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Guides Home | Custom Manufacturing & Fabricating What are Desktop CNC Machines? CNC machines (machines that operate using Computer Numerical Control) extend far beyond the realm of manufacturing shops. In fact, many types, specifically desktop CNC machines, are small enough to use and maintain at home. There are, however, a variety of standar industry-size machines that commonly perform routine operations in the manufacturing industry, like milling and drilling. Desktop CNC versions of these machines enable the user to perform similar routines. First, it can be helpful to examine how desktop CNC machines differ from larger CNC machines, and what services each has to offer.   Standard CNC Machines   A typical CNC machine relies upon carefully programmed software to control its movement. Since machines can easily be reprogrammed to adapt to a wide range of tasks, almost any process can be operated using CNC software—milling machines, water-jet cutters, stamping machines, and lasers can all be run using CNC to perform their subsequent processes. A feedback system enables manufacturers to track progress and monitor the equipment for defects that may lead to errors.    In order to carry out each process, CNC machines must move in certain ways—depending on the kind of operation, CNC machines move along a series of axis, in a linear or rotary fashion. Some machines, such as those featuring robotic arms, may feature five or more axes to enable complex movement. A five-axis machine may have three linear axes and two rotary axes, allowing 180 degree rotation.   Desktop CNC Machines   Companies that specialize in manufacturing CNC machines often offer a desktop series of smaller, lightweight machines. Desktop CNC machines, although slower and less precise, handle soft materials well, such as plastic and foam. Machines featured in a tabletop series resemble the larger industry standard, but their size and weight make them better suited to small applications. A desktop lathe, for example, that features two axis and can handle parts up to six inches in diameter, would be useful for jewelry and mold-making—this desktop lathe would be fine for home use and light to moderate production, but wouldn’t be appropriate for larger industrial applications. Other common desktop CNC machines include plotter-sized laser cutters and milling machines   Sizing and Pricing   Desktop CNC Mills   As with any machine, CNC desktop machines range in size and price. A standard desktop mill for example, with a table size of 2.75 by 13” and three axes, could cost anywhere from $1-4000. A standard setup includes a milling vise, 3/8’’ an end mill holder with spindle, a four jaw hold set down, and a ¼” drill chuck and drawbar.   A milling vise works the same way a clamp does, and holds the product steady while the machine moves around it. An end mill is a flat bottomed cutter commonly used in vertical milling. The four jaw set down helps grip cross-sections, and is especially useful in lathes. A drill chuck holds the drill bit and other rotary tools, and the drawbar is used to change tools on the milling machine.    Often, a motion controller, necessary cables, and software are also part of a standard package. An extended version of the same machine, costing closer to $4,195, would come with more advanced software and a drive/PWR unit. An individual looking to purchase a CNC milling machine for personal use may want to comparison shop for the appropriate machine for his price range.   Desktop CNC Lathes   When looking at sizes and pricing of CNC lathes, it is important to differentiate between benchtop lathes and desktop lathes. Benchtop CNC lathes are generally more affordable, but also smaller and somewhat limited in the applications they can handle—a standard CNC benchtop lathe generally includes the motion controller, cables, and basic software costs roughly $1-2,000. A standard CNC desktop lathe, with a similar basic package, costs a little over $2,000. High-end packages can run around $5,000 for desktop lathes, and around $4,000 for benchtop lathes. Other Custom Manufacturing & Fabricating Guides Hot Forging Vs. Cold Forging Die Casting Process Types Stainless Steel Fabricating Processes

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