If you need to add fine details to projects, an engraving machine may be a good addition to your workshop. Engraving machines allow you to polish off work pieces, personalize projects, and even add an artistic touch to objects. There are two CNC engraving machines that have very similar features, but a few key differences you should know about before making a purchase. Let’s take a look at both, and see which one would fit your needs the best!
CNC 3018 Engraving Machine
The CNC 3018 engraving machine can easily be used with most projects, with a working area of 11.8 inches by 7.1 inches. This product also weighs only 16.35 pounds, and comes with an integrated mainboard. This allows hardware and software communication to be smooth and instantaneous for a better product experience.
This product can engrave wood, acrylic, soft aluminum, plastic, PCBs and PVCs. This allows you to use it easily on a wide variety of projects with minimal issues. On top of this, this product can run in Arduino, and uses GRBL for a higher performance and acceleration control. Due to all this, the controller will maintain a steady acceleration while you work by advancing 16 to 20 movements.
The CNC 3018 also comes with an aluminum plate and a plastic frame, as well as a 775 spindle motor. This product can support XP, Windows, win 7, 8, and 10, as well as Linux software systems. This product also works with drill bits of 3.175 mm, and has a voltage of AC 110 to 240 volts.
This product comes with 4 plates, and 10 PCB bits. The CNC 3018 also comes with an offline controller, and an ER11 plus extension rod. An important thing to keep in mind is that this product is not industrial grade level.
More features of the CNC 3018 Engraving Machine
- Torque of 0.25 n/m
- Runs with GRBL software
- Can work without computer connection with the manual controller
CNC 3018 Pro Engraving Machine
The CNC 3018 Pro engraving machine is very similar to the previous product, in that it has a work area of 11.8 inches by 7.1 inches. This product also comes with a lightweight design, and has a weight of only 15.25 pounds. The CNC 3018 product also comes with a 775 spindle motor, for you convenience.
Similar to the last product, this product also comes with GRBL control and supports windows XP, win 7 and 8. This product also works on wood, acrylic, plastic, soft aluminum, PVCs and PCBs, just as the previous product did. This product also comes with a manual controller, which gives you the option to work without a computer attached.
Unlike the previous product, this product comes with easy installation, which is estimated to only take 20 minutes. This product also has many manual adjustment capabilities, such as with the location of the engraving start point, and you can open or close the spindle and cooling fan. The CNC 3018 also comes with an SD card reader.
The CNC 3018 also comes with four clamps, 20 drill bits of 3.175 mm, and a voltage of 12 volts. This product also has a nylon and aluminum frame, making it more durable than the previous product. This product also comes with an ER11 collet with an extension rod.
More features of the CNC 3018 Pro Engraving Machine
- Torque of 0.25 n/m
- Runs with GRBL software
- Can work without computer connection with the manual controller
Recommendation
An engraving machine is an excellent addition to any shop that needs to personalize or add an artistic touch to work pieces. If would prefer a more simplistic engraving machine, with Arduino support and a wider range of supported systems, the CNC 3018 engraving machine may be the best choice for your needs. On the other hand, if you prefer a sturdier frame, with easy installation, more manual features, and more drill bits and clamps, then the CNC 3018 Pro might be a better choice for you. Both of these engraving machines offer great durability and clean cuts, making them each a wonderful option for your engraving needs.