How to choose a CNC router - 3-axis milling machine.

If you're looking to buy a CNC router for the first time, the variety of options available may make it difficult to find the right one. There is a huge choice of CNC routerWhether it's for hobby level, workshop or factory work. The more you search, the more offers and models you will discover. The same goes if you set out to find a professional milling machine. How do you sort through all these offers? How to choose? And above all, what should you look out for when you're not a specialist? It is from this position, that of the non-specialist buyer, that I have tried to answer these questions.

What is a professional CNC router

A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) router is a computer-controlled wood or wood-derivative machining machine used to make precise and complex 2D and 3D shapes. The computer program transmits electronic signals to the motor and thus the mechanical system is driven. In this way, the machining is done with very high precision and can be reproduced identically, resulting in very high quality products. The versatility of this machine is one of its strengths with the ability to do engraving, cutting, milling, carving, drilling. In addition, the productivity of such a machine is much higher than a mechanical one.

The router's computer coordinates the movements of the mechanical system in the 3 Cartesian directions x, y and z. Specifically, x coordinates the front-back movement, y is responsible for the left-right movement and z for the up-down movement. The end result is a 3D image of the machined part. There are also more powerful machines that have 4-axis - the fourth being rotation - and even 5-axis movements. These machines are very efficient in that they work on all axes in unison, giving the machine the ability to carve complex shapes.

What are the main features to look out for when considering a CNC router?

There's no doubt it's a machine that can do amazing jobs, but which version suits you? We saw above that there are machines that work on 3, 4 or even 5 axes. You need to know exactly what you want to do with the machine, what kind of work you are going to use it for and how complex the design will be you want to get. Also, another aspect is the size of the parts to be machined, but also pace of operation, occasionally or for production purposes with frequent use. If the 3 axles are enough, there's no point throwing your money away on a 4 axle at the thought that you might ever need it. With the speed at which new, increasingly powerful machines are coming out, it's better to buy the 4-axle when you need it.

In fact the first criterion you should be interested in is processing size and relate that to the available workspace. You're not going to buy one that can machine 2-3 meter workpieces if you know you have nowhere to put it.

Machine structure is also important. If it is large it will machine large and heavy workpieces. You'll need a rigid machine with as few joints as possible. Cast metal is preferable.

Fixing parts to the table can be done mechanically, with the help of fixing clamps, or with the help of vacuum plugs. The latter is easier, quicker and safer, but this will be reflected in the price.

Attaching cutting tools can be done with a taper, with a tool magazine (on the machine), or directly on the spindle, with elastic bushings. In the first case the tooling is interchangeable and is done automatically. In the second, the tool is changed manually, the operation takes longer but the machine is cheaper.

Engine is the link between the computer and the mechanical part, in this case the machine spindle. There are stepper motors and servo motors. Stepper motors are cheaper. The more steps a motor has, the finer the machining. This number of steps is the number of motions required for one complete rotation (360°) of the tool. The more strokes the finer the cut.

Rotation speed of the spindle is important. Cutting is achieved by the rotational movement of the tool. The higher the rotational speed, the finer the cut. In general the rotational speed for wood is between 8000 and 30000 rpm.

Other criteria to keep in mind when shopping for a CNC router are cooling system of the tool, linear guidance system (the one that moves the cock on the 3 axes), software that can be adapted to the machine.

Where you buy from is very important.

This is a very important criterion. A known company is a guarantor for the quality of the equipment and service, that is why it is the best choice. Because not only the machine is important, but also the way you are helped with information, commissioning, explanations on operation and maintenance.

You need to establish a partnership with the person selling you such a machine. The price of such machines is not cheap, so you can't afford not to know who to call if a problem arises. What's more, you may need spare parts over time and you need to know where to get them and how soon you can get them.

CNC Router - 3-axis milling machine from Danibrum

And as an example, I chose a 3-axis milling machine from Danibrum.

Model 2030 is a 3-axis industrial CNC router that can machine large workpieces in wood, chipboard or MDF. It is a solid steel machine with a 5.5 kW motor and 24000 rpm. The maximum workpiece size that can be machined is 2m/3m, with 200mm machining on the z-coordinate. It is compatible with a wide range of advanced software programs, has Mach3 command and control unit and desktop with 17 inch monitor.

But you can find all this and more in product data sheet. What I wanted to tell you is that Danibrum can give you all the information on the machine's features, how to operate, warranty and post-warranty, price and payment terms. It is a long-established machinery supplier on the market, about which you can certainly find references. In addition, you get rid of the fear that as soon as you buy the machine, you have no one to talk to.

In conclusion, before making a purchase, you need to inform yourself. There are plenty of such sources of information both on domestic and foreign websites. Study information from several places and compare them. Once you are educated about what you want, talk to the supplier. Ask as many questions as you can, at the risk of being a pussy. The more you know, the more confident you'll be in choosing the right CNC. Good luck!