Low cost CNC machines bring high performance machining within the reach of schools and colleges - and yet meets the requirements for prototyping work in industry.
The eduCAM Series of CNC machines from Unimatic brings high performance machining within the reach of schools and colleges - and yet meets the requirements for prototyping work in industry. The range employs an open-system philosophy for complete flexibility in use, making eduCAM exceptionally versatile. Starting at less than GBP 3,500, the range starts with the eduCAM 10 engraving and routing machine, supplied with high visibility protective enclosure.

The floating engraving head has 300x400x100mm travel and a T-slot machine bed complete with clamps.

For engraving and laying of sheet metal, an engraving mat is also available.

Four further eduCAM models are available, each with an extremely robust steel construction, with an isolated machining area, for safety, and a CE marked interlock door.

Each model provides direct PC control for drilling, milling, engraving, dispensing or routing.

They are suitable for machining of light metals, plastics, wood, wax or resins and are therefore ideal for both educational and prototyping purposes.

In schools and colleges, students are acquiring skills that are directly relevant to the needs of industry, using software and machines that are identical to those used in high-tech companies.

For prototyping applications, the eduCAM range provides high performance at an entry-level price, with even the top of the range, high-specification eduCAM 50 costing little over GBP 11,000! The eduCAM 20 features a 3-axis gantry system, whilst two models feature a fourth axis, each model having successively greater travel and bigger clamping tables.

Each has high-precision linear guides and a feed rate of 60mm/second on all three axes, with 16dia x 10mm pitch ballscrews (16dia x 5mm pitch for the top of the range eduCAM 50).

Control of the eduCAM 20, 30, 40 and 44 machines is by 4-axis micro-stepping motion control integrated in the machine, the motors being high torque stepping motors, with RS232 communication interface providing computer communications.

Each eduCAM machine can be used with a range of CAD/CAM packages and, as well as being delivered free, the price includes a day's training.