With the launch of the new lemontart 33metal machine frame kit, we have a lot of questions about where the "miniMonster" is, that cool blue machine we saw in those renders?
The short answer is that the lemontart 33metal IS the miniMonster. lemontart is simply the new model name for our machines that come in DIY self assembly kit form. The name miniMonster will be reserved for complete ready to run machines when they arrive at a later date. If you were waiting for the miniMonster in frame kit form, this is it. If you were waiting for a turnkey ready to run machine, you are still waiting a little while longer.
But are the specs the same you ask? What about that ATC turrert? I want that turret! Hold yer horsies.
Almost everything intended to be available on the blue miniMonster will be available for the lemontart 33metal. That includes the ATC turret for HSK spindles, a side mount atc for ISO20 and ISO10, a harmonic drive 4th axis and zero point tooling focus. It is still crazy fast, quite precise, and can handle spindle up to 3-4kw. There will also be multiple enclosure options and a steady stream of accessories and tooling.
What has mostly changed is the entry point. Leveraging our manufacturing partner JLC's services we are able to supply a self assembly frame kit at almost half the price target of the miniMonster 430 frame. The compromises are minimal, and the performance almost identical. It still has high preload linear guide and C5 precision ground ball screws, they are just JLC's house brands on the entry level kit.
The other big change is.. bigness. We changed the lemontart to 330mm x travel from 430mm, and lowered the gantry clearance 10mm. The is entirely for logistical reasons because the extra 100mm increases the price of machining and shipping dramatically.
Now, some of you are thinking "I still want a bare frame, but I didn't want to assemble the frame on my own, and I wanted the higher end brand name hardware promised on the miniMonster 430". Don't fret! We intend to pilot localised assembly AND upgraded precision hardware in the near future, starting with the Toronto area in canada.
Read our faq section and other article postings for more information on the new lemontart 33metal, and remember this website is a work in progress, so if you don't seen an answer you need, do not hesitate to contact us!
- The miniMonster team