A CNC desktop milling machine is often used in the manufacture of small batches or single parts. So, the installation found application in the manufacture of printed circuit boards or when applying volumetric drawings on long sheet blanks. In the field of metal processing, the axial system automatically creates machine parts, which saves on the purchase of spare parts.
Important points
The CNC desktop milling machine can be controlled from a conventional PC or laptop with an expansion card. Computerization of the process made it possible to quickly create a cutting program. A downloadable volumetric model is instantly converted into a set of G-codes understood by the controller.
Such types of materials lend themselves to processing: stone, plastic, metal, wood. Serial multi-axis systems have the following advantages:
- increased rigidity;
- accuracy of movements of the cutter;
- high performance;
- compatibility with a wide range of electronic equipment;
- storage of all information on the hard disk in the form of archives;
- interchangeability of nodes, the availability of spare parts in online stores;
- the ability to display the process in graphical form using programs that are freely available on the Internet.
Previously, craftsmen invented a CNC milling machine for metal from improvised materials . With their own hands, it turned out to be able to make rather nimble installations capable of working with high accuracy. Machine manufacturers took into account the needs of small-scale industry and released miniature models.
Installation Features
The average desktop CNC milling machine works with an accuracy of 0.02-0.05 mm. This allows you to produce products that are not inferior in quality to factory parts manufactured 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 built on the principle of a combined method, including positional and contour programming. As a result of this approach, unique in beauty figures are obtained that do not require additional grinding and refinement. So, manufacturers use machines for shaping the final workpiece.
Execution options
The CNC desktop milling machine is performed with a horizontal spindle or with its vertical orientation. In the first case, the cutter passes only translational motion, and the workpiece is rotational and clamped in special cams. As a result of processing, cylindrical parts come out.
In the second case, the rotating tool pushes through 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 higher cost of the installation.
One kind of design
The representative of the installation for small-scale production is a bench-top CNC milling machine BF20 CNC. Its compact dimensions allow it to be located in small car repair shops or other equipment. Processing blanks is carried out from the following materials: non-ferrous and ordinary metals or cast iron.
Available for sale models:
The design uses stepper motors for precise movement. Inductive sensors are built in to determine the reference points ; they also work like limit switches. The positioning accuracy of the cutter is not more than 0.05 mm. The control system is connected to its own PC via the USB interface.
NCdrive eco CNC control controller was created in Germany. It performs processing by reading G-codes. The coordinate table with a rigid surface has captures of the manual fastening principle. The mechanics provide the specified stiffness parameters; screw-couples are mounted on ball bearings. The machine bed is made of 6 mm metal sheet, the power is supplied from a 220 V network.