A 3-axis milling machine is capable of moving the tool within a working volume along the 3 orthogonal axes (X, Y, and Z) of a Cartesian coordinate system. When facing the milling machine, the X-axis represents movements from left to right relative to the table. The Y-axis corresponds to a front-to-back movement. Finally, the Z-axis is associated with vertical movement from bottom to top.

• For 3 axes: our milling machines are capable of 3D machining in bas-relief on a plate. Straight end mills will create stepped surfaces. Ball nose or hemispherical end mills are useful for smoothing reliefs.
• With a 4th rotary axis: our milling machines can machine around the material by rotating it on itself. This allows for 3D parts to be machined on all faces.
• With 5 axes and a spindle oriented along 2 axes: it is possible to machine complex 3D shells and shapes on and around the part.
• With a 4th spindle rotation axis: an intermediate solution between 3-axis and the 5-axis mentioned above is achieved. Unlike 5-axis, the spindle can only tilt along a single axis. The other dimensions will be machined in the same way as with 3 axes.
• 5 axes with a mix of rotary axis and spindle rotation: the part is rotated, and the spindle can tilt to machine all faces of the part.

Our 3-axis milling machines are capable of cutting (2D) and bas-relief engraving (2.5D).

All our milling machines are capable of machining all types of wood, plastics, and non-ferrous metals.

The minimum dimensions for our standard milling machines are 600 x 1200 mm.
For specific needs, it is possible to create custom-made milling machines with smaller dimensions.

The travel distance of a milling machine along a linear axis is the maximum possible displacement of the tool along that axis. Example: if the X-axis travel is given as 1300 mm, the tool can move left and right relative to the table over a distance of 1300 mm.

The travel distance of a milling machine along a rotary axis is the maximum angular range over which the milling machine can rotate (either the tool or the part, depending on the case). Example: if the travel of the B-axis for spindle rotation is given as 180°, this means the spindle can tilt 90° to the left and 90° to the right.

We can build custom machines with special dimensions and functionalities. We also have the expertise to design milling machines with unique structures from scratch.

You can use end mills with shank diameters from 3.175 mm up to 12.7 mm. This requires the appropriate ER collet. We provide a set of ER collets with all possible diameters when we deliver your CNC milling machine.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of standard options that can be added to your milling machine:

– The tool probe includes an electrical probe connected to the spindle and the controller card located in the control cabinet. It allows for measuring the tool length and part height before machining.
– The automatic tool changer includes a tool magazine, tool holders, a spindle capable of suctioning tool holder cones, and a control card capable of managing automatic tool changes.
– Automatic tool change requires a pneumatic supply to hold the cones on the spindle. A compressor is necessary and requires minimum capacities (power: 5.5 kW (7.5 HP); volume: 1000 L; pressure: 0.8 MPa (8 bar); flow rate: 0.7 m³/min)
– The lubrication system includes a pump for lubrication fluid, a hose, a reservoir, and a spray nozzle at the spindle. It sprays micro-droplets to lubricate, cool, and capture dust.
– The vacuum table includes a honeycomb table with aluminum T-slots, suction hoses under the table, and valves on the side of the frame to control table zones. It allows for holding workpieces by vacuum without the need for clamping devices.
– The vacuum pump includes a pump, a filter, and a silencer. It creates a vacuum for the vacuum table. The vacuum pump is powered by three-phase electricity.
– The 4th rotary axis includes a chuck, a tailstock, and a suitable control card capable of managing a 4th axis. It allows for milling the rotating part.
– The 4th axis on the spindle includes a rotation axis along the B-axis, presented as a pivot link between the gantry and the spindle. It allows the spindle to be oriented obliquely and to machine along planes whose normal is perpendicular to the rotation axis.
– The 4th and 5th axes on the spindle include two rotation axes along the A and B axes, presented as two serial pivot links between the gantry and the spindle. They allow the spindle to be oriented obliquely and to machine along planes whose normal is perpendicular to the 5th rotation axis, while the latter is itself perpendicular to the 4th rotation axis.
– The dual horizontal spindle includes two horizontal spindles fixed to the gantry, with their respective chucks oriented opposite each other. It allows for milling and drilling the edges of plates.
– The tangential and oscillating blade includes a spindle fixed to the gantry capable of moving cutting blades. It allows for cutting flexible materials.
– The circular saw includes a cutting disc, a motorized orientable system, and a control card capable of managing a circular saw. It allows for cutting parts.
– The plasma cutter includes a plasma head, a control card capable of managing a plasma cutter, a height controller, a sawtooth table, and plasma cutting software. It must be powered by a plasma generator.
– The chip extractor includes a vacuum cleaner, a bag, a hose, and a nozzle with a brush at the spindle. It allows for vacuuming and collecting chips and dust emitted during machining.
– Pneumatic pins on the vacuum table allow for consistently positioning plates for series machining.

The stepper motor is more affordable but has a simpler design. It has angular steps that tend to be skipped if speeds, accelerations, and forces are too high.

The servo motor continuously knows its rotation speed and is equipped with a feedback system to correct its positioning. It is not subject to step skipping and is therefore better suited for large-scale and precision machining. It will withstand high accelerations and high machining speeds while maintaining its positioning accuracy.

The tool probe measures the tool length and Z-height. It allows for determining the height difference from the previous tool during an automatic tool change.

All our milling machines are available in single-phase 230V or three-phase 380V to suit your premises. However, some high-power milling machines perform better with three-phase power.

All our three-phase powered machines require a neutral, an earth, and 3 phases. They must therefore be connected to the electrical network using 5-pin industrial sockets.

We can arrange a visit to our premises for a demonstration of our milling machines and to show you our machines currently being assembled.

We can issue invoices without VAT if you are a foreign company with delivery outside of France.

All transactions carried out in France are subject to VAT.

The maximum dimensions for our standard milling machines are 2000 x 4000 mm. The maximum Z-axis travel we can implement on a standard milling machine is 600 mm.

We can also manufacture custom milling machines if you require larger dimensions.

It is possible to arrange appointments at sites of customers equipped by LUQUE Machines if you wish to observe machines in real-world situations near you.

All CAM software capable of exporting machining programs in ISO code is compatible with our CNC milling machines.

Among the most well-known: CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, FUSION 360, CAMBAM, VECTRIC, VCARVE, TOPSOLID, FREECAD are compatible with our milling machines.

With the control panel, it is possible to transfer machining programs in two ways:

• by plugging a USB key into the front of the panel
• by searching for them on the local network via an RJ45 cable connection

The transferable and machine-readable files are:

• ISO codes (G-code…) edited by Vcarve
• 2D plans for cutting such as DXF and PDF files

It is possible to create programs directly on the control panel in conversational mode for simple shapes (rectangles, circles) by choosing depths and coordinates.

The control panel also allows modifying lines of ISO programs, writing new ones, and launching a simulation before machining.

Mach3 is software that controls a CNC milling machine from a PC via a controller card. Mach3 cards communicate in real-time with the PC, which sends control instructions as the program is read. For this reason, a software bug, a momentary slowdown of the PC, or a connection problem will cause errors during machining or even a complete blockage of the machine during operation.

To guarantee the reliability of our systems, LUQUE Machines prefers to equip CNC milling machines with fully integrated DSP controllers or control panels. These controllers integrate the program reader and trajectory calculators internally within the machine. In addition to improving reliability and precision, these interfaces are simpler to use.

We provide three different software solutions to meet every need:

• Vcarve Pro
• Fusion 360
• Cambam

We are able to train your staff on the use of Vcarve Pro and Cambam software.

– CPU: 2 GHz Multi-Core X86 or x64
– RAM: 4GB
– Storage space: 1GB
– 1 USB port
– Optional: 8GB additional space to store tutorials and clipart images
– Display: 1024 x 768 pixels
– Operating system: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 or 11
– Graphics card: at least 2GB dedicated RAM and OpenGL 3.3 or newer

All standard spare parts are available in stock at LUQUE Machines and can be shipped within 48 hours.
All other parts with specific or custom requirements are also available. LUQUE Machines is committed to supplying all necessary spare parts for the maintenance of your milling machine.
You can also purchase consumables and parts directly from our online store: https://boutique.luque-machines.com/

We supply all consumables for the operation of your milling machine:

• custom end mills and tools
• ER collets and tool holders
• liquids and greases
• gaskets and sacrificial layers for vacuum tables
• filters and seals

LUQUE Machines can intervene for:

• preventive maintenance for continuous upkeep of your equipment
• corrective maintenance in case of breakdown
• retrofit and improvement of your milling machine during its lifespan

We handle the installation, training, and maintenance of our machines at your premises.

LUQUE Machines assists you with:

• transport of your machine
• unloading your machine at your location
• delivery to the final installation site
• installation of your equipment
• settings, startup, and testing in your workshop
• training of your personnel

The training consists of instructing your personnel on safety, machine operation, and regular maintenance.

We travel to your premises for interventions and also offer preventive maintenance contracts.

When a tool change is necessary, the spindle automatically positions itself above the tool magazine to deposit the current tool holder and pick up a new one. The tool holder consists of an ISO30 taper at its upper part and a chuck (ER collet) that grips the end mill at its shank. The taper is held to the spindle by a clamp controlled by a pneumatic system. Once the tool holder is secured, an automatic measurement of the new tool’s length is optional: the spindle positions itself above the automatic probe to descend in Z until it touches it with the tip of the end mill. Machining can then begin.