The mini CNC router/engraver kit is suitable for milling non-metal materials such as copper PCBs, plastic, acrylic and wood. The most common use for this CNC is to make prototype PCBs.
The controller is an open source ATMEGA328 board running Grbl. Grbl is a free, open source, high performance software for controlling the motion of machines that move, that make things, or that make things move, and will run on a straight Arduino. If the maker movement was an industry, Grbl would be the industry standard.
More information regarding the Grbl motion control software can be found here.
Please note that assembly and operation of this CNC is not a beginner project. Although this machine is small, the user will have to learn all the concepts of large CNC machines in order to make this system work.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
This CNC machine is great to:
- learn the concepts of CNC before investing in a full size carving or engraving machine
- create PCB prototypes
- experiment with different software applications and tool chains
- build your own CNC without having to find all the individual parts
Specifications:
Total Dimensions: 260 * 240 * 220mm
Engraving area: 160 * 100 * 30mm
Screw: Professional T8 screw, lead 4mm, double copper nuts eliminating backlash
Stepper motors: 12V, 1.3A
Spindle: 12V 7000 RPM
Package Includes:
1 x set of Mini engraving machine kit with aluminum extrusions and 3D printed plastic parts
3 x steppers motors
1 x Grbl-based motion controller card
1 x 7000 RPM spindle
1 x 24VDC power supply
1 x USB mini cable
2 x engraving V-bits 20 degree .1mm
1 x set of hex wrenches for assembly
Software:
The manufacturers have decided to use several applications of dubious origin which you can download here:
Because Grbl is a standard GCode motion controller just about any CNC control software will work.
We recommend and use with this CNC open source software projects such as:
http://chilipeppr.com/
https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender