Bantam CNC
From mills to lathes to industrial grinders, there are many types of CNC machines, each with their own unique capabilities. The Fabrication Underground offers our community access to a Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine for milling Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and light duty milling operations.
Understanding the Technology
What is CNC: Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machining is a process where pre-programmed computer software directs the movement of factory tools and machinery, like lathes, mills and routers.
CNC Materials: Pre cut PCB boards and Flat wood, plastic, & aluminum stock.
CNC Benefits: CNC is used by many industries because it offers a high level of automation, greater accuracy and repeatability over the manual machining processes.
CNC Disadvantages: CNC programming requires an understanding of the manual machining process, raising the barrier to entry beyond other manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing.
Bantam CNC Specifications
- Working Volume – 7 x 9 x 3.3 in / 177 × 228 × 83 mm
- Spindle Speed – 10,000 RPM – 28,000 RPM
- Accuracy – <0.003’’ per 6’’ linear travel
- Repeatability – ± 0.001″
- File Input – EAGLE BRD (.brd) / Gerber RS-274X (.gtl and .grb) G-code (.nc and .tap) SVG (.svg)
- Materials – FR-1 Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Blanks, 6061 aluminum & other soft metals such as brass and copper, engineering plastics, hardwoods, and machining wax.
Availability
The Bantam CNC is available by reservation to certified faculty, students, and staff for academic, research, and personal project use. The Bantam is a desktop CNC and is not intended for volume production.
Learn How to Use the Bantam CNC Mill
To learn how to design for, safely operate, and earn your operator certification, please visit our online Canvas Course. Additional learning materials are available in the Ground Connection Knowledge Base.
Reserve a Desktop CNC Mill
The Bantam CNC mill is available by reservation only. To reserve the Bantam CNC, check the Reservation Calendar for available time and reserve your spot via the Reservation Request Form. We will respond with a confirmation as soon as possible.
Reserving equipment at the Fab Underground is a 3 step process:
- Earn the appropriate Equipment Certification; see our Canvas course
- Check the equipment schedule on the Resource Calendar
- Reserve time using the Reservation Request Form