Any small production and private workshop will definitely find their place [mini metal milling machines], which will make it possible to significantly expand capabilities and increase labor productivity.
Currently, metal processing is one of the most popular types of technological operations, with the help of which it is possible to give the workpiece the required shape.
A mini metal machine is a universal device, entirely intended for non-serial or small-scale production of a wide variety of elements with your own hands.
Such a mini universal milling unit can be equipped with a CNC control unit, which significantly increases its operating capabilities and makes the DIY process as convenient as possible and almost completely automated.
The machine of this popular class has a desktop version and is fully adapted for do-it-yourself work, including at home.
Anyone who is professionally engaged in metal processing and needs more functional equipment today can easily purchase a mini turning and milling machine designed to work exclusively on metal.
Turning and milling units can also come complete with a CNC control device and are a desktop machine with compact dimensions.
General idea of the machine design
The main design elements (regardless of the model) are:
- milling cutter - a tool that directly processes materials;
- collet chuck – a device for holding the cutter;
- spindle - an element that transmits rotational motion to the cutter;
- a set of motors – used to move the portal with a spindle placed in different planes (Z, Y, X);
- gearboxes are an element that transmits torque to a gear. The latter moves along a helical rack and sets the portal in motion.
- Guides – used to move the portal in the horizontal plane (Y, X axes);
- The control system can be represented by: NCStudio - PCI board, DSP - PZNC controller, Mach 3 - LPT interface board.
Machine models can be additionally equipped with:
- coolant;
- a unit that automatically changes tools (ATC);
- rotating device;
- equipped with a vacuum work table for placing workpieces.
- Possible placement of coordinate axes
The device has 3 linear axes (independent), which allows you to move the working tool in the transverse, longitudinal and vertical direction.
Miniature CNC-equipped milling machines are supplied by manufacturers with their own power supply.
As additional options, many machine models from different manufacturers can be equipped with additional equipment, including a fourth axis. This allows you to perform 3D-5D milling, volumetric scanner.
Where are these machines used?
The products in question are widely in demand:
- for making various souvenirs;
- in furniture production;
- processing of wood parts;
- in various branches of mechanical engineering.
Operating principle of a mini metal milling cutter
mini cnc router
All milling machines, regardless of power and size, operate on the same principle. The part is processed with cutters of different sizes and shapes. The workpiece is placed on the working surface, the cutter is installed in a chuck, which is secured to the spindle. The spindle is the unit that receives movement from the motor and transmits it to the cutter.
According to the position of the operating tool, milling cutters can be vertical or horizontal. Most desktop mini milling cutters are manufactured with a vertical placement of the actuating tool.
Often in mini milling machines the spindle is located on a mobile portal. On CNC machines, the portal moves in three-dimensional space, executing controller commands. The devices are equipped with stepper motors. The electric motor rotates the cutter via direct drive from the cardan shaft. The small device is equipped with a control module with two or more rods.
There are mini modifications with a movable table. It moves in a plane perpendicular to the cutter. At the same time, the cutter makes translational and rotational movements. This is how shaped and flat surfaces are processed.
When working with a cylindrical cutter, the direction of the cutter and the tabletop is in the same direction. Otherwise, the quality of processing is significantly reduced.
Some desktop devices are additionally equipped with an engraver; special clamps are provided for this.
The most primitive model of a mini metal milling cutter consists of an electric motor, drive, rotor and collet. As a rule, the power of such equipment is low and the capabilities are limited. It has a short service life - about 10,000 hours, after which the mechanical components must be replaced. For amateur use this is a perfectly acceptable device.
Which mini milling machine is better to buy for home?
There are a large number of drawings and descriptions of homemade mini CNC milling machines available in the public domain. But the apparent simplicity and cost savings, when choosing such a solution, is almost guaranteed to provide you with low quality of work, short service life and very limited functionality.
Therefore, you should pay attention to factory-made machines.
The market offers a wide range of Russian and imported products in this segment.
Miniature milling machine model 0404 MINI (WATTSAN plant), equipped with CNC.
A very practical model, characterized by significant processing accuracy, simple operation, and inexpensive maintenance.
The mechanism has the following capabilities:
- performs 3D (volume) milling cutting;
- ensures engraving;
- cuts materials.
Designed to work with a wide range of materials.
Equipment characteristics:
- The working field size is 400*400*100 millimeters. The body is solid, which increases the stability of the model during operation.
- Device weight. 100 kg. The speed at which the spindle can rotate is ≤2400 rpm. Maximum travel speed – 6000 mm/min. Equipped with NcStudio software.
- It is equipped with a spindle (N=1.5 kW), in which a collet-type chuck of the ER-11 brand is fixed.
- Cooling – water. To move the portal there is a stepper motor.
- The possibility of tuning is provided.
Allows: installation of a DSP controller model RichAuto A11 (must be purchased separately); tool sensor; installation of a coolant system (oil mist lubrication); aspiration systems.
You can also consider the WATTSAN M1 6090 model
This is a three-axis CNC milling machine equipped with an NcStudio brand control system. The design provides for the possibility of its tuning and modernization.
Wattsan M1 6090
Performance characteristics:
- working field size – 600*900;
- has a reinforced steel frame (welded version);
- equipped with a spindle N=1.5 kW (cooling system, water);
- the speed at which the spindle can rotate is set in the range from 6000 to 24000 rpm;
- equipped with an ER-11 collet chuck;
- portal movement speed 25000 mm/min;
- permissible positioning accuracy is 0.05 mm;
- The type of motors with which the machine is equipped is two-phase stepper.
Model RS 3040TT. This is a desktop version of a small-format milling and engraving machine.
The product belongs to the RS series, capable of processing various materials at medium speed. Allows the execution of 3D models.
Performance characteristics:
- dimensions: 720*680*680;
- positioning accuracy reaches 0.05 mm;
- working field dimensions – 315*385;
- the power of the installed spindle is 0.8 kW;
- cooling – water;
- rotation speed can reach 24,000 rpm;
- equipped with an ER-11 collet chuck;
- stepper motors installed;
- the control system used in this model is NCSTUDIO 5.5.60;
- There is a chiller and a DSP controller.
This is just an example of a machine with irrationally used components. The all-aluminum housing significantly increases the cost, but we saved on linear guides and motors.
As a result, the machine looks beautiful, massive and reliable, but in fact it turns out that in work it shows worse results than cheaper machines from the Wattsan brand.
Model A1 6090 manufactured by WATTSAN. Designed to work with a wide range of materials.
The machine has a welded steel frame and HIWIN rail guides.
Wattsan A1 6090 has a welded steel frame and HIWIN rail guides.
Equipped with an NcStudio brand control system. The design provides for the possibility of subsequent modernization and tuning.
Main characteristics:
- device dimensions – 1450*1200*1600 mm;
- working field size – 600*900;
- spindle installed N=1.5 kW (water cooling);
- the spindle can rotate at speeds from 6000 to 24000 rpm;
- equipped with an ER-11 collet chuck;
- the provided positioning accuracy is 0.05 mm;
- equipped with two-phase stepper motors Yako 2405;
- the portal moves at a speed of 25,000 mm/min.
How to choose a quality milling machine for your home workshop
Professionals recommend evaluating them according to parameters that have a significant impact on the ease of their operation, maintenance and the versatility of the tasks they solve.
First of all, these are the types of components that are basic for the machine. Then the following are assessed:
- available sizes of processed workpieces;
- Design features and build quality (manual assembly and milling are worse than automatic in this case);
- Type and type of installed engine. Unlike stepper motors, servo motors provide increased quality of manufactured products.
- Software. It is imperative to clarify what software is loaded into the CNC unit and whether it is compatible with popular programs.
The main advantages of mini-machines are ease of operation, maintenance, and startup. Almost all of them operate from a standard single-phase 220/240 V network.
There are many modular models on the market for home use. this allows a person to independently select the optimal package for him, without overpaying for features that he will not use.
Example. When using this equipment for woodworking, it is enough to select the model in execution.
The equipment in question allows us to produce a wide range of products:
- artistically processed overlays;
- facades;
- logos;
- volumetric letters;
- other advertising or souvenir products.
Main advantages
Any mini desktop milling machine for doing metal work with your own hands, equipped with a CNC device, must be equipped with all the necessary software that will control all its functions and be responsible for the accuracy of the operations performed.
It should also be noted that the machines in this category have fairly high performance, which will definitely suit their owners.
Video:
The mini desktop machine designed for metal processing has simple controls that you can handle with your own hands; in addition, it is easy to operate, and the procedure for caring for it involves the usual type of operation that is used for equipment of this category.
It should be remembered that a milling machine, even in a mini version, is an object of increased danger, and therefore, when working with it, it is necessary to strictly follow all safety rules.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Creating a drilling machine with your own hands
Milling, as well as turning and milling units with CNC control units, are equipped with some protection systems that must be regularly checked for functionality.
The overall safety level of such devices is high, even when the unit does not have an additional control unit.
It must be said that when working on a mini machine, which is equipped with a CNC device, human participation is reduced to almost a minimum, which means there is no need to make serious physical efforts.
In addition, mini milling machines, as well as turning and milling machines, generate a minimum amount of waste during their operation, which allows avoiding the generation of waste.
The desktop milling unit consumes a small amount of electricity due to the fact that its power indicators have low operating parameters.
All this suggests that this mini-class equipment is more cost-effective than industrial units used in large enterprises.
Its functional set is enough to ensure efficient metal processing in small enterprises.
Why choose WATSAN 0609 mini
This mini CNC router is a desktop version. It is used by both professionals (for business) and amateurs (hobbies). Provides high-quality woodworking.
The model is in demand in light industry, in the manufacture of furniture, the production of souvenirs, for the manufacture of interior and exterior design elements.
Wattsan 0609 MINI
For those who are just starting their business, this model is the most optimal in terms of available functions, cost and ease of use. The product pays for itself in a short time and allows for high-quality processing (engraving, cutting):
Features of operation
Even an ordinary universal milling device designed for working with metals, manufactured using modern technologies, allows you to perform work with high precision.
Units additionally equipped with a CNC device increase this indicator many times over; in addition, the quality of the operation performed also increases.
All this exactly applies to mini turning and milling devices.
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It should be noted that the configuration of equipment equipped with a functional CNC is performed only once when connecting it to the power source.
In terms of design, a technologically advanced CNC represents a certain set of rods and rotors that are responsible for the operation of one or another element of the apparatus.
This unit additionally has an electronic board that can be programmed for specified operating modes.
This allows metal processing to be carried out with minimal operator participation, which significantly speeds up the production process itself.
The most common metal machine is a work table, on the surface of which the milling device itself, as well as all other components and controls, are directly attached.
Mini machines for the most part carry out fairly primitive operations on metal, however, with great accuracy and high quality workmanship.
It will not be difficult for them to loosen and level the surface on the metal, as well as to perform cutting or combing.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Assembling a metal lathe with your own hands
Mini turning and milling machines are absolutely indispensable in those enterprises that manufacture metal-based doors or frames.
In addition, they are in demand among car enthusiasts and work well in small workshops.
The high demand for this class of equipment can be explained by its relatively low cost, compact size, great capabilities and ease of use even in a home or garage.
