The Genmitsu CNC 3018-Pro Router Kit has numerous features that make it a steller machine. Let’s take a closer look!

Spindle

The Genmitsu 3018-Pro CNC machine uses a 775 motor for its spindle and you can equip it with a few different types of bits. Unlike the other axes on the CNC machine (and most 3D printers), stepper motors aren’t used for the spindle because they can’t reach speeds as high as a 775 motor.

According to SainSmart, the motor has a maximum RPM of 10,000. However, some users have reported differently, stating that the motor can only reach just under 9,000 RPM.

Still, 9,000 RPM is very high and this speed is sufficient to cut all the promised materials: It can engrave or cut through acrylic, PVC, plastic, soft aluminum, and wood. This wide array of materials broadens the versatility of the machine and the scope of projects that it can be used for.

Potential to Upgrade

The Genmitsu 3018-Pro has open-source hardware, software, and firmware, making it very upgradeable. For example, you can add hardware to the CNC machine’s aluminum extrusions using T- or V-slot nuts or inserts. This could mean extra clamps for your cutting material or plate (like blocks of wood) or maybe even a webcam for monitoring cuts remotely.

Another common hardware upgrade is changing the spindle out for a laser engraving module. You can purchase a genuine SainSmart laser engraving module, which is officially supported.

In terms of software, Candle GRBL is a good choice (if you’re not using the offline control module). At the same time, you can probably use other Arduino-compatible software. If you want to change the firmware, check out the guides and tutorials online.

Electronics

While the SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-Pro isn’t packing too much in the way of electronics, the machine has a few components that are worth mentioning. The machine uses an Arduino-based board with 24 V motors, but the mainboard and the included newer, safer power supply cable should also let you use 12 V on your machine. As we said, the machine uses a 775 spindle motor and 1.3 A 12 V stepper motors for motion across the X-, Y-, and Z-axes.

The machine also has an offline control interface, which means to start cuts, you don’t need your computer tethered to your machine’s mainboard. This is especially helpful because, as pointed out by some users, if your computer or device running GRBL lags or crashes, your cut is stopped midway through, and you’ll have to start over. An offline control module is a safer bet, especially for longer cuts, because you won’t have to restart and waste material.

The offline control module connects to your machine via a cable to the mainboard, and you can start prints with an inserted SD card. On the interface, you can move the X-, Y-, and Z-axes and select (or exit) cuts from the SD card.

Overall, the Genmitsu 3018-Pro Router Kit gives pretty good bang for your buck, but let’s compare it to the popular Genmitsu MX3 for a better understanding of the machine.

Frame

The Pro version ditches the plastic side panels that covered up the Genmitsu MX3’s frame. These panels give the machine a more defined volume and reduce the range of flying bits of cut material. Otherwise, both machines are very similar in their frames.

Control

Another key difference is that the Genmitsu 3018-Pro includes the previously-mentioned offline control module, while the MX3 does not. The MX3 can only be controlled with Mach3 or DrufelCNC software via a device tethered to the mainboard. To use GRBL control, you’d have to upgrade the machine’s mainboard to the PROVer controller board, which means two more expenses on top of the original MX3’s price of around $300.

The MX3 has an attached Z-probe, which can digitally set a specific distance on the Z-axis from the spindle and the bed. With a Z-probe, there’s no hassle with finding the right height, but sadly, the 3018-Pro doesn’t have this feature.

All in all, the Genmitsu 3018-Pro is a great machine, and its strengths can justify its flaws or weaknesses against its competition. The Pro is a very versatile machine as it can cut or engrave an extensive amount of materials, and you can start cuts without a tethered device.

Below, you’ll find some specifications for the Genmitsu CNC 3018-Pro Router Kit:

• Cutting dimensions: 300 x 180 x 45 mm
• Material capabilities: Plastics, soft aluminum, wood, acrylic, PCBs, PVC
• Assembly: Comes in parts, takes around an hour to assemble
• Frame: PF (plastic), nylon, aluminum
• Frame size: 400 x 330 x 240 mm
• Stepper motor: 1.3 A, 12 V, 0.25 Nm torque (2.2 in-lb)
• Spindle motor: 775 motor, 24 V
• Spindle speed: 9,000-10,000 RPM
• Rated power: 60 W
• Maximum power: 120 W
• Power supply: 24 V, 5 A
• Software: Candle GRBL control
• Controlling: Direct through software and Mini-USB, offline control
• Weight: 7 kg (15.38 lb)

You can purchase a Genmitsu CNC 3018-Pro Router Kit from one of these online retailers:

SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-Pro

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