We have been fairly quiet publicly in recent months at miniMonster. Mostly due to recovering from illness and no energy to make and post videos and the like. But rest assured, we have been working away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIn-9yaJWU
4th Axis — Limited Preorder Now Open
The biggest thing is that we finished the 4th axis, and have tested it, and are now confident in launching a limited preorder of them. These are high quality, stout, precise and fast harmonic drives with ethercat ac servos driving them. They have a steel face plate that can take certain vises or fixtures directly, or xindian zero point face plate. They mount directly onto the lemontart 33metal table in 3 positions, but also can be mounted onto other 52mm zero point base plates, making them very flexible for other types of machines! With under 20 arc seconds of backlash, 50rpm rapids, and over 30nm continuous holding torque, these little guys dont leave much on the table vs larger 4th axis units, they just can be fit into much smaller spaces!
This 4th axis starts at $2299cdn shipped (1650usd plus tariffs), and has option to add a pre-mounted zero point face plate and ethercat ac servo. (please enquire if you want pulse and direction or something else)
33Metal Frame Kit Refinements & New Bundles
We have also been working on refining the 33metal frame kit based on feedback from customers who have assembled and are using theirs. Things like missing or short bolts, wrong back feet, occasional undersized threads and assembly techniques are all now addressed. We are also going to be adding additional bundles now that we know what most customers are choosing. In the coming days we will be offering a frame kit bundle that includes the 80mm spindle clamp, the laser tool setter mounting bracket, and a 3 axis set of leadshine L7 ethercat ac servos for a price of $7100cdn shipped (5500usd, not including tariffs for usa customers). Soon after we will also have bundles with the new all steel enclosure, and brolly 6 tool changer. Bundling these kits can save a lot of shipping costs (which are included in the price). The enclosed machine will be shipped by boat and help reduce costs dramatically.
A Note on Payment Plans
As bundle prices increase with more items and features, we are seeing a real need to re enable payment plans and paypal, however they charge us a huge fee to use these services (about $250cdn on the current base frame kit). As we have minimal profit margin (sometimes none!) on our machines and accessories, this is problematic. If you would like a miniMonster product, but paying in full up front is a stumbling block, please contact us and we can see if arrangements can be made that work for both of us.
Brolly Tool Changer — First Prototype Coming
Moving ahead to near future items, the brolly has been undergoing refinements and is now finally ready for the first prototype and testing. We hope to have this ready by mid to late august. Price is not set yet, but it should be quite affordable.
Custom End Mills — Pilot Launching Soon
Some of you may have noticed we have been testing custom end mills. These are in partnership with JLC. After debating a lot how to keep these affordable without just giving shipping companies most of the money, we have worked out a program to sell OUR tooling directly on JLC's website, shipped to you directly from them, just like our machines. The initial pilot will be in the next week or so, and will consist of extended reach 'lemontart AL-Black series" end mills in 2, 4, and 6 mm diameters. To make these affordable, they will come in 5 packs at $79, 79 and 89 usd respectively (under $20usd per cutter). These are high performance carbide end mills with a tib2 coating, polished variable flute high rake geometry and a 0.5mm corner radius. This makes them ideal for roughing, finishing and semi finishing of aluminium parts, especially 4 axis ones with the extended reach. If the pilot goes well and people like the cutters, we will add many MANY more. If you have any questions about the geometry, dimensions and use before we get our official page up, just feel free to contact us.
Steel Enclosure — Final Design Phase
As had been mentioned earlier, we are entering into the final design phase of the enclosure. With JLC's help, we are aiming for a semi assembled, welded steel and stainless steel assembly that is still very affordable. It will only be offered in bundled shipped by boat - although as with many of our items, you will also be able to take the CAD files and get it made on your own anywhere you like if its more cost effective. If you own a machine already and want the enclosure, contact us and we will figure out the best route to get it shipped to you at a sane price.
Get in Touch
If you are interested in the lemontart 33metal, 4th axis, or anything else we offer, feel free to contact us with any of your questions or join the discord to chat!