VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX – Review

VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX
VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX

VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX

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We are reviewing the VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX, an affordable multi CNC carving, cutting and engraving power tool.

VEVOR has become a massive tools manufacturer/seller with an endless number and variety of products for professionals and DIY as well.

The VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX is part of the ample catalogue of 3-axis CNC machines, belonging to their budget-friendly category. The specific model sits among the most popular CNC machines on the market due to the value for money and versatility.

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VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX Review

Tests & Scores

Scores Scores

VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX Scores

A

Accessories & Packaging

It is important to highlight that there are plenty of 3018 PRO varieties which include different amount of accessories, router/spindles and laser models. Therefore, we recommend that you take your time to see in detail which model and which accessories are included in the model that you are choosing before buying it. The CNC model that we are reviewing comes bunded with all the necessary pieces and tools to assemble the unit and additional accessories such as:

• 1 x 3018 CNC Router Kit
• 1 x 2500mw Laser Module
• 1 x Spindle
• 1 x U-Disk (Software & Instruction)
• 1 x Set of Milling Cutter
• 1 x Pair of Protective Glasses
• 1 x USB Cable
• 1 x Power Supply
• 1 x Set of Tools
• 1 x Brush
• 1x Offline controller

gramophone-256605/5

D

Design

With a dimension of 15.7″ x 11.8″ x 9.4″ / 400 x 300 x 240 mm, the VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX has a practical size for acceptably medium-sized work but at the same time not taking too much space on a working desk.

This specific model includes 2 acrylic side panels that serve to protect from possible loose pieces, dust and chips while engraving and due to a polarized finish it also acts as an eye protection to the laser light emitted. No LED lights nor extra illumination are available but you can easily adapt a strip light to the structure.

The unit comes does not come assembled from factory, so users will have to grab the included tools, pieces and manual and carefully put together the CNC machine – depending on your manual skills you should take 1 to 2 hours to get the CNC fully assembled and ready to work. It is highly recommended to take your time and read the manual as there are no spare screws/bolts so if you lose one during assembly you will not be able to continue until you buy the lost part.

Our recommendation to VEVOR, labeling of each bag containing the assembling parts/screws would ease up the assembly. the manual is well labeled and listing each part number.

gramophone-256604/5

CB

Construction & Build

Overall, the VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX has a balanced compromise of aluminum, metal and non-metal parts (bakelite) that result in a well-assembled CNC machine for hobbyists and non-commercial use. As a point of reference, this VEVOR CNC machines is much more robust than the legendary 3d printer Anet A8.

Sections such as profiles, rods, screws are all made of metal while the main structure (seen in black color in photos) are made of backelite with the exception of the X axis and Y axis main lateral structures which are black colored aluminum profiles. Furthermore, nuts are made of copper while the T8 screw rods are made of stainless steel.

It is nice seeing that the bundled clamps are made of metal instead of backelite or plastic as many other affordable CNC include.

gramophone-256604/5

OC

Operation & Control

The 3018 PRO MAX can be fully controlled and used by connecting it to a computer through the USB connection.

The GRBL control and mainboard allows complete control of all axis, spindle, laser module, etc. You can use the bundled software on the U-Disk included with the machine, which are Candle for CNC (spindle) and LaserGRBL when the laser module is used.

The 3018 PRO MAX is not limited to be used with these 2 programs, it can also be used with several other software or even online CNC apps like Easel.

Moreover, each axis can be manually moved by 3 independent knobs – this will come as a much more handy function that you can imagine when positioning, adjusting and setting your work.

If you get a model that includes the offline module control panel (like the one that we are reviewing) you will gain access to full control of the CNC machine without the need of a computer.

gramophone-256604.25/5

V

Versatility

The VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX is a particularly versatile CNC machine as it comes with a router spindle for CNC carving, engraving and cutting and a laser module for laser engraving.

Furthermore, due to the modules included and the overall performance the VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX can also be used without fear for engraving plastics, soft aluminum, acrylics, PVCs, PCBs, leather and more.
To expand even further it’s versatility, the unit comes bundled with 10 different milling bits for the CNC spindle/router module.

In addition to this, both modules can be replaced and upgraded with faster and stronger routers/laser whenever wanted – the modding community has even installed Makita and DeWalt router power tools as the CNC module (with custom reinforcement of main structure pieces)

The bundled power pack is multi-voltage 100-240V with a DC output of 24V 5A, so you can use it and connect it without any voltage converter/adapter in either 100V-110V 60Hz and 200-240V 50Hz AC countries.

gramophone-256604.75/5

P

Performance

The model that we are reviewing comes equipped with a 775 24V spindle motor with 10000 revolutions per minute and a 2500mW laser module running at 450nm wavelength with an active air cooling fan design.

You should know that focusing of the laser and also alignment and leveling of all components are key to achieve optimal results using the CNC machine – you should control these characteristics specially in sections such as working bed, rods and structure.

With backelite structure pieces with as much thickness as 15mm, these non-metal sections do not show significant wobbling nor flex as to affect any DIY and hobbyist CNC results.

On top of that, the aluminum working bed shares the same 15mm thickness ensuring rigidity but lightweight and a lower stress on axis motors to move the bed back and forth.

We proceeded to test out the performance of the CNC with the laser module by pushing the max power to 100% (also correct engraving speed set to this use) and attempting cutting several materials with a coherently thin thickness such as 5mm plywood and the VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX had no difficulty cutting through the wood.

We continued to attempt cutting 3mm quality plastics, the 2.5W laser module needed several passes and very slow speed in order to fully cut through it but got the job done with only some acceptable melting on the edges that was easily hand sanded to achieve smooth edges.

Engraving soft materials such as leather and plastics was a piece of cake for the VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX and the fairly low-powered 2.5W laser module. Of course, when attempting to engrave harder and denser materials such as wood and metal, the CNC machine needed more time and stronger power settings for the laser module but returned excellent results in definition, precision and engraving quality.

The CNC spindle module was equipped to continue with the testings and the 10000r/min router showed a respectable milling, carving and engraving for reasonably thick woods for DIY and hobbyist projects.

Engraving was no challenge for the CNC machine nor the small spindle motor either on soft and hardwoods, while carving needed more time and cutting several small passes, the machine was able to complete all projects without presenting issues such as chipping, stalling nor overheating.

It is fair to note that despite the exceptional performance and versatility of the VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX, the unit will have limitations regarding cutting capabilities and mostly the total time needed to complete larger jobs as to classify a professional tool for commercial use – though you can still use it for production and commercial use if you accept the time needed and understand how much you can push the unit.

Throughout all the hours and days long testings, neither the motor-spindle, laser module nor the PSU showed any overheating issues but it is fair to mention that the axis movement does emit a medium intensity of noise while moving – the loudness will also depend on how well you have assembled the machine and it’s maintenance over time.

Overall, the performance of the VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX showed a crazy bang for buck, proving to be a wonderful companion for people wanting to get into CNC without breaking the bank or to DIY and home users that want to get creative with engraving and carving.

gramophone-256604.5/5

Val

Value for Money

It is hard to argue and question the value for money of the VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX with the variety of carving, engraving and cutting possibilities and materials able to handle thanks to the exchangeable router/laser modules and upgradeability.

Indeed, it is no wonder why this is one if not the most sold and popular affordable CNC on the market.

gramophone-256605/5

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LEE

Laser Engraving Examples

Below you can see a couple of examples of what you can do and what you can expect with the laser module to laser engrave different types of materials – much better results can be obtained with further practice and experience.

From left to right:

  1. 1st Row (Engraving of ThePhonograph logo): Vectorized on spacebar key of keyboard; Back of stainless steel watch; Painted metal
  2. 2nd Row: Engraving with filling on 2nd keyboard; Center rectangular custom cut on plastic wall wiring cover; Higher powered engraving on painted metal
  3. 3rd Row: “2 A” labeling on USB charger by engraving; Engraving on wood

Our general conclusion of these testing examples were:

  1.  Stainless steel engraving:
    very hard to achieve acceptable results with speeds as low as 5 and max laser power (taking around 40 minutes for a very small 17mmx5mm engraving) and only reaching a “ghosty” engraving – of course, a 2.5W laser module is not the best choice for this kind of engraving but getting a stronger 15W can get the job done with much more ease and better results
  2. Painted metal:
    Very easy, instant results
  3. Plastic engravings
    Great, just do not overdo it to avoid engraving too deep on the plastics
  4. Labeling on plastic:
    Easy and excellent results

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Specifications

VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX Technical Specifications

• Model: VG-S3018 Pro MAX
• Effective Working Area(X x Y x Z): 11.8″ x 7.1″ x 1.8″ / 300 x 180 x 45 mm
• Materials: Aluminum Profile & Bakelite
• Control Software: GRBL Control
• Input Power: DC 24V 5A
• Spindle Speed: 10000 rpm
• Stepping Motor: Size 42, 12V; Torque: 0.25 N/m
• Driving Units: T8 Stainless Steel Screws
• Cutter Diameter: 0.125″ / 3.175 mm
• Positioning Accuracy: 0.003″-0.004″ / 0.08-0.1 mm
Item Dimension: 15.7″ x 11.8″ x 9.4″ / 400 x 300 x 240 mm

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VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX

VEVOR CNC 3018 PRO MAX
9

SCORE

 9.0/10
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