2022 Best Budget CNC Machines, Affordable CNC Machine Kits & Tools for Sale at Cost Price

What Is A CNC Machine? - Definition

A CNC machine is a type of automatic Computer Numerical Controlled machine tool with multiple functions of cutting, carving, engraving, milling, drilling, grooving, turning for hobbyists, small business, small shops, home business, home shops, schools, and industrial manufacturing.

A CNC machine is composed of machine frame, CNC controller, spindles, gantry, CNC operating system, CNC software, motor, driver, T-slot table or vacuum table, ball screw, guide rail, power supply, collet, vacuum pump, limit switch, rack, pinion, and more CNC parts.

CNC refers to an idea of controlling a machine tool via computer instead of manually controlled by a machinist. New machine tools in CNC programming have enabled the industry to consistently produce parts to accuracies undreamed of only a few years ago. The same part, can be reproduced with the same degree of accuracy any number of times if the CNC program has been properly prepared and the computer properly programmed. The operating commands which control the machine tool are executed automatically with high speed, high accuracy, high efficiency, and repeatability.

A CNC machine is also known as CNC machinery, computer numerical controlled machine, computer-controlled machine tool, C and C machine, CNC machining tool, CNC kit, CNC maskiner, CNC equipment, CNC power tool, CNC cutter, digital machine, CNC cutting machine.

How Does A CNC Machine Work? - Principle

CAD refers to Computer Aided Design, that is, computer-aided design, which is used for 2D or 3D workpiece or stereo design.

CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing, that is, computer-aided manufacturing, which is used to generate G-Code.

The full form of CNC is Computerized Numerical Control, a CNC controller is used to read G-Code to start machining.

In modern computer numerical control systems, the design of workpieces highly depends on software such as computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). The computer-aided manufacturing software analyzes the design model and calculates the movement instructions during the processing. The movement instructions and other auxiliary instructions required during the machining are converted into a format that can be read by the numerical control system through the post-processor. The generated file is loaded into the computer numerical control machine tool for part machining. After importing the program instructions into the memory of the CNC system, the computer compiles and calculates, and through the displacement control system, the information is transmitted to the driver to drive the motor to cut the designed parts.

Step 1, Design a 2D or 3D drawing via CAD software.

Step 2, Convert the CAD file into G-code via CAM software.

Step 3, Setup CNC kits.

Step 4, Start CNC programming.

Step 5, Start machining.

How Many Types of CNC Machines? - DIY Guide

There are 16 main types of CNC machines: lathes, laser machines, router machines, plasma cutters, knife cutters, drilling machines, milling machines, punching machines, boring machines, bending machines, inspection machines, wire cutting machines, water jet cutting machines, planers, grinders, and plotters.

6 Types Based On Concepts

There are six most common types: CNC milling machine, CNC router machine, CNC laser machine (laser cutting machine, laser engraving machine, laser etching machine, laser marking machine, laser welding machine), CNC digital cutting machine, CNC lathe machine, CNC plasma cutting machine.

2 Types Based On End Uses

You will meet two basic types: hobby CNC machines for small business and home shop (mini types, small types, benchtop types, desktop types, tabletop types, portable types), and industrial CNC machines for commercial use (wood, stone, metal, foam, plastic, wood plastic).

10 Types Based On Functions

There are ten most popular types: CNC cutting machine, CNC milling machine, CNC routing machine, CNC carving machine, CNC engraving machine, CNC turning machine, CNC drilling machine, CNC grooving machine, CNC sanding machine, and CNC nesting machine.

5 Types Based On Materials

You will meet much more types, including wood CNC machine, metal CNC machine, foam CNC machine, stone CNC machine, plastic CNC machine, and so on.

How Much Does A CNC Machine Cost? - Pricing Guide

When you are in need of a new CNC machine you may not know where to start. There a few things to consider including the size, the parts, the accessories, the controller, the software, the service, and the setup options that are available to you.

Whether entry-level or high-end types, we will help you get to the bottom of all of these concerns and have you on your way to enjoying your new automated computer numerical controlled machine tool in no time.

The first thing most buyers want to know is what affordable CNC machines usually cost.

The best budget CNC machine itself will range between $2,000.00 and $260,000.00, depending on the hardware and software that it uses.

The second-hand used CNC machines are relatively cheap, but there is no reliable guarantee of quality and support.

If you want to buy a new or used CNC machine overseas, the fee for shipping costs, tax, and customs clearance should be included in the final price.

The CNC router machine cost is from $2,580.00 to $150,000.00, CNC milling machine cost is from $3,000.00 to $120,000.00, CNC laser engraving cutting machine cost is from $2,400.00 to $260,000.00, CNC lathe machine cost is from $2,800.00 to $11,180.00, CNC plasma cutting machine cost is from $4,000.00 to $30,000.00.

Pick Up Your Budget

Types	Minimum Price	Maximum Price	Average Price
CNC Router	$2,580.00	$150,000.00	$6,580.00
CNC Laser	$2,400.00	$260,000.00	$5,120.00
CNC Plasma	$4,000.00	$30,000.00	$6,260.00
CNC Mill	$3,000.00	$120,000.00	$8,210.00
CNC Lathe	$2,800.00	$11,180.00	$5,680.00

What Are CNC Machines Used For? - Applications

Computer numerical control is a technology that uses digital information to control mechanical movements and working processes.

Numerical control machine is a smart product formed by the penetration of new technologies represented by numerical control technology into traditional manufacturing industries and emerging manufacturing industries. Computer numerical control technology and equipment are the enabling technology and the most basic equipment for the development of emerging high-tech industries and cutting-edge industries. National defense industries such as the information industry, the biological industry, aviation, and aerospace in various countries around the world have widely adopted numerical control technology to improve manufacturing capabilities and levels and to improve their adaptability and competitiveness in the market. Industrialized countries have also listed numerical control technology and numerical control equipment as national strategic materials. While developing their own CNC technology and industry, they imposed blockades and restrictions on "highly complex" key numerical control technologies and equipment. Therefore, the vigorous development of advanced manufacturing technology with CNC technology as the core has become an important way for the developed countries of the world to accelerate economic development and improve their overall national strength and national status.

CNC machines are mechatronics devices that integrate mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, microelectronics, and information technologies. It is a working machine with the advantages of high precision, high efficiency, high automation, and high flexibility, stability and reliable processing quality in mechanical manufacturing equipment. The technical level and its percentage of the output and total ownership is one of the important indicators for measuring a country's national economic development and the overall level of industrial manufacturing.

Technical Parameters - Specifications

Brand	STYLECNC
Table Sizes	2' x 2', 2' x 3', 2' x 4', 4' x 4', 4' x 6', 4' x 8', 5' x 10', 6' x 12'
Types	CNC Router, CNC Laser, CNC Mill, CNC Plasma, CNC Lathe
Functions	Carving, Engraving, Marking, Cutting, Turning, Drilling, Milling, Grooving
Applications	Hobbyists, Small Business, Small Shop, Home Business, Home Shop, School Education, Industrial Manufacturing
Materials	Metal, Wood, Foam, Plastic, Fabric, Leather, Acrylic, Glass, Stone, Paper
Capability	2D Machining, 2.5D Machining, 3D Machining
Styles	Mini, Small, Benchtop, Tabletop, Desktop, Handheld, Portable, Large Format
Price Range	$2,000.00 - $260,000.00

How To Buy A CNC Machine? - Buying Guide

There are many varieties of CNC machines in the world, and there are also many brands and manufacturers. This phenomenon has advantages and disadvantages for buyers. The advantage is that consumers have more choices, and buy more cost-effective machines. The bad thing is that after seeing more, they have no choice and don't know which one is the best to buy. As the saying goes, cheap machines are not good machines, and good machines are not cheap. So, what things should be considered when buying CNC machines?

Meet Your Requirements

Let's not think that a CNC machine can do all the work. Why do manufacturers divide them into so many types, in order to be able to process different materials professionally. If you buy a CNC mill to carve bakelite, or buy a certain large industrial CNC machine to cut small crafts, it will not only waste a lot of money but also have a bad effect. Similarly, if you buy a desktop CNC machine for home door making, it may not work properly at all. So before you buy, you must communicate clearly with the salesperson to let him know your purpose, including the size of the workpiece, the material of the workpiece, the machining effect and so on.

Types & Models

For example: the first purchase of an advertising sign shop, which is mainly used to produce three-dimensional character light plates, crystal characters, two-color plates, badges and more, you should choose professional hobby CNC machines for advertising with custom configurations. If the two-color board is processed, it is necessary to configure a floating cutter head, so as to ensure the consistency of the lettering depth when carving on the large-format two-color board. If you need to turn on wood, you should choose a CNC lathe machine for wood turning. If you are mainly used for mold making, you must choose a CNC milling machine, and then determine the model of the CNC mill according to the size of your milling. If the material to be processed is mainly graphite, you must buy a CNC mill dedicated to graphite, because the protection level of ordinary CNC machines is not enough, which will cause damage or even paralysis of the machine. Therefore, you must choose professional CNC machines according to your own CNC machining plans and projects.

Sample Making

After you select the model, before buying, in order to ensure the reliability of the machine and measure the return on investment, you must let the salesperson or you do it yourself to conduct on-site proofing and calculation of the products you most frequently do. The advantage of this is that you can intuitively see the effect of the machine processing, as well as the timeliness of the output. A comprehensive understanding of the performance of the machine really makes you know.

Contract Signing

After the above three points are completed, the signing of the procurement contract must be carried out. A complete contract is the best guarantee to guarantee one's legal rights. First of all, the contract should clearly indicate the purchased model, configuration, price, delivery time and delivery method, training method, warranty terms, and specific payment methods. After the contract is signed, the corresponding deposit shall generally be paid according to the contract. For the signed contract, we must abide by its content agreement to avoid unnecessary conflicts with the seller in the future.

Delivery & Training

After the CNC machine is shipped on time, the manufacturer's technicians usually open the box and inspect the machine on site (if the manufacturer's technicians arrive at random at the same time, they may only have simple packaging). After the machine is powered on, you should carefully check the appearance for damage and whether it is damaged by impact during transportation. If no abnormality is found, check the machine configuration and the attached accessories according to the packing list and the terms of the contract. Next, let the manufacturer's technicians install the machine (including the hardware installation of the machine body, placing the machine, turning on the power supply, software installation, whether to configure the computer, and installing the optional processing software). After installation, use the processing program provided by the manufacturer to make a sample test on the machine tool. If there is no abnormality in the finished product, the delivery inspection can be completed. According to the contract, the user shall pay off the balance. The operators are required to have a strong sense of safety responsibility, and they must have proficient machine tool operation skills before starting their jobs. In the training process, you should be proficient in choosing different cutting speeds and using different bits & tools for different materials. This aspect often requires the accumulation of experience. A good mastery is better for prolonging the life of the machine and tools.

Service & Support

When you encounter problems during use, you must first get in touch with the seller, communicate clearly to understand the problem, and do not deal with it yourself. This may cause the manufacturer to not give the warranty, and it may also cause an accident without knowing the machine. In terms of after-sales service, we can require the manufacturer to strictly follow the contractual agreement. If you encounter deliberate delay or have a bad attitude, you can complain to the person in charge.

The above six tips are the precautions for the purchase of CNC machines summarized by STYLECNC for you. We hope to help you purchase the right machine, and we wish you get a good machine that you want to buy.

If you have more questions about CNC machines, don't hesitate to ask for help, and let us know if you need any further assistance.