Questions and Answers for the DMC-III CNC machine

Q: How much is the machine weigh?

A:  The total weight of the machine is about 260 lb. Two people can move it with the 4 handles we provided without using a forklift.

Q: Do I need to hook up a control box or power box with the machine?
A:  No. The machine is completely self-contained. The power and control boxes are all built-in with the machine. The machine has only one power cord plug to an electrical outlet (110 Volts) and one communication cord to the PC printer port. Both cables are supplied with the machine.

Q:  If my power source is 220 volts, can I buy the machine?

A:  Yes, but you need to specify it with your order. We will preset the machine for 220 volts for you. The default setting for the machine is 110 volts.

Q: What is the dimension of the machine?

A: The dimension of the machine is about 24" X 28" with 30" hight. The working area of the T slot table is large compare to similar CNC machine. The table dimension is about 22” X 20”.

A:  The software is provided and pre-installed in the PC and comes with the machine. It is a turn key system by only plugging in power and communication port with the PC. Since the machine requires to work with the PC in real time, we provide the PC which is fully tested to work with the machine in real time. To ensure the CNC performance, the PC is recommended to be delicate for the machine and is not recommended to access the internet. The CNC G code software is based on the well established Mach III platform to ensure the stability of the program. The Mach III has been widely used in the CNC community. However, it is not well organized and not suitable for the beginner.  We have modified and reorganized it to be easily used and enhanced the display. The program has a user friendly graphical interface that displays the 3D tool path in real time. The CNC software functions and displays are equal or better than the most of large and expensive machines.

Q:  How does this machine compare with other CNC machines under $10,000 in the market?

A:  It is no comparison. Most CNC machines under $10,000 in the market are retrofitted from a manual milling machine. This is very bulky and heavy and only provides the basic CNC functions. Any additional functions such as variable speed, optic sensors, overloading protection, will be either unavaible or at additional cost. The performance and the reliability are limited. However, the DMC-III is a new generation CNC machine using the state of the art digital control technologies with integrated electric and mechanical design. The performance of the CNC controller is comparable to those of much more expensive machine. The machine repeatability is 0.0001". We have spent more than 4 years optimizing our CNC design to ensure the highest quality of performance and reliability. The most important, the machines is in the gantry design with all power and control systems built-in. These design configurations make the machine much smaller for the same size of the machining capability and become more versatile and portable. It can be also easily for an thin-plate (< 1/8") machining such as PC board or electronic face plate. The entire functional design is US Patented.  

Q: If I have no prior knowledge of CNC operation, can I use the machine?

A: Yes, the machine is very easy to operate and suitable for the beginner. There is a simple operation instruction provided on the table of the machine for the user to follow. We provide user operation menu with sample programs which can be download from our website.

Q: What is the maintenance requirement for the machine?

A: The maintenance is very minimal. You only need to add lubrication to the sliders for all 3 axes once every few months depending on the usage of the machine. Adding the lubrication is very simple and can be directly accessed. No disassembling of the machine is required. The only wear item is the belt for the spindle. We provide the best quality of the belt to ensure the machine can last many years. It is also easy to replace by following the operating menu.

Q: Can I move the spindle head in all axes manually?

A: Yes, we can move the spindle head in all 3 axes by clicking an arrow button or using the arrow keys in the keyboard during the power mode. For the system without power, we can move the spindle position by cranking the ball screw nut by a wrench we provided.

Q: Do I need a vise to hold the work piece for machining?

A: No, we provide a special clamp set which can secure the work piece(s) directly on the T slot table for machining. Since you won’t need a vise on the T slot table, the work space on the table is increased. A vise can still be used for holding special work pieces.

Q: What are the suitable applications for the CNC machine?

A: It is suitable for proto-typing development, small quantity production, mold making, jewelry manufacture, PC board test fixture, PC board drilling, research lab, hobbyist, thin-plat machining and professional education.

Q: Can I use the machine as a router or to machine a face plate?

A: Yes, since the table size is larger than the spindle traveling distances in X and Y directions. We provide a special tooling to secure the thin plate (< 1/8") workpiece on the table for machining.

Q: Can the machine work for stainless steel?

A: Yes, a proper milling bit must be used and higher spindle speed must be selected in the program for stainless steel. The spindle speed can be programmed from 1,500 to 12,000 rpm. The water cooling system is ready to installed. It can be turned on or off in the CNC program.

Q: How easy can I change the milling bit?

A: It is really easy to change the milling bit. We use the standard ER16 collet sets. It can be done by loosening the nut and replacing another collet and tool bits and the tightening the nut.

Q: If I can not afford the price, can I buy the machine?

A: Yes, we, as the direct manufacturer, can provide financing or leasing for the machine. Please call for the details