I have noticed a flood of Kickstarter pre-campaign pledge campaigns that all seem to feature AI-powered or enhanced desktop CNC machines.
Aside from the pre-campaign VIP reservation trend, which promises extra discounts or perks for early funding, they all seem to focus on 5-axis CNC machining.
Many hobbyists and tool-inclined folks know what a 3-axis CNC is, so let’s very briefly touch upon 5-axis machining.
3-axix CNC mills or routers move a spindle, the work, or both to cut in in X, Y, and Z rotations.
A 4-axis CNC adds a rotational axis, typically rotating the work. Visualize a part on a computer-controlled lathe, and that entire machine within a 3-axis CNC.
5-axis CNC adds in a second rotational axis.
Desktop 5-axis CNCs are a big thing, as they would allow for more complex geometries to be fabricated in fewer steps, and out of stronger materials that can be used by desktop 3D printers.
You can set up a machine shop with a 5-axis machining center. But it won’t fit on your workbench, and it’ll cost a fortune.
I only know of one desktop-sized 5-axis CNC – the small Pocket NC by Pentamachine. There could be others.
In the past few weeks I’ve seen a flood of ads on social media, featuring new machines from unfamiliar brands.
This is the InfiMaker K1.
This is the TopFab TF500.
This is the XHorse 3D Xmachine WM-100.
This is the IfMaker M5 desktop CNC machine.
Subtracting manufacturing – CNC machining – has a learning curve. 5-axis machining has a steeper learning curve.
Designing for 5-axis CNC machining requires CAM software that can handle it. CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing, and is software that translate 3D models into specific actions and movements that CNC machines can perform.
Here are some of the claims being made:
InfiMaker: “no CNC background needed. Watch the K1 turn an idea into something you can hold.” “Idea to G-code. No CAD degree required.”
TopFab: “AI Powered photo-to-part workflow.” “Upload a photo, and AI creates a 3D model and 5-axis toolpath – no CAD, no G-code. Go from idea to finish part in minutes, with a 7″ touchscreen as easy as a tablet.”
XHorse 3D: “XMaker is an AI-powered CAM platform that turns ideas into machinable parts – no manual programming needed.” “Whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro, XMaker removes the learning curve so you can focus on making, not programming.”
IFMaker: “From model to solid in one click.” “Smart CAM: Programming made invisible.”
Some of these companies seem to be startups, and others present as more experienced.
It seems to be that the number of ambitious desktop machining projects jumped after Nestworks’ successful campaign late last year (see New Nestworks C500 Desktop CNC Looks Amazing). The Nestworks C500 desktop CNC milling machining still hasn’t shipped yet.
As far as I can tell, it seems that none of these machines exist outside of AI-generated ads on social media and YouTube.
Some of the companies claim their machines can work with materials such as steel and titanium, which are very challenging for desktop-sized tools.
So when will they ship? Most of the companies I have seen are in the pre-Kickstarter VIP deposit stage, after which will come a Kickstarter campaign and hopefully delivery.
Here’s the question I have – assuming all of the hyped-up CNC machines launch, which will still be supported 5 years from now?
I think it’s going to be an interesting couple of years as the desktop CNC industry continues to accelerate forward, but I also remain doubtful and hesitant.
