CNC Workspace Considerations

When you purchase a CNC engraving machine, there are a few things that need to be done to the physical space in your store to prepare it for the arrival of the equipment. Preparing the space before the machine is delivered can often help you get your CNC up and running faster, which means you can start using it sooner.

To help determine which machine you should invest in, you'll need to assess what kind of setup you already have in your space, what reorganization options are available, and what options you have when rewiring the electrical for your space. Some of the smaller tabletop routers don't require much preparation, just having the right sized workbench or being ready to install. Many of them also run on a standard 110v power supply, which means no special electricity is needed to run them. Other tabletop tools require 220v power, and some have heavy-duty frames that require reinforced or oversized workbenches, which makes them more difficult to transport, although they have been developed as more portable size tools.

If you are looking to purchase a larger gantry CNC milling machine, there are several other things to consider, not the least of which is the ability to fit the machine into the intended workspace. A fully pre-assembled large CNC machine table will need to have a proper shop entry point, such as a large roll-up door or perhaps even a loading dock. If the machine needs to travel through hallways or other rooms to get to the end use location, these areas need to be large enough to accommodate the movement. As an alternative to having to remove walls and/or doors to get a full-size gantry CNC milling machine into your shop, you can look at partially assembled tools. These machines have the flexibility to fit in spaces that pre-assembled tooling can't move into unless some major demolition work is done to your shop.

These larger gantry milling machines also have other requirements that need to be considered. Do you have the proper electrical system installed? What will you use to collect dust when running the machine? If you have an automatic tool changer, you must also arrange for a compressed air source. Do you intend to use a vacuum compactor?

This article talks about all the variables you need to consider when buying a CNC and it will be helpful to check all these things. Once you have done this, you can talk to a CNC manufacturer's salesperson to really find the right tool for your needs.SUNNA can provide you with affordable, quality CNC machines.