Mekanika PRO CNC machine

Mekanika, a Belgian company, was established in 2018. Their aim has been to make manufacturing processes more attainable to local creators, mostly SMEs. To do that, Mekanika provides quality open source modular tools and machines that aid creators prototype and produce. Among the equipment offered by Mekanika are the EVO and PRO CNC machines.

CNC machining (Computer Numerical Control) is a method of manufacturing where the movements of the machine are guided by pre-programmed software and codes.

Image 1: CNC machining with the Mekanika PRO CNC machine. Source: Mekanika.

CNC is usually used to steer complex machinery used to cut, shape and create parts and prototypes, where the human eye and hand could not provide such precision and speed.

Strength, ease of use and convenience

The Mekanika PRO is a modular CNC machine available in three sizes: S (modular working area: 630 x 630mm; overall size: 970 x 970 mm), M (modular working area: 630 x 1030mm; overall size: 970 x 1370 mm), and L (modular working area: 1030 x 1030mm; overall size: 1370 x 1370 mm).

The Z axis of the PRO machine is equipped with a 16 mm ball screw and a 5 mm pitch screw, a Nema 23 stepper motor (165 Nm), and prismatic linear rails (15 mm). The XY driving system also has Nema23 stepper motors (165 Nm), prismatic linear rails (15 mm), and a ball screw of 16 mm and a pitch screw of 10 mm each. The overall structure of the PRO CNC machine is made of heavy duty aluminum profiles and 8 mm steel plates.

Image 2: The aluminum and steel structure of the Mekanika PRO CNC machine. Source: Mekanika.

The user can choose between various types of spindles. A spindle on a machine tool is the rotary axis where the work tool such as a milling cutter or drill bit is mounted.

Image 3: The AMB spindle. Source: Mekanika.

The spindle can move at high speeds (maximal travel speed of 10000 mm/min) and with great accuracy of below 0.1 mm. 

Image 4: The AMB spindle on the Mekanika PRO CNC machine. Source: Mekanika.

Similarly, to the EVO CNC machine, the Mekanika PRO CNC machine has an intuitive interface with a touch screen and a numeric pad, all placed on an ergonomic steel plate.

Image 5: The interface of the Mekanika PRO CNC machine and the PlanetCNC software. Source: Mekanika.

The Mekanika PRO CNC machine has an onboarded computer with the PlanetCNC software installed and pre configured on a Raspberry Pi 4 with 2GB of RAM, and 4 PlanetCNC 4 A stepper drivers. The embedded software means the user doesn’t have to plug the EVO CNC machine into a computer or a laptop. In terms of connectivity, the PRO machine has 4 USB ports, 1 Gigabit ethernet, HDMI, WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0. The PRO CNC is also compatible with all CAM software, and the one recommended by the manufacturer is Fusion360.

Image 6: The limit sensors of Mekanika PRO CNC machine. Source: Mekanika.

An extra feature of the PRO CNC machine are 6 inductive limit sensors placed on the sides of the machine, designed to aid the homing process (orienting the machine in its surroundings). When all 6 limit switches turn green upon starting the machine, it means the PRO CNC is ready to work.

Designed to last a lifetime

The EVO CNC machine is designed to last a lifetime. Its components require little maintenance and can be easily replaced.

Video 1: The modular design of the PRO CNC machine. Source: Mekanika.

Mekanika states that 80 % of the machine’s components are standard components and only 20 % are customized Mekanika components. This means that in case the EVO machine breaks and needs to be fixed, the user should not have trouble finding the replacement parts or fixing the machine alone with custom made replacement parts, even printed in 3D.

Uses for the PRO CNC machine

The PRO CNC machine, just like the EVO CNC machine, can be successfully used with various materials, from wood to metal and plastic.

Video 2: Milling a wide range of materials with the Mekanika CNC machines. Source: Mekanika.

It has successfully processed materials as varied as afzelia, cork, plexiglass, aluminum, HPL (Trespa), plywood, steel or Corian, in varying depths (0.5 mm - 10 mm) and at various speeds (1000 - 3000 mm/min).

Image 7: The PRO CNC machine at a carpenter’s workshop. Source: Mekanika.

The PRO CNC machine has been adopted by several workshops and SMEs in Belgium, and it has been used in many different settings and sectors.

The PRO CNC machine allows creators to reduce production times and costs. This grants the user much more freedom in the creative process and lets them increase their productivity.

The PRO machine and 3D printing

Just like the EVO CNC machine, the PRO CNC machine can also be used in combination with a 3D printer to make multi-piece and multi-material objects.

Video 3: Combining the use of a Mekanika CNC machine and a 3D printer. Source: Mekanika.

The intuitive software and the machine’s precision allow for achieving precise measurements so that the part machined with the Mekanika CNC machines and the 3D printed part fit together well.

The PRO CNC machine is a testimony to how well additive manufacturing and sustainable and versatile design work together to enable users to creatively express themselves and agilize their processes. With the help of the PRO CNC machine, the user can work with multiple materials, and even combine the PRO machine with other technologies, such as 3D printing.