About the heavymill

The Heavymill machine starts life as a kit. Included is everything you need to build a complete CNC Router Machine. This router was designed for real enthusiasts and serious workshops who want to take their production to the next level.

The Heavymill’s purpose is to serve those looking for serious power and precision from a desktop tool. We’ve used industrial grade components to create a CNC Router that can go for many years with minimal maintenance. The Heavymills performance means it can compete against expensive purpose built CNC Routers, yet remain portable and convenient to use.

The Heavymill can be used to cut Foams, Timbers, Hybrid materials, Plastics and Metals- such as Aluminium, Brass and Bronze. The Heavymill has a carving envelope of 900mm x 780mm x 110mm for the 1.0 meter machine. The 1.5m machine is 1310mm x 1280mm x 110mm. Capable of half sheet material.

RIGIDITY, PERFORMANCE & SPEED

The combination of steel braid belts and linear guid rails provide speed, resolution and performance. This combination gives our users the most efficient work flow, producing parts quickly and beautifully.

We chose a belt drive mechanism due to the economy, saving £1000’s over ball screws- This is a add on option we are working on for the future though. We did look at lead screws but they are just not good enough due to the pitch of thread and length of screw needed, in combination with the powerful steppers we have. The lead screws would suffer with dust/debris build up and whip.They belong on small desktop CNC’s and 3D Printers. Using belts with linear rail ensures high rapid speeds and precision cuts.

A T-Slot bed is useful for predominantly metal use, where a coolant system would be favourable and frequent clamping. For most wood, plastic and lite soft metal use, a MDF waste board will suit as this allows for many fixation methods, such a screw and glue. Tee slot beds are an optional extra

heavy duty gantry

Our dense ‘8080’ X- Gantry weighs in at just under 40Kg with spindle loaded on the 1.0m machine and the 1.5m option just under 50Kg. That alone is double the weight of most other desktop machines. With this weight, and Linear rail combination, it means there’s no issues or unnecessary vibrations when cutting through thick materials.

Thick plates structure the large X-carriage which is home to the Z axis. The power for which comes from a NEMA 23 350oz.in motor. This Stepping motor features across all XYZ axis on the Heavymill. A 16mm ACME lead screw and 2x steel pillow bearing blocks provide rock solid cuts and 3D work in the Z-Axis. The Z motor is mounted on a billet machined Aluminium spacer for enhanced rigidity.

All limit, motor and VFD cable is managed with the industrial grade X axis drag chain and own dedicated support rail. We also use this method on the Y-rail to keep things clean and tidy and your machine looking smart.

precision linear Motion

On our X carriage you will find dual precision linear rails for absolute control. The Y rails each feature linear guides to support the heavy duty gantry. The Z axis runs on pillow bearing blocks partnered with 16mm hardened steel shafts.

Linear guide-ways provide linear motion by re-circulating rolling bearing between a profiled rail and a bearing block. Compared to a traditional slide and they are able to take loads in all directions and remain fixed at all points. Unlike V Wheels and other methods, these features mean linear guides can achieve high precision and greatly enhanced moving accuracy, making it ideal for use on the 3DTEK Heavymill.

vfd and spindle

The weight behind the X gantry makes it the perfect home for a VFD controlled Spindle. The Heavymill kit includes two 80mm Spindle brackets. The fixation plate also allows for 65mm and 69mm spindles (DeWalt/Makita) in case a industrial CNC grade spindle is not desired.

Deciding between the 1.5kW and 2.2kW spindles is easy: If you are running in a workshop, want some extra grunt, using endmills up to 13mm diameter in body- opt for the 2.2kW package. An electrician will need to be consulted to sign off or take care of your 240v wiring and 20a supply, if needed.

If you are in a standard breaker/ have limited power available, opt for the 1.5kW. This configuration can plug into a normal wall socket. End mills up to 10mm in diameter can be used. We pair all VFD and Spindle sets with a premium, heavy duty, screened cable. 3DTEK can also provide a fully build 15a control box for you, certified and signed off. Please contact us for more information regarding VFD set ups or select this option when configuring

run all day long

The was only one contender when it came to the driver for the Heavymill, the GeckoDrive G540.

The G540 powers all steppers independently up to 3.5A. Furthermore, the G540, features proprietary anti-resonance and motor smoothing techniques. Nor does it require extremely high input frequencies to operate at high speed but offers enough resolution to match the accuracy of the Step motors we have selected for this machine. Our Heavymill fitted Gecko Drives comes with a 2 year warranty.

DEMAND MORE FROM YOUR CNC ROUTER

The Heavymill sits perfectly between hobby machine and industrial CNC router. The best bit, is the price tag. We designed the Heavymill for professionals looking for performance without having to spend tens of thousands. You have the ability to work on a full sheet of wood using a machine half the size of a 8×4′ machine.

PAir with masso 

For beautiful manufacturing

We found the MASSO CNC Controller some years back and what a discovery. The controller runs on its own proprietary accepting all G-Code. It features built in EMC filtering to prevent any interference in noisy environments, ensuing no interruptions occur with your work. Using a MASSO removes the need for a connected PC as it acts as a PC- simply plug in a monitor and keyboard, upload your G Code file via WiFi or USB dongle, and get carving!

The 5 axis G3 MASSO Controller allows each of the steppers to be independently operated and adjusted on The Heavymill. This means the dual Y motors have independent control, as opposed to a shared signal for greater precision. The on board work co-ordinate indicates exactly where your cutting tool is, and creates a thorough CNC machine experience- like the industrial machines. You also have the possibility to run your own or alternative drive and control. Just select this in the drop down menu.

BUilt with TRUST

We constructed the Heavymill using brands with a great reputation. The set up with Gecko & Masso provides users with the best machining experience possible and solidifies the 3DTEK Heavymill as your Ultimate Workshop Tool.