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What is the most important aspect of a CNC milling machine? It is, of course, the size of the working field, the power of the spindle, a sturdy frame, and high-quality components. In this article, we review the Wattsan M1 1616—a professional CNC milling machine designed for precision and efficiency.
Working field
This model has several advantages over other milling machines. One of the most significant is the size of its working field—1600×1600 mm. Despite its larger working area, the machine does not take up much space and can easily fit into a garage workshop. At the same time, it enables processing of materials with a sufficiently large surface area, increasing productivity and operational speed compared to smaller models.
Many milling machines on the market offer a 1500×1500 mm working field. However, as a manufacturer, we abandoned this size long ago because many sheet materials have a width of 1500 mm. This makes it inconvenient to work with as the material barely fits on the machine’s surface. Additionally, some materials measure 1525 mm in width, which does not fit at all in a 1500 mm working field. To address these limitations, we expanded the working area to 1600×1600 mm, providing greater flexibility and convenience for users.
Spindle performance
The standard Wattsan M1 1616 is equipped with an air-cooled spindle, offering 4.5 kW of power and a rotation speed of up to 18,000 RPM. These specifications allow the machine to confidently process any type of wood, including the hardest varieties. Additionally, the machine handles plastics, composites, and even soft metals such as copper, brass, and aluminum with ease.
If needed, the machine can be equipped with a spindle tailored to the customer’s specific requirements. To accommodate this, we have reinforced the gantry and selected specialized accessories. The spindle stroke along the Z-axis is 300 mm, allowing for the machining of very thick materials, deep 3D engraving, and the installation of a rotary device for working with cylindrical workpieces.
The machine is suitable for producing both decorative and functional furniture elements, molds, dies, toys, creative goods, industrial parts, and assembled components. Our development team has been designing CNC equipment for 20 years, continuously integrating the latest advancements in machine tool technology. For instance, we offer the option to install multiple spindles on a single gantry, enabling customers to significantly speed up production without purchasing additional machines or occupying extra floor space.
Sturdy frame construction
One of the most critical components of any CNC milling machine is its frame. The durability of this element and its precise machining determine the machine’s lifespan. The frames of Wattsan milling machines undergo annealing to relieve metal stress, ensuring that the geometry remains stable even after decades of use.
The repositioning accuracy of the Wattsan M1 1616 is 0.05 mm. This precision is largely achieved through the use of high-quality linear rails and helical racks. To maintain alignment and parallelism, we mill the mounting surfaces with high-precision robotic equipment, ensuring consistent accuracy.
Additional features
The machine is equipped with an automatic lubrication system for rails and linear bearings, enhancing long-term performance and reducing maintenance efforts. Moreover, all Wattsan machines undergo rigorous accuracy testing using the Renishaw Ballbar system to guarantee precision.
The movement of the machine along all axes is controlled by dual-phase stepper motors with planetary gears. The machine achieves an idle speed of up to 25,000 mm per minute. To ensure precise endpoint stopping, inductive (non-contact) limit switches are used. Unlike mechanical switches, these sensors are unaffected by dust and debris, which are inevitable in milling operations.
For enhanced performance, we recommend using an aspiration system that removes milling debris directly from the working area during operation. Additionally, Wattsan milling machines can be customized with optional features such as a vacuum table, tool sensor, cooling system, and DSP controller to further optimize efficiency.
Conclusion
The Wattsan M1 1616 is a highly efficient and versatile CNC router designed for professional use. Its spacious working field, powerful spindle, reinforced frame, and intelligent automation make it an excellent choice for woodworking, plastics processing, and even soft metal machining. Whether for furniture production, industrial components, or creative projects, this machine provides the precision and reliability needed for high-quality results. With Wattsan’s commitment to advanced engineering and user-focused design, the machine stands out as a top-tier solution for CNC milling applications.
