CNC Milling for Classrooms, Labs, Makerspaces

July 9, 2020
For producing metal and non-metallic parts or prototypes, the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine is fast, easy to setup, and is supplied with programming software.

BANTAM TOOLS — a hardware and software developer that previously developed a desktop system for milling printed circuit boards (PCB) — introduced a desktop CNC milling machine for producing aluminum, steel, copper, and various non-metallic material parts in classrooms and labs, and similar places involved in research and development.

“The Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine will be the gateway to CNC milling” for such users, according to CEO Bre Pettis. “We have built the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine from the ground up, creating an easy-to-use machine that pairs with our intuitive software and can get product designers, educators, and engineers making, prototyping, and building right out of the box.”

The Bantam Tools Desktop PCB Milling Machine is in use by more than 150 university labs and makerspaces around the world, as well as businesses and organizations, and all branches of the U.S. military.

The Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine is fast, easy to setup, and comes with software that allows predictable outcomes, including automatic material location, effectively making aluminum prototyping accessible and affordable to a degree not previously available.

The fully enclosed machine has safety interlocks and a dedicated e-stop button for safe operation. The one-touch Auto Probing routines automatically adjust for material location and tool length.

The machine's working volume is 7x9x3.5 inches; the overall dimensions are 19.8x20.9x19.4 inches.

The maximum traverse is 250 in/min.; the spindle speed is 10,000-28,000 RPM. An ER-11 collet is provided for tool-holding. A T-slot bed and fixturing are included.

The system's power requirements are 100-240 V AC 50/60Hz 1.4A.

The program software also supports a simple drag-and-drop integration with SVG files for 2.5D designs.

In addition to its speed and ease-of-use, the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine has Fusion 360 integration and toolpath templates that allow CAD designers with limited CAM experience to machine parts using an “Auto-CAM” program.

The Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine offers swappable build plates, is easy to maintain and service, and comes with a one-year warranty and customer support.

“One of the main reasons we decided to make the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine is to close the gap between hobby-grade and professional-grade CNC machines,” Pettis said. “With the new Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine, we’re offering product designers, engineers, and educators who prototype the ability to reliably machine aluminum and other materials at an entry-level price point. Because this machine is perfectly suited to explore, teach, learn, and prototype, we know it’ll be a welcomed boon to both educators and product designers.”

The Desktop CNC Milling Machine is made in the U.S. and available for pre-orders at www.bantamtools.com