The world of CNC milling machines is as vast as it is varied.
Between the different uses of the machine (craft, design, prototyping, DIY), the rich ecosystem of CNC software available (CAM, CAD, etc.), the wide variety of materials that can be worked and the countless players offering CNC milling machines, it's easy to make a mistake when choosing a CNC milling machine when you're just starting out without asking yourself the right questions.
But don't panic: a little thought and common sense will help even the most inexperienced choose a CNC machine after reading this article.
In this article
1) Choosing your CNC milling machine according to its purpose
1. What types of material do you want to mill?
2. What types of material do you want to mill?
3. What volume of production are you planning?
4. Choosing a CNC milling machine to suit your space requirements
5. How many axes does your CNC milling machine need?
2) Choose a CNC milling machine suited to your skills
3) How do I choose a good quality CNC milling machine?
1. Warranty and after-sales service
2. Online reviews
3. Technical specifications to check
4. Compatibility and repairability
4) Choosing a CNC milling machine based on your budget
5) Other criterias to choose your best CNC machine
1. Opt for a scalable CNC machine
2. Compare different CNC machines
3. Opt for a CNC milling machine kit (or not)
4. Look for alternative financing options
1) Choosing your CNC milling machine according to its purpose
What do you intend to do?
This is THE crucial point to consider when you decide to buy a CNC machine. Your intended use will largely determine your ideal CNC milling machine model.
1. What types of material do you want to mill?
Wood, metal, MDF or Plexiglas: a CNC machine is a highly versatile tool that can work with a wide variety of materials. Before you buy, think about the possibilities you want to have in the future.
By opting for an entry-level CNC milling machine, you're saving money, but you're also depriving yourself of a number of options for your future projects. Most of the less expensive CNC models are unable to machine more solid materials efficiently.
It may be possible to machine a metal project with a small 3018 CNC, but this will mean very limited milling speed and low precision due to the high resistance.
And don't forget that the choice of an appropriate, quality milling end-mill will also have a considerable impact on the result obtained.
To get a better idea of what can be done with different CNC models, you can refer to our materials library and the tips it contains.
2. What degree of precision do you need for your projects?
Do you need a CNC machine to make jewellery? Carpentry? Prototyping or ice sculpture?
All these uses require very different degrees of precision, depending on the quality of your future acquisition.
Generally speaking, each machine has an estimated cutting accuracy, which should give you a good idea of what you can achieve with it.
This degree of precision depends largely on :
- The rigidity of your machine, which may be influenced by the quality of its design, fixings and assembly.
- The spindle and its method of movement and rotation.
- All the technical characteristics of the CNC machine (see part 3)
- The skill of the user and the milling parameters he or she selects.
Please note that when this value is mentioned, it is generally indicative and often embellished by the manufacturers.
To be on the safe side, it is therefore advisable to cross-check the information provided by the dealer with user feedback to ensure that the machine really does live up to its promises.