MillRight CNC Mega V

Thanks to everyone that supported the Kickstarter! We sold almost 250 Mega V machines on that campaign.

The Mega V is available for pre-order now in our store. Click here.

The Mega V is the latest development from MillRight CNC. We’ve taken our years of experience manufacturing CNC machines and rolled that into an excellent CNC platform.  We consider this machine to be the perfect middle point between our Carve King and Power Route.

The MillRight CNC Mega V boasts the most substantial frame rail, fastest accelerations and traverse speeds, largest bearing wheels, and the most motor torque of any machine for a similar price. The MillRight CNC Mega V represents a breakthrough in affordable CNC that is unmatched by anything on the market. Never before have you been able to cut materials with speeds and precision approaching industrial levels for a hobby machine price. Look for early bird specials to start close to $1000 for the 19×19 router model.

 

 

There are three variants of the Mega V:

Mega V 19×19″ CNC Router
Mega V 35×35″ CNC Router
Mega V 35×35″ CNC Plasma

 

Mega V Machine Specifications

  • Movement Range, XL Model: 890mm x 890mm x 95mm (35”x35”x3.75”)
  • Movement Range, Standard Model: 485mm x 500mm x 95mm  (19”x19.6”x3.75”)
  • X and Y Rail Dimension: 100mm x 60 mm with up to 8mm thickness (3.94” x 2.36”; up to 0.315” thick)
  • Z Rail: MGN15 Linear Profile Rails
  • Bearing Wheel: 40mm Acetron (1.57”) with dual 608-2RS bearings
  • Router: 120V 1.25 Horsepower DeWalt DWP611
  • Power Requirement: 120V. Customer supplied plasma supply may need 230V.
  • Homing Switches: X, Y, Z
  • Electronics box: Laser Cut, brake bent, welded, pre-solder, and pre-assembled
  • Bearing Plates: Precision Cut 6.35mm (0.25”) Steel
  • X Axis Total Motor Torque: 270 ounce/inch
  • Y Axis Total Motor Torque: 540 ounce/inch
  • Z Axis Total Motor Torque: 270 ounce/inch
  • A Axis (Optional) Total Motor Torque: 270 ounce/inch
  • Digital Stepper Driver Max Amperage: 4 Amps/phase
  • X Axis Resolution: 0.013mm (0.0005”)
  • Y Axis Resolution: 0.013mm (0.0005”)
  • Z Axis Resolution: 0.005mm (0.0002”)
  • A Axis (Optional) Resolution: 0.028 degrees
  • X Axis No Load Accuracy and Repeatability: 0.025mm per 300mm (0.001” per 12”)
  • Y Axis No Load Accuracy and Repeatability: 0.025mm per 300mm (0.001” per 12”)
  • Z Axis No Load Accuracy and Repeatability: 0.0076mm per 100mm (0.0003” per 4”)
  • A Axis (Optional) No Load Accuracy and Repeatability: 0.05 degrees per 360 degrees
  • X Axis Rapid Rate:  16,510 mm/min (650 inches per minute)
  • Y Axis Rapid Rate: 16,510 mm/min (650 inches per minute)
  • Z Axis Rapid Rate: 4,570 mm/min (180 inches per minute)
  • A Axis (Optional) Rapid Rate: 21,600 degrees/min
  • Maximum Cutting Feed Rate: 12,700 mm/min (500 inches per minute)
  • X Axis Acceleration: 0.15 G Force
  • Y Axis Acceleration: 0.15 G Force
  • Z Axis Acceleration: 0.07 G Force
  • A Axis Maximum OD Chuck Capacity: 25.4mm (1”)
  • X and Y Axis Drive Mechanism: Precision 20 Diametral Pitch Rack with Hardened Steel Pinion
  • Z Axis Drive Mechanism: Lead screw with anti-backlash nut
  • A Axis (Optional) Drive Mechanism: Closed loop GT2 Timing Belt
  • Router Bed Design: Standard MDF Table with inserts. Optional T Plate Table.
  • Plasma Bed Design: Standard welded and watertight water table with slats. Optional router bed attachment.
  • Optional Cutting Accessories: Plasma Cutter, Laser Engraver
  • Optional XYZ Setter: Yes.

Want to see the Mega V in action?

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is assembly required on the Mega V?

Yes. We have sold thousands of DIY assembly machines in the years we have been in business, so we have a lot of experience supporting customer builds. One of our project goals, however, was that Mega V would be the easiest build with the best documentation of all the machines we’ve ever released. We are currently building digital assembly instructions that show exploded views, show part mating and locations, and have commentary with tips to make the instructions super easy to follow. Our own experience is that the Mega V to be the easiest machine in our lineup to build. Set aside a day for the build, but it will likely go much faster.

What tools do I need to build the Mega V?

You’ll need basic hand tools like combo wrenches, screw drivers, hex wrenches, and sockets.

What materials is the Mega V made from?

The Mega V features an all metal structure. Bearing plates are made from 1/4” (6.35mm) precision cut steel. The frame rail is a massive aluminum extrusion with outs

ide dimensions of 100x60mm (3.93”x2.36”) with wall thickness of up to 8mm (0.315”). Pinion gears and gear racks are made of tough steel. Z rails are bearing steel and the Mega V rollers are precision turned Acetron. The standard bed is made from MDF, while the optional T plate bed is aluminum.

What materials can the Mega V cut?

The router version can cut wood, plastic, carbon fiber (read up on precautions first), some stones, and soft metals. Examples of soft metals include aluminum, brass, copper, and silver. While we don’t recommend cutting hard metals such as steel, some of our customers with our other models have successfully cut it.

The plasma version, when combined with your plasma cutter, can cut most kinds of metal. Steel, aluminum, copper, and stainless (read up on precautions first) are all fair game.

How thick of material can the Mega V cut?

The router version will make multiple passes to cut through a thick material. This is the conventional way that all CNC routers and mills cut through thick materials. There are different factors involved such as the flute length of your end mill, but generally, you can work with materials up to 3 inches thick.

The thickness capability of the plasma version depends on the type of plasma cutter than you put on the Mega V Plasma. Some are only capable of cutting 1/4“ steel, while other plasma units, like the Hypertherm Powermax 45XP that we are using can sever cut 1” steel.

How accurate is the Mega V?

The Mega V can position to about 0.001” accuracy and is repeatable to 0.001” within 12 inches of travel. This refers to no load positioning. That’s the machine moving without engaging any material. Cut accuracy for the Mega V router version depends on a number of factors, but +/-0.004” (+/-0.10mm) is a pretty good expectation for the machine. This is about the thickness of copier paper. It can often do better than that, however, if you take care to properly input your actual end mill diameter, use the right cutting strategies, and properly clamp your work piece.

The plasma version has the same no load positioning characteristics as the router version. The process of plasma cutting is less accurate though. This is true for any plasma cutting machine. It also depends on the quality of your torch and the condition of your cutter’s consumables. Around +/-0.03” (+/-0.75mm) is to be expected for CNC plasma cutting. Note that plasma cutters may be less accurate with small holes.

The rule of thumb is that router version will be much more accurate than the plasma version as a result of the processes (mechanical cutting versus plasma arc cutting), but the plasma will cut metals tremendously faster.

Where is the Mega V made?

We are proud to say that most of the components for the Mega V are made in the USA. Many of the parts are made right in our facility in Georgia. Examples of par

ts that are made in the USA are the aluminum rails, steel bearing plates, steel gear rack, machine bed, electronics control box, plasma water table, and Mega V rollers. Some parts, such as stepper motors and stepper motor drivers must be sourced overseas. We have a factory that has been contracted to make these components to specifications and we have hired an independent inspector that reviews the factory’s processes and quality.

What are the key features of the Mega V that make it better than other machines?

We think there are a lot of factors that make the Mega V better than competing machines. First,consider our custom aluminum extrusion. It is perhaps the most substantial aluminum extrusion ever used on a CNC machine at this price point. Next, our bearing plates are made from heavy, 1/4” steel. Many of our competitors use thinner aluminum plates or steel plates half as thick as ours in their similarly priced machines. The Mega V’s oversized rollers are a huge advantage too. They are 40mm (1.5”) in diameter, with larger bearings that are pressed in. This, in conjunction with the oversized V channel in our custom extrusion creates a dramatically larger contact patch than what is available on other machines with similar bearing systems. We selected linear profile rails for the Z stage, giving you a really high-end Z stage. All this together makes the Mega V a superbly rigid machine in its price class. We will very gladly put the Mega V against any machine in its class in a rigidity test. We are very confident that the Mega V is unmatched.

The structure and bearing system are only part of what makes the Mega V awesome. We have taken affordable CNC to the next level with a precision rack and pinion drive system, often only seen in more expensive CNC routers and plasmas. The Z axis is driven by lead screw and anti-backlash nut proven on another of our models. We combined these premium features with some higher performance NEMA 23 motors, and not just any NEMA 23 either. These motors have about double the holding torque of some other machines in its class!  We marry these motors to large digital stepper motor drivers and 48VDC power supply that maximizes the performance of the motors.

The super rigid frame and premium drive system combine for some performance that we believe is unmatched by anything on the market at the price point. The Mega V production model rapid traverses at 650 inches per minute (16,510 mm/minute) on the X and Y axes, giving a diagonal traverse of almost 920 inches per minute (23,368mm/minute)! We have tested the system to diagonal traverse rates of exceeding 1,800 inches per minute! We literally had to slow the Mega V down to keep it from being “too fast”.  Just as importantly, the Mega V has the power to accelerate very quickly. This means that you get from a stop to full rapid rate quickly. We recommend a maximum cutting rate of 500 inches per minute (12,700 mm/minute), which is more than double the rapid traverse rate of some competitors.

Finally, features like the optional 4th axis are quite uncommon for machines in this class.

If the Mega V is so much better, how can you deliver it at these pledge amounts?

At MillRight, we have been very strategic about developing our own manufacturing capability. We always made investments in production equipment as soon as it was fe

asible to expand our in-house capability. We were sure that this would give us major cost advantages in the long term. The “long term” has arrived, and the cost savings are being passed along on the Mega V. A talented team of employees combined with the smart use of automation allows MillRight CNC to manufacture at the lowest cost possible. One example of our in-house production capability is our new live tool multi-axis lathe with a mechanism that constantly feeds new material into the machine. With this level of automation, it can run unattended 24 hours a day making Mega V components, dramatically reducing production cost. It doesn’t stop there. We have efficiently matched different production capacities, so we slash production times with techniques like using our dynamic head water jet to rough out complex profiles while our vertical machining center completes the fine finishing work.

Everything that can be made in house is. Yet, some things just can’t be done internally. We’ve developed strong relationships over the years with factories and suppliers. We’ve used our business experience to negotiate very favorable terms that are sustainable for both parties. For those items that must be sourced offshore, we have a local buying agent that speaks the local language, inspects the factories, and directly negotiates the best possible prices.

Why do you need a Kickstarter campaign for the Mega V if you have all this experience and capability?

We can only provide the Mega V for these low pledge amounts because of the power of the Kickstarter platform. Although we have resources at our disposal, a successfully backed campaign will allow us to make bulk volume purchases for materials and supplies that would otherwise not be possible. We can then pass along these significant savings to the backers.

Can I use a different router and can I get it without the router?

The Mega V router version rewards offered on this campaign includes a DWP611 router. We are not offering it without the DeWalt DWP611 router at this time. The plasma version does not include the router. The mount is designed for a DWP611. We have only tested the machine with the DWP611 and do not recommend another router.

What software come with the machine, and what doesn’t?

Almost everyone has access to 100% free software solutions.

We are going to make available a customized version of Universal G Code Sender (UGS) for download. UGS is a free open source control program written by Will Winder. We have written in additional features such as 4th axis read outs and jog controls.

For designing and making tool paths, we encourage you to look at Fusion 360 from Autodesk. Autodesk provides free licenses to hobbyist users and small business

es making less than $100,000 in revenue (whether you get a Mega V or not). We have the same software under a commercial license and use it for design and generating tool paths for our production machines as well as the machines in the MillRight line up, including the Mega V. We will provide a custom written post processor for plasma cutting and rotary axis work with our machines for Fusion 360.

We also offer Vectric products such as Cut2D and VCarve for those that prefer those programs. We think everyone should check out Fusion 360 since it is such an excellent program and is free to many users, but we also encourage everyone to evaluate Vectric programs as well. Vectric software is user friendly, capable, and in our opinion excels at artistic work and engraving.

What else do I need to use the machine?

The Mega V router version comes with all the parts you need, right down to the DeWalt DWP611 1.25 horsepower router and an end mill. Just download your software and connect your own computer.

The Mega V plasma version has everything you need for a plasma motion system, including a premium welded water table. You must provide your own blowback start plasma cutter. You will also need a compressor unless the plasma has a built-in compressor, as some units do. Finally, you will need your own desktop or laptop (PC or Mac).

Which plasma cutters can I use with the Mega V plasma?

We will directly support the integration of the Hypertherm Powermax 45XP. You may use any blowback start plasma, but you will likely need to wire directly into the switch if it does not have a CNC interface.

The Mega V Plasma version’s electronics box will output control signals to turn the torch on and off, and will provide leads to hook up the optional Proma Electronika SD Torch Height Control.

You will not be able to use plasma cutters without a pilot arc or units that use a high frequency start pilot arc. High frequency start plasma cutters will disrupt the control electronics and may damage the system.

Does the Mega V have a warranty and support?

Absolutely. The Mega V has a 180 day parts warranty, starting at the day it is ships from our facility. This includes the DWP611 router.

We are here to help make sure your machine is running. We can help you with anything related to machine operability by contacting us at support@millrightcnc.com. Project based questions such as “how should I make this project” will be directed to the customer forum. The forum currently has around 1,250 members and MillRight staff participates there too.

What control system does the Mega V use?

The Mega V is using a forked version of Grbl running on an Arduino Mega. This modified version of Grbl provides the 4th axis capability not available on the main branch of Grbl.  The control signals are broken out with a break-out board to our premium stepper motor drivers. It maintains the existing functionality of Grbl such as laser mode, hard limits, and probing. This version adds functionality.

Where do the control electronics go, and do I have to wire them up?

The control box that houses the electronics is top-notch. It is laser cut, CNC bent, welded, and powder coated. We pre-install the electronics into this box and do all the wiring and soldering for you. We spend hours wiring and testing each box to save you time and make it easy for you to get running.  You simply plug the motors and switches into the back of the box. It is that easy. No soldering iron and no multimeter needed.

Do I need to connect a computer to the machine?

Yes, you will need to connect a computer to the machine using the provided USB cable to operate it. The computer can be a laptop or desktop and can be a Mac or PC.