Review of the SolidCraft CNC-6090 Mark II CNC milling machine: an affordable and reliable option for small businesses.
The Chinese manufacturer SolidCraft offers users inexpensive functional equipment for milling and engraving work. In this review, we will take a detailed look at the SolidCraft CNC-6090 Mark II machine. We will examine its design features, highlight the advantages and disadvantages, and look at examples of the resulting products.
- Manufacturer Overview
- Review of the SolidCraft CNC-6090 Mark II 3D milling machine
- Product Examples
- What Software is Used?
- Consumables
- Initial Setup and Preparation Instructions
Manufacturer Overview
SolidCraft is a company from China that specializes in the design and production of computer numerical control (CNC) milling and engraving machines. Such products are used in the field of processing flat and contoured surfaces using a milling tool. The manufacturer's equipment is generally affordable and of decent quality, making it suitable for small businesses or interested individuals.
Operating a CNC milling machine is not much different from operating other computer numerical control devices. The electronic system, through numerical control, activates the software and controls the operation of the cutting head and the speed of its rotation. Machines of this kind handle work more efficiently and effectively than humans in similar conditions. In its classic implementation, the CNC milling machine works in three directions, known as the X, Y, and Z axes.
Review of the SolidCraft CNC-6090 Mark II 3D Milling Machine
The SolidCraft CNC-6090 Mark II model is a desktop milling machine. It is suitable for creating single items or small batches of products. The machine works with a variety of wood, plastic, and fiberboard materials, but is not suitable for continuous use with colored metals due to the lack of liquid cooling in its design. However, this solution significantly reduces the cost of the product and makes it easier to use and maintain.
The dimensions of the model are 89 × 125 × 67 cm. The improved frame rigidity and higher frame height allow for working with larger parts. The machine's precision and low noise level during operation are achieved through changes in the design of the screw drives. The machine's higher speed is due to the increased spindle power. The CNC-6090 Mark II has fairly good speed and repeatability ratings. Its movement speed reaches 4000 mm per minute, with a repeatability of 0.05 mm.
For the consumer's power, the spindle speed reaches up to 24,000 revolutions per minute. These characteristics make it possible to work on long-term projects, as the machine can withstand conditions of increased productivity. Additionally, the presence of a ball screw drive and cylindrical guides contributes to the increase in speed.
Materials Processed
The machine handles work on items made of wood, plywood, plastic, and soft metals such as aluminum and copper. It can be used to create individual pieces and small batches of various items, which makes it suitable for use in design, advertising, and the production of souvenirs, as well as for the implementation of creative ideas.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The advantages of this milling machine include:
- A wide range of processable materials.
- Rigidity of construction, providing a precise and accurate result even with complex workpieces.
- High work execution speed.
- Relatively low cost, accessible to small businesses.
- Remote control using computer software.
- Low noise level, making operation more comfortable.
- Convenient control using Ncstudio or Mach software.
The disadvantages include:
- Short warranty period, only 12 months.
- High weight, at 120 kg, making it difficult to move when necessary.
Equipment
In addition to the machine itself, the package includes:
- Control and power blocks;
- Set of collets and cutters;
- Tool kit for assembling the machine;
- All necessary fasteners and cables;
- LPT-USB adapter for Mach3 software;
- Instruction manual.
The milling machine is initially delivered as a kit for self-assembly. However, there is an option to order a fully assembled machine. There is also the possibility to select paid options such as vacuum tables, interchangeable cutters, rotating axes, DSP-controller Ncstudio, and related software.
