Once PCB milling was a critical thing to do, manufacturers used to outsource such work and hence they didn’t have anything to do when the delivery gets delayed for long times. However, with the technology things have got too sorted. Now there is a different sized PCB prototyping machine which is easily found and easily affordable. A big thanks to technology!
Having that said, since there are different kind of PCB milling machines it could get little intimidating for you to pick the right PCB machine. Don’t worry, we don’t want your hard-earned money to get wasted and that is why we have aligned a list of top-rated PCB machines of the market.
Check it out!
Editor’s Recommendation: Top 3 PCB Milling Machine:
- Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit
- MYSWEETY CNC 3018 Pro 3 Axis PCB Milling Machine
- 3018 Pro Upgraded 3 Axis CNC PCB Router Kit
Top 5 PCB Milling Machines Reviewed
Still, a lot of people are using the following PCB machines and is super satisfied with them. These are not only PCB machine, but some of them are also CNC machine as well. So with one machine, you will be able to different jobs. Here you go!
1. Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit
The first impressive thing about this very PCB machine is the cutting or working area. It comes with a 300 x 180 x 45mm cutting area that is pretty large, big enough to tackle most of the medium-duty engraving jobs, you should not expect more space from an affordable CNC machine like this. It also comes with its own internal structure, it has integrated mainboard and custom software. That is what contributes to making a perfect symbiosis between the hardware and software.
It is open-source software and specially designed to control the movements. Moreover, it is very simple to operate and needs programming at all. You don’t have to worry about the assembling process as well, it is very simple to assemble and it anything seems complicated just make your eyes roll on the instruction guide for a while, you will get a hang.
And another amazing thing about this CNC machine is, it is highly versatile. This machine is not only limited to wood or metal, but you can also use various materials PVC to most kind of metals and plastics. Lastly, if you are a newcomer and looking for something to get started with, then this Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit will be a great choice for you!
Pros
- Easy to understand instruction.
- Best for beginners.
- Comes at a cheap price.
- Effective and easy to use the machine.
- Good working area.
- Highly versatile.
Cons
- Has an issue with the software.
- Z-axis needs to be oiled.
2. MYSWEETY CNC 3018 Pro 3 Axis PCB Milling Machine
This is another 3 axis PCB milling machine which is a great starter machine for the newcomer engravers. The manufacturer has kept the price in the lower side and has given some features which are pretty impressive. Comes with latest GRBL controlling system which offers great flexibility. It comes with a good working area as well, the engraving area of this machine is 30 x 18 x 4.5mm, this is definitely not a big working area but should be enough for beginner working projects.
The MYSWEETY CNC 3018 Pro comes with a 775 spindle motor and the software of this machine is compatible with windows. Well, the compatibility is limited, there are other operating systems as well which are widely use, so those users won’t be able to use this milling machine. This machine can be controlled offline without connecting with the computer. There are a lot of advantages of an offline controller and you don’t have to download any files that are the major one.
The offline controller will allow you to set the X, Y, Z-axis location manually. You can open or close the spindle and cooling fan manually as well with the offline controller. This MYSWEETY CNC 3018 Pro milling machine will allow you to use various materials such as wood, PCB, PVC, acrylic, plastic, etc. That being said, it doesn’t work effectively on hard materials. The main components of this machine come pre-assembled which makes assembling pretty simple for you.
It is a small and lightweight machine which is highly portable. This MYSWEETY CNC 3018 Pro machine is compatible with laser as well, though a laser is not included you have to purchase separately. Lastly, choose thing machine only if you are a beginner, won’t be doing any heavy-duty engraving works.
Pros
- Can work with various materials.
- Highly versatile milling machine.
- Compatible with laser modules.
- Comes with an offline controller.
- GRBL controllable.
- Offers a decent working area.
Cons
- Underpowered spindle.
- Have issues on the control board.
3. 3018 Pro Upgraded 3 Axis CNC PCB Router Kit
The 3018 Pro Upgraded 3 Axis PCB router kit is another top-notch highly versatile PCB machine coming from the uttiny. This is not a very old brand but yet delivers high-quality products. The size is compact and easily portable. There is nothing complex in this machine, the assembly is simple, even a newcomer would be able to do it all alone by the help of user manual. However, let’s take a look at all the features in detail.
First of all, the thing that impresses most is the versatility of this machine. It is a CNC router and a PCB milling machine. The software is way too upgrade from the 3018 version. It comes with a large working area, the engraving area is 30 x 18 x 4.5mm. And the profile dimension is 33 x 40 x 24cm. This very machine features a powerful spindle motor as well, it has a 775 spindle motor.
You don’t always have to connect this machine to the computer and download files, this machine allows you to adjust the X, Y, Z engraving starting points, cooling fan and spindle even in offline manually. Comes with GRBL control and the software is compatible with only windows, we think the manufacturer didn’t do a good job in this, they could have made this software compatible with other operating systems as well.
The core components of this machine come pre-assembled which makes it highly easier for you to control. And there is an easily understandable instruction guide as well. You will be able to work on different materials with this machine.
Pros
- Decent working area.
- Offers good spindle motor.
- Comes with GRBL control.
- Adjustable in offline.
- Very easy to assemble and use.
Cons
- Only compatible with Windows.
4. SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-MX3 CNC Router Machine
Not only a big price, but it also comes with some great features as well. This is the very first machine of the industry that is controlled by Mach3. A highly professional software comes with the machine which allows you to control the entire machine like a professional. This Mach3 is compatible with other programs as well and will generate G-code, import DXF files. Plus, this software is completely customizable.
This SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-MX3 machine comes with two 5mm acrylic baffles on both sides of the machine which allows you to monitor the entire engraving process safely. Moreover, all of the axis is integrated with the home switch which will stop the spindle moving from the engraving area, this feature is to protect engraving faults. It comes with a decent working area, 300 x 180 x 45mm which will allow you to work on most of the medium size engraving projects.
Adjusting into the right position is hard, but with this SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-MX3, it is way too simple. This machine comes with a CNC automatic tool pre-adjuster which finds the accurate positions with a simple click. With this very machine, you will be able to create 3D objects as well out of plastic, woods, metals, aluminum, etc. And not to forget, it comes with all the needed items as well.
Pros
- Top-quality CNC machine.
- Offers a decent working area.
- Controlled by Mach 3.
- Highly versatile.
- Easy to assemble and use.
- Comes with all the accessories.
Cons
- Expensive price tag.
5. CNC 3018pro-M DIY Mini CNC Machine
For the hobbyist, the expensive price is always an issue. But the manufacturer has kept the price of this machine reasonable. According to the features it offers, the price is fair. Let’s see now what it offers! With this machine, you will be able to carve on regular materials pretty easily. People who are interested in CNC, they can easily engrave models with this very machine.
Comes with the latest GRBL control system, which is way too convenient than traditional control systems. It doesn’t require any extra accessories, all you have to do is turn the computer on and you are all set to go. This machine also comes with an offline controller which allows you to adjust the X, Y, Z-axis location without the computer connection, you can also adjust the spindle cooling fan manually.
This machine is compatible with various laser modules of 10000mW, 7000mW, 5500mW, and 2500mW. So, with this machine you are getting a PCB machine, a CNC machine and a laser engraver machine as well. You will be able to work on various kind of materials with this machine such as metal, wood, aluminum, plastic, etc.
Pros
- Highly versatile machine.
- Offers good working area.
- Works without a computer connection.
- Compatible with various laser modules.
- Doesn’t require extra accessories.
Cons
- Not for heavy-duty engraving works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of PCB milling?
PCB stands for Printer Circuit Board milling and what PCB milling machine does is, it removes the copper area from a PCB material in order to remake pads, structures, signal traces following the patterns of digital circuit board plan.
What is the best PCB machine for me?
There are a couple of PCB milling machines which are doing an incredible job but we can’t guarantee that any of those will be best for you. Different PCB machines work differently and you have to choose a machine that will get your job done and only that will be the best for you. However, if you want a name we would say, the Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit might be a good choice.
Conclusion
All these milling machines are highly versatile, they can be used in both CNC and PCB working. According to the users, they have been using these machines for a long time now and so far they are highly satisfied with these machines. If you got the right skill, you are not going to get disappointed with these milling machines. They do their intended jobs pretty nicely! Hope it helps!
