Industrial CNC milling machine for metal is produced expensive with large dimensions. Compact models are acquired by small organizations for the execution of single lots. Demand for such installations is observed in the service sector. They get desktop models of production with unique equipment, which has no spare parts for sale. The manufacture of such nodes by third-party organizations at a cost that exceeds the cost of the machine itself.
Reasons for the popularity of automated machines
A CNC router for metal is able to produce products of high quality comparable to the requirements of engineering industries. The design of the equipment allows you to process materials from plastic, wood. Versatility in application and low cost have made axial systems the most popular.
The cutting process is carried out in an automatic cycle. Mini CNC router for metal connects to a PC, laptop via USB. Only a 220 Volt network is required, which is located in almost any production room. When repairing a car in the garage, it turns out to produce the simplest parts.
Complex forms of the final product require the creation of a competent drawing in 3D format, which is quite difficult to accomplish with a lack of qualifications. The image file is converted using common and free programs into G-codes. Ready-made commands are loaded into the controller memory.
What can be done on the machine?
CNC mini-milling machine for metal performs the following operations:
- Milling.
- Engraving.
- Drilling
- Movement along the bends of the workpiece.
- Cutting material.
A CNC router for metal makes it possible to produce not only the parts necessary for repair, but also to realize shaped models of limited sizes. Long workpieces are not processed with desktop versions of the equipment, but portal designs are used.
Depending on the design, a CNC system allows you to process cylindrical workpieces clamped into a spindle unit. The tool remains stationary with this embodiment, the table moves in two coordinates. Flat parts are placed in clamps on a fixed base.
Installation Package
Everyone knows a 3D printer that creates volumetric parts by gluing small pieces. It has several axes and a node that releases the working substance. The CNC milling machine works on the same principle. The price of the machine depends on the following components:
- Rigidity of a design. A solid base must be provided for the processing of hard alloys, the main pressure is applied to it. Axial guides and bearings are responsible for back force compensation. The cutting technology is selected optimally so that the main components do not wear out.
- The purpose of the machine is universal, but can be equipped to meet the needs of a specific task. Additional equipment is a chip collector, coolant cooling unit. A monitor may not be used to display information. But this way it will be easier and faster for the installer to provide repair and readjustment of the machine.
- The type of spindle assembly makes a significant contribution to price increases. According to the experience of the masters, it is recommended not to save on an important element. So, periodic problems arise with the accuracy of the brand KRESS FHE / FE.
- Axial movements are carried out by stepper motors.
Highlights when choosing a machine
The price tag for a CNC router for metal can reach several hundred thousand rubles. These include extended versions having 5 axes. Two additional coordinates are used for spatial movement of the spindle. This solution allows you to produce complex parts in one operation.
The simplest models of low rigidity and limited functionality are sold for just a few thousand rubles. With their help, parts from soft grades of metal are quickly made. Processing speed also depends on the type of tool. Parameters such as:
- spindle rotation noise;
- interchangeability of spare parts;
- type of mechanisms;
- ease of installation and commissioning;
- equipment weight;
- power consumption;
- number of coordinate axes;
- the possibility of modernization in the future.
Additional features
The desktop CNC router for metal economy version is connected to the PC via the LPT port. The process control is autonomous, does not require operator intervention. A forced stop is added to the processing program during errors or at the request of the technology.
The cutting process is converted into 3D-graphics by the LinuxCNC program, designed to fully control and display the technological process of CNC machines. Monitoring the status of installation nodes occurs in real time. The application interface is not inferior to industrial versions of software.