Engraving Comparison on Three Tormach CNC Mills: PCNC 440, 1100MX, and 1500MX

Background

Choosing the right CNC mill can feel overwhelming, especially when you're comparing machines with different speeds, drive systems, and capabilities. At Tormach, we often get questions from customers trying to determine which mill best fits their needs. To help clarify, we recently ran a straightforward engraving comparison across three of our machines, the PCNC 440, 1100MX, and 1500MX, to show how performance differences like acceleration and rapid speeds affect overall cycle time.

Controlling Variables for an Accurate Comparison

To make this test as fair as possible, we used a simple engraving operation and ran the exact same program on each machine. The same material, tool, offsets, and setups were used across all three models. The goal wasn’t to test cutting power or rigidity. We wanted to focus on factors like axis acceleration, spindle ramp-up, and rapid movement speeds.

We eliminated factors such as horsepower and travel limits, which often vary across models and influence decision-making in other contexts. Instead, this test was strictly about how each machine handled the same motion path in the least amount of time.

Performance Results: Time Is the Difference

Here’s what we found after running the program on all three mills:

• PCNC 440: 8 minutes, 10 seconds

• 1100MX: 7 minutes, 44 seconds

• 1500MX: 7 minutes, 9 seconds

The engraving produced on each machine was visually identical. What set them apart was how fast they completed the job. The PCNC 440, being a stepper-driven machine, ran well but took the longest. The 1100MX, powered by servos, completed the job faster. And the 1500MX, equipped with faster axis acceleration and rapid speeds, delivered the shortest cycle time.

Choosing the Right Machine for Your Workflow

All three of these machines are capable of producing high-quality parts. If you're running low-volume or prototype work, the PCNC 440 might suit your needs. If you're looking for faster cycle times and a more powerful system for higher throughput, the 1500MX can deliver those benefits with less effort and more speed.

At the end of the day, it’s about matching your workflow to the right machine. Whether you’re prioritizing speed, footprint, or budget, each Tormach mill has a place in the shop.

For more tips or questions about which machine is right for you, reach out to our team at presales@tormach.com. You can also check our user forums where we’ve posted additional engraving tips and CAM tricks from this project.