CPM-ICP Series

The CPM-ICP machines are built using a rigid frame (aluminium and steel) inside a closed cabinet. As the machine operates only with its door closed its safety is guaranteed. Bearings and screws are well-protected from chips and dust. All electronics to control 4 axes (so including the optional rotation axis) are built inside the cabinet: this is the IMC4 stepper motor controller. Also read below about the optional Booster Card that we supply for this controller.

The machine interfaces with PC software offering a user-friendly environment (PC not included): the PC in fact is used as control panel for the machine. We deliver every CPM with the great KAY control software, which is better than the RemoteWin software as supplied by the machine manufacturer. Using Kay you are able to run NC program files in standard ISO G-codes as well as NC files in the proprietary NCP format.

At our website www.deskproto.com a few videos are available that show a CPM machine in action !




Each CPM has a XY table with ample T-slots, conveniently sized much larger than the actual working area. Note that the maximum model size that can be produced is smaller than this working area. For X and Y the cutter needs to move outside the model to machine the outer surfaces. And for Z the cutter needs to be able to travel over the model, see the illustration below.


The total dimensions make desktop operation possible; the aesthetic design fits well in an office environment. The three axes move over steel linear ball bearings and are driven by high quality ball screws (zero backlash). The closed cabinet with large windows keeps both noise and chips inside. Standard spindle motor is a high quality router (500 W, 11000 to 25000 rpm).
The resulting machine features safe and reliable 3D CNC facilities at a low price.

Note that in 2006 a design change has been implemented: the original CPM machines has been replaced by the improved type CPM-ICP. Specifications are almost the same, with the exception of the following improvements:
the frame is assembled using screws (versus welding for the original CPM). Advantage is a higher accuracy.
the door opens by sliding upward (versus rotating for the original CPM). Advantage is a better position for the door lock: now on top where chips won't easily cause problems.

Model:	ICP 3020	ICP 4030
Max working area (X,Y,Z in mm)	300x200x90	400x300x140
Table size (X,Y in mm)	500x250	600x375
External dimensions (X,Y,Z mm)	610x650x715	780x850x810
Height with door opened (mm)	1100	1200
Weight, kg	~ 102	~ 120
Prices	4.900	5.900

Prices in Euro currency, excl VAT and outside the Netherlands excl shipment cost.
On site installation and service are optional, available only in the Netherlands and in Belgium.
The machines are delivered with installation instructions.

Type of axis-motors	Stepper, using microstep
Max Feedrate	50 mm /sec (high accuracy version 20 mm/sec)
Mechanical resolution	0.025 mm per axis (high accuracy version 0.01 mm)
Accuracy	Depends on cutter, material, temperature, speeds, toolpath and other variables.
Motor:	500 W standard spindle motor
max rotation speed	11000 to 25000 rpm
min, max tool shaft diameter	1 to 6.35 mm, using optional extra collet chucks
Interface with computer	RS 232 (serial)
Computer requirements	The KAY control software needs a Windows computer (95/98/ME/NT4/2000/XP/Vista or newer). Minimum specification Pentium with 8MB RAM.
Power requirements	220 V, 50/60 Hz (120 V is available on request)

A high accuracy version of the machine is available, offering a higher resolution - but a lower speed as well: see the secifications above. Both versions have the same price: the only difference is the lead of the ballscrews (how many mm translation per rotation).

Further options include:
a rotation axis
a spray-mist coolant unit
an internal lighting
the CPM Booster Card




As the control electronics inside all CPM machines (controller type "IMC 4") is already suited to drive 4 axes simultaneously, it is easy to mount a 4th axis on a CPM machine.

We deliver the rotation axis as complete unit, including:
the actual rotation axis (the 'black box' on the picture)
the tailstock unit (aluminum base plate with centering point on rails)
all cables and connectors needed to mount the rotation axis
the fixturing device as shown (the round 'plate' with sharp pins, on the axis).

The axis on which the fixturing device is mounted is threaded, with a screw-tread type 1/2" 20 UNF, meaning that you can also use a standard drilling machine head (instead of this fixturing device), or create your own custom device.

You can order the rotation axis either with the machine or later. In the first case it will come mounted on the machine, in the second case you will have to assemble the cables yourself (which is not difficult). In both cases you can easily place and again remove the unit from the machine's working table as needed. This is done using 4 T-nuts, and the coiled cable shown (left) has to be (dis)connected from/to a connector in the back wall of the machine's working area. Of course you then also have to 'tell' the Kay control software that the machine's configuration has changed.

Weight	ca 5 kg
Max stock diameter	75 (center height 38 mm)
Max Feedrate	max 75 rev / min
Mechanical resolution	6578 steps / revolution
Price	1,250

Though the original CPM machines are not suited for 3D machining of metals (with the Booster Card plugged in that can be used for aluminum and brass), they can be used for shallow engraving and cutting thin sheets of metal. For such applications the optional spray mist coolant device is available. It uses compressed air to apply a very fine spray of a special lubricant over the workpiece.

The delivery consists of the sprayer as shown, a container for the lubricant and a pressure regulator, both attached on the right side (outside) of the machine, all internal piping to connect these, and a connection to the controller (to switch the coolant unit on and off CNC controlled). Kay can be configured to do so, using special commands in the NC file.

An external source of compressed air is needed in order to use the coolant device.
The lubricating fluid used is called "Induoil HL 4" and is made by Menzel in Germany.

The Price of the optional coolant device is 750
This option can only be ordered together with a machine, it is not possible to order it for do-it-yourself assembly.

This option concerns lighting of the working area, so a lamp inside the machine. It is built in the back wall of the working area, and is switched on with the machine's main switch.

The Price of the optional internal lighting is 60
This option can best be ordered together with a machine. It is also possible to order it for do-it-yourself assembly, however this will cost you some effort.

The new CPM Booster card will greatly improve the performance of the IMC4 controller that is used. We strongly recommend to always include this option with your machine order !

This card is also great news for anyone who already is using a IMC4-based machine like the CPM (and thousands of these machines have been built): with a small investment you can double the speed of your machine and also improve the surface quality of the resulting parts (the actual time gain differs per NC file, and will vary between 0% and 80%).
The video below will show you the difference between the original machine and one with a Booster card installed.

The video will first show you an NC program file executed on a machine with the original IMC4 controller. When you have such machine you will recognize the typical staccato rumbling noise made by the machine.
Next the same NC file is machined again, but now on a machine with the Booster card installed. The different movement style is immediately clear: you will both see and hear the enormous improvement.

  Download the CPM Booster manual (English, PDF ca 800 Kb).

The manual includes chapters about the card, the hardware setup, software setup and how to operate the system. In addition three appendices provide background information on CNC Control, Card settings and Card specifications.

  Download an order form for the Booster card.

The price of this amazing card is 490.
The card can be ordered with a new machine, and also as a seperate product to update older machines. It comes with complete installation instructions (see the PDF manual).
Note that you need to have the KAY control software in order to use the Booster card.