CNC Machines
1. CNC Milling Machine:
Advantages: Versatile, cuts various materials (aluminum, steel, plastics) with high precision, creates 2D, 2.5D, and 3D parts.
Disadvantages: Generally more expensive than routers, enclosed design can limit visibility.
Materials: Aluminum, steel, brass, engineering plastics, wood (for some).
Haas Automation (https://www.haascnc.com/index.html) - Renowned American brand known for high-quality, user-friendly CNC machines. Offers a range of vertical and horizontal machining centers at various sizes. Price (starting): $10,000+
SYIL Machine Tools Co., Ltd. (https://us.syil.com/) - Taiwanese manufacturer offering various CNC milling machines, known for affordability and good quality for beginners. Price (starting): $5,000+
Tormach Inc. (https://tormach.com/) - American manufacturer known for their compact, affordable CNC mills. Ideal for small workspaces and educational environments. Price (starting): $7,000+
2. CNC Router:
Advantages: More affordable than mills, works well with soft materials (wood, plastics), often faster due to higher spindle speeds.
Disadvantages: Limited material capabilities compared to mills, generally not enclosed.
Materials: Wood, plastics, acrylic, foam, some light metals (aluminum, brass).
Shapeoko by Carbide3D (https://carbide3d.com/shapeoko/) - American manufacturer offering a popular desktop CNC router with a good balance of affordability and capability. Price (starting): $2,000+
FoxAlien (https://www.foxalien.com/) - Chinese manufacturer offering various CNC routers at different sizes and capabilities. Often known for budget-friendly options. Price (starting): $1,000+
ShopBot Tools (https://www.shopbottools.com/) - American manufacturer offering industrial-grade CNC routers. Reliable and feature-rich, but also come with a higher price tag. Price (starting): $15,000+
3. CNC Lathe:
Advantages: Ideal for creating cylindrical or ring-shaped parts, good for detailed work.
Disadvantages: Less versatile than mills or routers, specialized for specific applications.
Materials: Wood, metal (steel, aluminum), plastics.
Sherline Products Inc. (https://www.sherline.com/product/40004100-lathe/) - American manufacturer known for high-quality, miniaturized lathes suitable for small projects and detailed work. Price (starting): $2,000+
Taig Tools (https://taigtools.com/) - Taiwanese manufacturer offering a compact and affordable benchtop lathe, good for beginners and small workpieces. Price (starting): $1,000+
Emco Maier (https://www.ebay.com/b/Unimat-Lathe/bn_7006320225) - Austrian manufacturer offering a versatile machine tool that can function as a mini lathe, mill, and drill press. Price (starting): $2,000+
4. Desktop CNC Wire Bender:
Advantages: Affordable, good for creating 3D structures from bendable materials.
Disadvantages: Limited to working with wires, tubes, and rods.
Materials: Wires, metal tubes, rods (brass, copper, aluminum).
Wire Bender CNC (https://www.jamesspring.com/news/what-is-cnc-wire-forming/) - Chinese manufacturer offering various entry-level CNC wire bending machines with user-friendly software. Price (starting): $1,000+
Robotool (https://robotool.com/) - Italian manufacturer offering a range of CNC wire benders with features like automatic wire feeding for higher-volume applications. Price (starting): $2,500+
Choosing the right machine for a makerspace depends on factors like:
Budget
User skill level
Most common materials users will work with
Desired project complexity
- Description: A brief overview of the equipment's function and capabilities.
- Software: Links to the software typically used with the equipment (if applicable).
- Learning Resources: Links to tutorials, guides, or online courses for learning how to use the equipment.
- Projects: Links to project ideas and examples that utilize this equipment.