- DIY Kit
- Customizable
- Add-on options such as home switch and dust control are also available.
5. BobsCNC E4 CNC Machine
The BobsCNC E4 CNC Machine is a laser-cut wooden frame DIY kit CNC machine with a 610x610x85 mm cutting area. If required, large and smaller size cutting area machine options are also available. The laser-cut wooden frame makes this machine a little unstable while cutting hard materials.
Features
- DIY kit (First-time setup and assembly can be challenging)
- Mostly used for engraving work and cutting soft materials.
- Laser-cut wooden structure.
- Working Volume: 610 x 610 x 85mm
- Open source Controller software.
It is a low-cost, DIY desktop mini CNC carving and milling machine and mostly used to engrave plastics, wood, and PCB. This machine can not cut a large stock of materials.
Features
- Mostly used for engraving and cutting thin materials.
- DIY kit (First-time setup and assembly is a challenging task)
- Supports the mounting of the laser head.
- Working Volume: 300 x 180 x 45mm
- Offline Controller.
This desktop CNC machine has a rigid structure and low cost that comes with a work volume of 260 x 260 x 50 mm. If required, larger and smaller size cutting area machine options are also available.
Features
- Robust Structure.
- Working Volume: 260 x 260 x 50mm
- Customization options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions : FAQ
- Maximum part work area or build volume
- Material to be machined
- DIY or full assembled machine
- Availability of CAM software.
Bantam Tools Desktop CNC milling machine is one of the best robust solid CNC machine available in the market. It can machine aluminum, brass, plastic PCB, etc.
SainSmart Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO is a low-cost, DIY desktop mini CNC carving and milling machine and is mostly used to engrave plastics, wood, and PCB.
We will keep adding more information on various CNC routers and desktop CNC milling machines. Add your suggestions, comments, or questions on Desktop CNC Machines in the comment box.
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