shopbot -- routerish things. MIT

CNC desktop systems:

Levil (Oviedo, FL ) LV350D basic, LV350D plus, WL400

• max part size: 14x10x8 max travel (16.5x8.5x8 for WL400)
• machine size, weight: 20 x 28 x 30 inch, 200 lbs
• resolution: 0.00003 inch
• repeatibility: 0.0001 inch (0.0002 inch for WL400)
• quoted accuracy: 0.001 inch over whole workspace
• motors: brush DC servos
• spindle: to 10,000 rpm (manual control),
  • up to 18,000 rpm for LV350D plus and WL400, 2 Hp spindle with toolchanger (up to 15 tools)
• supposedly OK for "soft metals" AL etc.
• cost: $8,950 for LV350D basic, $15,250 for LV350D plus, $16,850 for LW400
• features: provision for 4th axis control, fancier "like G-code" built-in interpolation & etc., 15mm Hiwin linear guideways, , software "open architecture in Delphi", aluminum structural elements. WL400 has acrylic enclosure.

ACT DMC-III (Granada Hills, CA 91344)

• max part size: 12x8x6 inch
• machine size, weight: 27 x 30 x 31 inch, 260 lbs
• resolution: 0.00008 inch
• repeatibility: 0.0004 inch
• quoted accuracy: 0.001 inch over whole workspace
• motors: "microstep" sine wave stepper axes, brushless spindle
• spindle: 1500-12000 rpm, 1/3 Hp computer controlled speed
• supposedly OK for small stainless steel (< 1/8 thick) with sufficient spindle speed
• cost: ? $10K or less
• features: provision for 4th axis control, HIWIN 20mm twin type linear guideways, cast iron structural elements
  • uses standard Mach 3 CNC software

Tormach PCNC1100 -- This is a larger machine. (Maybe too big for in-lab?) This may be the one Prototype This! used.

• max part size: 18x9.5x16 inch
• machine size, weight: 56 x 45 x 60 inch, 1130 lbs
• resolution: 0.0001 inch
• repeatibility: ?
• quoted accuracy: 0.001 inch
• motors: "microstep" stepper axes
• spindle: 100-5100 rpm, 1.5 Hp computer controlled speed
• supposedly OK for small stainless steel (< 1/8 thick) with sufficient spindle speed
• cost: ~$8K
• features: probably more rigid than the systems above; 4th axis option; traditional axis ways

Premade CNC version of Sieg(?): http://www.syilamerica.com/product_X4.asp , http://www.syilamerica.com/product_X4_plus.asp -- this looks pretty reasonable. Looks like CNC conversion of Chinese mill.

• faster spindle http://www.syilamerica.com/product_X4SM.asp

Seig X3 mini mill (various people have done CNC conversions): http://www.mini-lathe.com/X3_mill/Sx3rvw/SX3-4.htm

• Grizzly Industrial now sells the Super X3 under the model number G0619 for $1295.00 (see below for details).
• http://www.home-machine-shop.com/X3_Mill/Super_X3_Mill.htm -- tips on CNC conversion
• http://www.home-machine-shop.com/X3_Mill/X3_Conversion.pdf
• (Sieg?) LM LM Milling Machine

MACH hobby mill: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66051

lathe-mill http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44142

A more expensive 5 axis with rather small working volume: http://www.microlution-inc.com/products/5100.php

3 axis version: http://www.microlution-inc.com/products/363.php

Precision CNC Routers

Larger workspace, lower rigidity. But in some cases, very good precison.

Datron Dynamics has some interesting offerings. Maybe too large... 60,000 rpm spindle.

• their most compact machine
• very high accuracy quoted

Various Chinese CNC routers: http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/mini_cnc_router.html