Desktop CNC Milling Machines and Routers. How they differ ...
Milling machine
Router
Materials. Milling
machines tend to be suitable for cutting a larger range of materials (from
wood to steel).
Work envelope. Mills
have a relatively larger travel in the Z axis but smaller in the X and Y.
Materials. Routing
machines will cut soft materials like wood and can engrave the softer metals like aluminium and
brass.
Work envelope. Routers
have a relatively larger travel in the X and Y axes but smaller in the Z.
Example: Micro Mill 2000 by Quantum
Example: MDX500 by Roland
This machine is at the budget
end of the spectrum. It is based on the respected Taig milling machine
from the US.
X axis: 9" - 229 mm.
Y axis: 5.5" - 140 mm.
Z axis: 5" - 127 mm.
Quantum say that you can
be up and running for just under 2000 UK pounds (excluding VAT).
A high specification router using servo, rather
than the stepper motors typical of small machines.
X axis: 19.6" - 500 mm.
Y axis: 12.9" - 330 mm.
Z axis: 4.1" - 105 mm.
This 92 kilo machine is perhaps just
a little weighty to be described as a desktop router but Roland have smaller
machines in the range
Ultra high precision machining.
The Datron CAT3D-M6 micro
machining centre.
The Datron CAT3D-M6 was designed for
highly accurate machining of small, precision components.
X axis: 5.5" - 140 mm.
Y axis: 7.5" - 190 mm.
Z axis: 5.5 " - 140 mm.
This is a high quality machine with a positioning accuracy of 3
microns. Massive cast construction is used to minimise
vibration.
... but if those are not big and
powerful enough for your needs (and you are a technical type) you might
want to build your own machine. Check
ADVANCED MICRO SOLUTIONS in
the UK.
