innovation squared engineers a CNC machine for everyone

innovation squared engineers a CNC machine for everyone
all images courtesy of innovation squared LLC

innovation squared LLC introduces ‘the creation station,’ a high quality, low cost CNC machine that hopes to provide consumers with the luxury of fabrication within the comfort of their own homes.  victor konshin of the company calls the project ‘a CNC machine for the rest of us,’ noting that process has been used in large-scale manufacturing for many years. ‘we designed ‘the creation station’ with the mission of making CNC affordable for hobbyists, educators, makers, artists and anyone who simply wants to create something from their imagination.’

a key to the development of the kit was ensuring that the cost efficiency of the machine did not mean that buyers would have to sacrifice any necessary technical capabilities. thus, the router still includes features typically seen on expensive commercial models. the construction of a 24 x 24 x 5 inch work area with ball bearing lead screws and 20 mm thick linear rails adds durability, rigidity, torque, and accuracy to the machine. the electronics are driven by software called cut2D and Vcarve pro, two programs developed by vectric. once the correct specifications are entered into a computer, three stepper motors are guided by a custom-designed controller board that utilizes technology by texas instruments. as a result, ‘the creation station’ can cut materials such as foam, wood, plastic, aluminum, brass, ceramic, stone, glass or any other material softer than steel. the campaign is being funded on kickstarter here.

the machine has a maximum feed rate of 80 inches (203cm) per minute

the kit includes a one horsepower router spindle

the 24 x 24 x 5 inch (60.96 x 60.96 x 12.7cm) work area

innovation squared LLC has paired with vectric, a software maker, for their cut2D and Vcarve programs

20mm linear rails are used for accuracy and rigidity

view of the mechanics from above

detail of the high torque stepper motors and ball bearing lead screws

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.