5 Axis CNC Mill Start Up Concept

[TonyK]

I came across this add, may be a spoof. Looks like a start up venture looking for cash infusion. Concept is similar to a 3D printer.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/infimaker/infimaker-k1-the-pro-grade-desktop-5-axis-cnc?ref=1tzlzy&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NA_F3_Google_Demandgen_K1_Prelaunch_Purchase_Web_Mix_Internal_20260811_Markus&utm_content=Video_KOL_Mix&campaign_id=24126081008&adgroup_id=197911952854&adgroup_name=Custom_Intent_highintent&creative_id=820778699175&device=c&stage=26_ks_pretest&gad_source=2&gad_campaignid=24126081008&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz4LWBhCMARIsAFEG5MrJESCiEt4zJVo-xpGvwFD0xTKxgoVBzZ42-6HGnChoZm61DHcj3jMaAsQuEALw_wcB

My be it is legit, maybe not. Seems interesting, a bit small for what I would like to do.

TonyK.

Grimsby Ontario Canada,.

 

[Janger]

Having been burned on kickstarter, no product was shipped, no communication, nothing from kickstarter. I’m now way more wary.
I had one great result with an ultrasonic knife l. So then I tried a backup camera for the vehicle which turned into nothing cash just gone. So…. …

 

[Sqought]

There are a variety of similar, mini 5 axis machines coming out of china (and elsewhere) now. One of them even had a booth at IMTS and a demo. From what I can see, they're all real companies and real products but I'd be surprised if they can all survive competition from eachother.
Xhorse
infinimaker
ifmaker (site down ATM)
Topfab
Rownd precision (european)

I've heard speculation that the chinese ones are the result of new business/research/industrial grants, which is why they all kind of came up at the same time. I can't actually confirm or deny this though.

 

[Sqought]

Forgot to link this one, these are the guys who were at IMTS.
Tooldance

 

[trackwhack]

Apologies for my skepticism. But in my view, these are heavily oversold. They are actually claiming that a 60K RPM electro spindle with will do Steel and Titanium. These spindles don't produce more than 0.5 - 0.7 Nm of torque. The tools with just burnish against steel or snap if they are less than 3mm.

These machines are a good complement to a 3D printer and at best can do decent work on plastics and acetal (POM).

Make one impeller in 6061 and you would know how ridiculous these claims are. I would not put a dime into any of these.

This is just my opinion, if other have good experience with such machines, do share your experiences.

 

[Upnorth]

Apologies for my skepticism. But in my view, these are heavily oversold. They are actually claiming that a 60K RPM electro spindle with will do Steel and Titanium. These spindles don't produce more than 0.5 - 0.7 Nm of torque. The tools with just burnish against steel or snap if they are less than 3mm.

These machines are a good complement to a 3D printer and at best can do decent work on plastics and acetal (POM).

Make one impeller in 6061 and you would know how ridiculous these claims are. I would not put a dime into any of these.

This is just my opinion, if other have good experience with such machines, do share your experiences.

I agree with this. I think they are promising more than this unit will deliver. My cnc mill is a lightweight at 1500 pounds and it requires careful programming to cut stainless. Even steel requires very careful attention. Also they make it seem like 5 axis cnc programming is easy. I don't think that will be the case.

 

[gerritv]

I built my own CNC router/mill, 24k 3kw spindle. No real problem doing steel. Balancing feed rate with DOC to get a reasonable chip load per tooth is key. I never go past 1/4 of the diameter for in feed. And chip clearing with air blast or air+isoprop+oil. Max cutter I use is 6mm, more often a 4mm carbide. Yes, I get some resonance in steel on one axis but that is my pre-owned round rail from the 1970's I think.
Mostly I run 15k RPM.

The kickstarter shown at top of thread has a 20k spindle btw.

 

[Sqought]

High spindle speed, low torque and limited rigidity are actually pretty manageable for CNC mills. So long as the endmill sees a consistent and appropriate chip load it's fine. Positioning error (control error, backlash) and spindle runout can massively affect chip load, but rigidity/weight of the machine can be compensated for with light cuts and small tools. 1/32 endmill for hard milling up to 70RC

If the machines are well built and carefully programmed, it should be OK albeit slow for hard materials. That said, they won't be able to do a lot of operations like tapping, boring, reaming, drilling, facing, etc. that inherently require higher torque, lower speeds and better rigidity. And, the small cutters get expensive with pretty limited tool life.

IMO the boldest claims are about the controls. As @Upnorth mentioned 5 axis ain't easy, especially if you have to baby the toolpaths, need extra precision to handle tiny tools, and market to the knuckle-dragging public. Also, I recommend against any device that requires internet to meaningfully function, especially from startups.

 

[trackwhack]

High spindle speed, low torque and limited rigidity are actually pretty manageable for CNC mills. So long as the endmill sees a consistent and appropriate chip load it's fine. Positioning error (control error, backlash) and spindle runout can massively affect chip load, but rigidity/weight of the machine can be compensated for with light cuts and small tools. 1/32 endmill for hard milling up to 70RC

I only ever mill EN 32 or other soft steels with a high speed spindle and there are no problems. And cast iron is also kind of millable. Either way, when I say High speed, I get peak torque starting 12K RPMs and thats where it stays.