Pocket NC V2–50… More RMS’s = More Better

Pocket NC, the group that got their start with a novel 5-axis desktop CNC milling machine, is taking pre-orders for the next revision of their machine. (You can see the original version of the Pocket NC on their 2015 Knickstarter page.)

Controlled by a BeagleBone Black, the latest iteration of the machine (V2–50) is identical to the previous version (V2–10) with one exception, the spindle. Whereas the spindle on the V2–10 has a top speed of 10,000 RPM, the V2–50 can spin up to an astonishing 50,000 RPM. That 5X increase in spindle speed will ramp up the rate of material removal (75% according to Pocket NC) and that will result in much shorter process times. Pocket NC says you should also expect to see an increase in tooling life.

The newly upgraded spindle boasts a 2 micron TIR (total indicated run-out). The spindle is made in Japan and spins on hybrid ceramic bearings. It is an extremely precise component, and it is necessary to keep the machine from shaking itself to pieces at high RPMs. As any machinist knows, an imbalance in a spinning component is amplified by speed and will manifest itself in terrible surface finishes, really loud cutting noises and sometimes, the self-destruction of your machine tool.

The V2–50 comes with one year subscription of Autodesk Fusion 360 Ultimate, and Pocket NC has provided a free to use, web-based Pocket NC simulator. Check this thing out. Seriously, it’s really cool. It allows you to dry-run G-code in a virtual environment with no risk to the machine. You won’t break a cutting tool or chew up expensive stock material trying to get your G-code just right.

The V2–50 is scheduled to start shipping in May of this year. However, Pocket NC is only taking a limited number of pre-orders. If you are interested, you can order one here. BTW, if you have a V2–10, it is possible to upgrade it to a V2–50 but, it will require you to send your machine back to Pocket NC. It is also possible to upgrade a V1 to a V2–50 if you make special arrangements with them. This author thinks that this latest offering from Pocket NC is awesome and that if you can afford the $8,500 price tag, you should jump at the chance to get one.