0. Preface

CNC – Computer Numerical Control can be seen as an umbrella term for anything that is to be controlled. In this context, it plays only a minor role whether it is about

–    Printer

–    3D printer

–    Laser

–    Plasma cutter

–    Milling

–    Lathe

–    Measuring setup

is meant. What they all have in common is that the tool used is moved by computer control via various drive options.

1. Material

This primarily focuses on milling.

It makes a huge difference whether you want to machine wood, plastics, or metals. Wood and plastics are significantly softer than metal and therefore require a less rigid design.

2. Travel ranges

How much space is available and how large do you want to machine? For a 1 m long component you don’t necessarily need 1 m of travel. However, a large travel range makes machining more comfortable and less error-prone, because many mistakes can happen when re-clamping. First and foremost, though, it’s a question of space, the available budget, and the availability of parts. A 2 m ball screw is many times more expensive than a 0.5 m threaded rod.

On the engraving router shown in the picture, the parts were defined by the offer and the design was built “around them”.

3. Drive

By drive, this does not mean the motors, but the way the rotary motion of the drive motor is converted into a linear motion.

There are many options, and they are determined by the budget. The 0.5 m threaded rod mentioned above can be bought at a hardware store for less than €1.50, depending on material (steel – stainless steel) and size (M8 – M10 – M12). Ball screws of the same length are only available from specialist suppliers and, in the smallest version, already come close to €100.00... and that’s per piece.

4. Control

Mac or Windows? 2 options and 1,000 answers (and more). Luckily, in this area it’s... a bit simpler. Let me say up front that I personally swear by Mach3 without a doubt. Of course there are alternatives, Mach4.

Jokes aside.

Worth mentioning are:

–    Estlcam

–    LinuxCNC

–    Centroid CNC

–    Blackbox Motion Control System

–    Arduino

–    GRBL

(If I forgot something essential, feel free to contact me)

 5. Construction type

The gantry design is probably familiar to most people. It’s likely the most commonly used design in the hobby sector — for good reason. A bed or cantilever design requires high rigidity with extended overhangs and is therefore less suitable, since even light loads can lead to vibrations and unwanted movement. Here too, the same applies: “can’t be done” doesn’t exist — it depends on how much effort you’re willing to put in.

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