Mekanika FAB CNC machine

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

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, PRO and FAB CNC machines.

Video 1: The main features of the Mekanika FAB CNC machine. Source: Mekanika.

The FAB CNC machine is available in two versions - just the FAB CNC machine or the FAB CNC Bundle with various addons included. Every Mekanika CNC machine comes with a 5-year warranty, professional technical support, open-source plans for easy customization and repair, and numerous CNC tutorials and community resources.

Sturdy, fast and easy to use

The Mekanika FAB is a modular CNC machine with a 1300 x 2700mm working area, which allows for using material panels of up to 3 meters in length. The drive system is composed of powerful and high quality X and Y axes powered with 4.5 nm Nema34 motors. The Y axis has a Mod 2 rack and pinion design (±26 µm / 1000 mm (DIN5/Q5)) and the X axis has a 16 mm ballscrew design. The Z axis (16 mm ballscrew, ±50 µm / 300 mm (C7)) is driven by a Nema23 motor with a 2.2 nm power.

Image 1: The anatomy of the Mekanika FAB CNC machine. Source: Mekanika.

This XYZ setup guarantees high precision even over long distances and at large speeds. The axes are protected by dust-proof limit sensors for maximum safety and for a perfect squaring of the gantry by self-alignment. Furthermore, the Z axis has a high clearance (133 mm) which makes it easy for the FAB CNC machine to work with thicker materials. The linear guide system uses a double HGR20 prismatic rail and the structure of the FAB CNC machine is made of steel plates and aluminum profiles.

Image 2: The high quality and efficient XYZ structure ensures precision at high speeds and long distances. Source: Mekanika.

As far as performance, the FAB CNC machine can work with an accuracy of up to 0.1 mm, and achieve a maximal axial speed of 25 000 mm/min and a maximal traverse speed of 30 000 mm/min. For reference, the typical cutting parameters of the FAB CNC machine (with softwood) are: a depth of 5 mm at a feedrate of 7000 mm/min, with a spindle speed of 20 000 rpm, using a 6 mm 3-flute carbide cutter.

Image 3: The 2.2 kW spindle installed on the FAB CNC machine. Source: Mekanika.

The FAB CNC machine can be equipped with a professional air-cooled and computer-controlled 2.2 kW spindle (part of the FAB CNC Bundle package) that can work at speeds of 5 000-24 000 rpm. This powerful frequency-driven spindle comes with a complete set of 13 ER20 collets, 2 wrenches, all the necessary cables and a plug-and-play control unit.

Image 4: The capacitive touchscreen included in the FAB CNC Bundle package. Source: Mekanika.

The Mekanika FAB CNC machine has an onboarded computer (Raspberry Pi 4B with 2 Gb RAM) with the PlanetCNC software (TNGv2) installed and pre configured. The embedded software means the user doesn’t have to plug the FAB CNC machine into a computer or a laptop. The PlanetCNC software includes a wide variety of features:

• Embedded g-code generator/editor.
• Toolpath visualization.
• Import toolpath from 2D files (dxf, png, etc).
• Advanced motion interpolation.
• Simulation mode.
• Manual Data Input mode (MDI).
• Automatic homing and square gantry.
• Automatic tool length measuring and probing.
• Feed and speed override.
• Customizable view, scripts and M-codes.

Image 5: The rubber protections and limit sensors of Mekanika FAB CNC machine. Source: Mekanika.

In terms of connectivity, the FAB machine has 3 USB ports, 1 Ethernet port, 1 HDMI port, as well as WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet connection. The FAB CNC is also compatible with all CAM software, and the one recommended by the manufacturer is Fusion360.

The FAB CNC Bundle

The FAB CNC machine can be purchased in a bundle package that contains add-ons for an even more efficient and smooth workflow. 

Image 6: The addons included in the FAB CNC Bundle package. Source: Mekanika.

Apart from the FAB CNC machine and the 2.2 kW VFD spindle, the bundle contains:

• A dust collection system with a 100 mm anti-static flexible hose and a powerful extractor with a 900 m³/h volume flow. This dust collection kit will protect the FAB CNC machine by handling any chips or other residue efficiently.
• An end mill kit with 7 high quality end mills for working with different materials and creating diverse shapes.
• A spoilerboard kit that allows for clamping workpieces.
• A 13.3" capacitive touchscreen and a wireless custom keypad for an easy monitoring of g-code and controling the machine.

Uses for the FAB CNC machine

The FAB CNC machine can work with any panel-shaped material such as wood, cork, plywood, afzelia, PMMA (plexiglass), HPL (trespa), foam, ATH (Corian), carbon fibre, aluminium, stone and hard metals (brass, steel), etc.

Image 7: The FAB CNC machine can work with a wide variety of materials. Source: Mekanika.

The FAB CNC machine is the best solution for those who want to produce quickly in series. FAB CNC will be a great addition to and workshop or studio, allowing creators and craftsmen to internalize their workflow and thus significantly reduce lead times and increase productivity.