The Solo by Penta Machine - Compact 5-Axis Machining

www.pentamachine.com/solo
After selling and supporting our flagship product, the Pocket NC, for 8 years - we became painfully aware of the fact that the options for 5 axis milling machines between our Pocket NC desktop machine and large industrial 5 axis machines were few and far between.
We observed customers whose primary constraint was the man-door entrance to their workspace using the Pocket NC machines for applications they aren’t well suited for. We want our machines to be the first tool our customers turn to - not the last resort.
And so we decided to create a machine that would solve that problem, the Solo. We know first hand that innovation doesn’t always start in a machine shop or even a garage(our company started in a garden shed). We aimed to pack all of the features you would find on an industrial 5 axis machine into a package that would still fit through a man door.

[@DedicatedAssassin]

Worked quite a lot with Penta Machine couple years ago when they were still Pocket NC, fantastic service. Very exciting new machine.

[@_Error_404_Goodbye]

I think the bigger challenge for the 5 axis maker space today is the cam software prices. They’re out of control and put this type of tech firmly out of the hands of smaller diy guys. $200/mo is the cheapest I’ve seen for 3+2 cam software (which let’s face it, is not what you want for more intricate projects) and that’s insane for the average person to foot as a hobby and still have to buy the materials to cut, and tools to cut with. There are more than enough machines on the market to buy, the machines are NOT the issue. The issue is the software to make the tool paths. Proper continuous 5 axis cam. If you guys want to make a product, make a reliable, affordable continuous 5 axis CAD/CAM software package priced at something the average person can afford. That will sell your machines. Seems crazy to me with all the diy tech out there in 2024 and there’s still no good option for this without second mortgaging your home 🤷‍♂️

[@oceanic8424]

Does F360 machining function support that many axes?

[@_Error_404_Goodbye]

​​⁠it will for a hefty price tag. I really have to urge everyone watching this video to have a good long look into continuous 5 axis cam before considering purchasing a 5 axis mill. This is one of those “silent killers” or “hidden costs” and makes this type of milling so expensive for the average hobbyist that it’s really not practical. 4 Axis is much more economical for hobby and the CAM systems are everywhere for reasonable prices. If this machine is $80k, can you also afford $200/mo just in basic cam software? Some 5 axis continuous is upwards of $60k/yr and higher. It’s easy to imagine what you’d like to make with something like this, but not a lot of people realize what the true cost of these machines are. For business use this is a different story, but this is a far few steps removed from hobby status machining, and I only bring up hobby machining because of the pocket NC

[@_Error_404_Goodbye]

Basically I’ll put it like this: look into prince and capabilities of 3+2 and then look into price and capability of continuous 5 axis cam and you’ll see what I mean. The pros and cons between the two types and what it means to use 3+2

[@YulehHabibi]

What parts are hobbyists making that require simultaneous 5 axis motion?

[@ucdwino]

I had no idea that simultaneous 5 axis was expensive, but even if that’s true, having an affordable 3+2 is still a game changer allowing SO much better production than a standard 3 or even 4 axis machine, with fewer setups and resulting greater accuracy

[@XhectorX1417]

Amazing technology. It's amazing that you were able to bring so many features into such a compact format. Hope it sells well.

[@Milkex]

Gorgeous bit of kit! I imagine it's going to sell great, especially with the automation tools! still saving for a pocket v2, myself 😅

[@ChunkyChipz]

If machine has a slogan it would be "I have plans that I cannot share with you right now because the haters will sabotage me."

[@JaridMitchell]

I hate how hard I laughed at this lmao. My GF quotes this all the time

[@JakeDanczyk]

Looks amazing, congrats guys.

[@ASilentS]

No pricing readily available on your site? Quotes are so lame. What year is it?

[@salvatorebosco5917]

The Solo by Penta Machine, a compact 5-axis machining system, is priced at $80,000 and above. However, for early customers, there is a special pricing of $75,000​​. This price includes features such as a 14-tool automatic tool changer, a polymer concrete base for increased rigidity, and a 1.3kW, 18,000rpm spindle​​.

[@frikkied2638]

I wonder if you would say this to someone in person. Get some manners son.

[@ASilentS]

@@frikkied2638 Dad? How did you get out of the care home?

[@fokjohnpainkiller]

​@@frikkied2638 Lmao boomer

[@ahnichamna]

its common that this industry pay huge comission to the sellers (something like 3rd parties). so they always hide the retail price lol

[@saundersmachineworks]

WELL done!!!!

[@dunichtich100]

I am in love! I deamed of this machine years ago and wanted to build something similary as a hobby project but you perfectionized it 😍👌🏼

[@jarexxsuvexx8212]

🤦🏾‍♂️These guys got shopping cart options on their website and are forcing quote pricing!!! This is an early warning to anyone interested in buying this machine about potential bad customer service and quality control issues.

[@ArtorMachine]

Supercool subtractive machine!

[@davidmimay]

enclosure, 5 axis and automatic tool changing, im sold! wait flood coolant too?

[@lambda7652]

The Music and die narration with bushit buzzwords scream Kickstarter scam...But the Machine looks cool.

[@edsontrevizan1918]

The concept is brilliant, only that the size is so small. Perfectly will be have options for 12"x12"x12".

[@mapsofbeing5937]

looks like a serious professional product, makes sense there's a request quote because I'm too poor to afford it

[@BeefIngot]

Thats the way it is isnt it, but to be fair, we couldnt afford the CAM software to go with it anyways so, it is what it is.

[@MantismanTM]

Love this. Want this. NEED this.

[@CS-vw3db]

Hope you got 80k laying around.

[@jonflanagin6682]

$85,000. No thanks

[@graycenmashburn3]

$80k is steep. Looks like I'll keep looking for a used Brother/Robodrill. Edit// It doesn’t change the fact you all built and designed an incredible tool in a small package. Something to be said for that.

[@conorg6273]

I was looking at a new Jet Ski. Decided it was too expensive so now I am going to look at used sail boats instead. ^^^ Your comment

[@Convolutedtubules]

Squeeze in a bigger machine, even if you have to knock a hole in a wall to get it in. It will be a better deal in the end.

[@tobigforyou]

I'm in love.

[@rolandocrisostomo2003]

That is an amazing machine. I just need to win the lotto

[@josuevivas]

OMG, this seems to be a great machine. This looks like a DATRON NEO of my dreams. Hopefully, the price is competitive.

[@jankaas2760]

Base price is 80k so not competative at all. Just for comparison the syil u5 is 79k and that is a super capable machine. Able to swing a part of 100kg with travels of 500x400x250. And has a 30k spindle. So if the main selling points are that its small and easy to power. I suspect they are not selling allot of them.

[@SgtPreed]

@@jankaas2760 Also looking at the material test results on their website, having to run 4 finishing passes to get to within +/-0.03mm average error tells me this machine is not rigid enough.. I'd rather have a bulkier machine that is much more rigid tbh.. I'd perhaps consider this if it was around 15-20k..

[@brianwaayenberg3099]

A lot of hate in the comments. I say-congrats in a job well done. I hope it sells well. Pocket nc packages with fusion was a super cool offering for its time and I hope this hits the market just as well.

[@aelisenko]

link in the description is a 404, I think its small letter "solo" not "Solo"

[@PentaMachineCo]

thanks!

[@dominicvallez6176]

It’s $80,000

[@jankaas2760]

I was guessing it would be in the 20/25 range. Boy was i mistaken. I would rather get a second hand industrial machine for half that, and use the remaining 40 for a add on to the house.

[@hinz1]

@@jankaas2760 Exactly, or just by a 3 axis for 1/20price and do 3+2axis with manual universal table. You can do plenty of things that way, 5axis is only for those, who are bad at engineering. Or those who make/need turbine/impeller parts.

[@feelindizzy777]

good answer/insight

[@readdaily5680]

gee willikers 80k?

[@FlopparaptorPro]

Are they crazy?? You can actually get a real industrial CNC machine for that money and even have some spare money to buy tools holders and some coolant.

[@vdub2002]

Why would someone pick this over a syil? Serious question

[@sheldonthomas8773]

5 axis!!!

[@conorg6273]

Fit through an office door. Runs of a standard power outlet. Decent work envelope with full 5 axis simultaneous machining capability. It's a niche product but will fit in well for it's target market. This is not for hobbyists or industrial shops. It's for R&D office labs. Those guys will drop $100k on a 3D printer without thinking twice.

[@jankaas2760]

@@conorg6273 if they can spend 100k on a 3d printer, a bigger workshop/power supply is also feasable. Then you can buy a machine cnc techs can/will actually work on.

[@Atmatan]

I bet youd sell a lot more units if you supported opensource rather than enterprise.

[@eobet]

Wish someone would do something like this in the EU…

[@Mk98788]

LBR Manufacturing from Germany seems to plan a machine in at least a similar external form factor

[@eobet]

@@Mk98788 yeah, similar form factor, but way different power requirements, unfortunately...

[@Mk98788]

Yea, but three phase power is afaik available in most EU houses - but yes, it’s not for normal 230V Plugs ^^

[@eobet]

@@Mk98788 sure, but 32A fuses aren't. that requires installation of a new line. costly. not to talk about 17 000 watts while running the thing!? 😆

[@Mk98788]

@@eobet that’s true, maybe they will implement a lower power mode for 16A plugs aswell if that’s a customer requirement…we will see. Concerning the 17kw that’s as far as I understand it the maximum power for really rapid/high power cuts, so as long as you only do light machining it should be way lower.

[@ryebis]

Nice compact machine for prototyping needs or very small production runs when you don't have the floor space. I can't justify the ROI unless you really need 5 axis, in most cases you can get away with 3 axis and multiple setups. Used 5-axis UMCs are only marginally more expensive and a lot more rigid / capable, I think you can get a smaller HAAS 5-axis UMC for $100k

[@OU81TWO]

With this machine you're paying for the small form fact. HASS is a better value because you can reliably machining steel to good tolerances. This thing doesn't look rigid enough for steel.

[@ryebis]

@@OU81TWO I think it should be able to handle mild steel with conservative feeds, still a very niche product. I'm sure they've done the market analysis though.

[@brickct123]

What's the expected launch price?

[@PatrickHoodDaniel]

Very nice machine!

[@yasnac7576]

This would be great in my home! I'm a retired machinist. My first question is how much?

[@Convolutedtubules]

80k or so.

[@thugrider911]

wait so it has RGB? if so im sold

[@sibsib9242]

i need this ^^

[@user-cg3em4cw4f]

No way this is 80K i swear i see hgr rails in there

[@bennyb.1742]

Some tech bro, daddy's money start up will happily pay 80k for one of these! Useful for business? Not at all. Really, really cool man cave gadget for the wealthy? absolutely.

[@user-cg3em4cw4f]

@@bennyb.1742 Oh yeah it's sick I just don't get how the final price comes out to 80K.

[@BrianTroup-zk4yn]

I was thinking the same thing. ClearPath motors to boot. (good motors, but not expensive), and a better PWNCNC ATC Spindle can be had for under $4k. I do like the design though. The design is 100% desirable.

[@user-cg3em4cw4f]

@@BrianTroup-zk4yn Yeah the design is very cool but the markup is a bit crazy.

[@macmos1]

I feel like this running on an arduino

[@IamTheLegendofDC]

Hello Penta Machine Company, my friend Kyle Goodwin said "You tell him, that a pallet jack is not a CNC jack. It is a pallet jack. Use a pallet. If I ever see this again, then he can meet me at the street at high noon and we'll settle this like men. Thank you." "I anxiously await your reply"

[@koolguyson]

Not a huge fan of Haas, but you're within 10k of an actual industrial sized and capable CNC with a small 5ax rotary. Priced yourself out of the competition.

[@conorg6273]

A lot of complaining about the price here from hobbyists who want everything for half nothing. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it justifiable? For the market they are going after, yes it is. Last month I was in with a multinational R&D lab, where they have 6 high end 3D printers each priced at over $100k. It would be an easy decision for them to purchase a product like the Solo for $80k. This is the target market for this product. Not the guy in his shed complaining about having to pay $200 p/month for 5 axis software Fits through an office door, runs of a standard power outlet. Decent working envelope and automatic tool changer. There is nothing on the market for this niche. Yes you can get used Haas with a 5 axis table for less money, good look fitting it through an office door and running it off an normal electrical socket.

[@niw-w1f]

They would buy a Datron Neo

[@conorg6273]

@@niw-w1f 3 axis machine. You're comparing apples and bowling balls

[@Kicker700]

What is pricing?

[@Basement_CNC]

he once said about 80k (wich is steep, if you ask me, id rather ho woth a syil u5 at that point

[@wisconsingoprogoalie8125]

If you go to their website you can get a quote without putting in any personal info. To answer your question, looks like ~$80k to start.

[@iopfarmer]

Great niche machine. I hope the maintenance plan can be purchased with the machine if the target is non production facilities 😉

[@max_eley]

Looks great, I've been following this for ages on instagram, but the pricing needs to be altered in order to compete.

[@BeefIngot]

Compete with who??

[@t6nu69EST]

What about price range?

[@pygmallionaire]

incredible! Can it cut stone like marble? Most cnc machines I've seen don't have the water which could be a game changer

[@Convolutedtubules]

Really nice, waay overpriced. But I know some people will buy it, and thats exactly what you're counting on. This machine is for those who really need it and can afford it.

[@alfonsoalvarez5044]

Saludos cordiales desde Caracas Venezuela 🇻🇪, yo quiero una máquina de esta para dar mis clases de ingeniería a mis estudiantes, ¿Cómo o con quién hacer para comprarla?, Muchas GRACIAS y éxitos 😁💯☕🤝

[@yahtadi5152]

Looks pretty mate

[@paulforsythe2325]

$80k starting price is a chunk of cash. I know there is a lot that goes into building, design, R&D and profit. I hope you do well.

[@shotgunreloader4964]

brilliant

[@Convolutedtubules]

Kinda cool if you're extremely confined for space. You can get a far bigger and better machine for the price of this little machine.

[@47EZ_DRIVER]

Since this machine is $75000, what machine would you get instead for the same price?

[@jankaas2760]

@@47EZ_DRIVER syil u5

[@bobbiebobbob8761]

Amazing

[@flikflak24]

first i was like "why hsk25 " but then i was like " ohh yeah. right. its the same thats used in the datron. that way you can take there insert tool and put in there". now all it needs are a place for me to put in some extra weight in non moveing parts and some better cable manicement ( i mean those cables from the controle to the machine could really need some help ( that is like a 2 min job i know ))

[@turbomayhem3896]

Amazing machine and i want one but unfortunately i am a mortal man and that is way beyond my budget.

[@TheNefastor]

Sounds way too expensive. This is what hobbyists would want at what I'm sure is a price only three hobbyists on Earth can afford. If you have that kind of money, you don't buy a machine this tiny. You may not even buy a machine at all, you can always outsource. As for prototyping (which, let's face it, this is only going to be good for) same thing. Automation makes it sound like this is meant to run 24/7 on a shop floor. What I'm saying is, I have no idea what the target market is, but I'm not it.

[@thefilthelement]

Is that Butte?

[@PentaMachineCo]

Belgrade

[@thefilthelement]

@@PentaMachineCo Great Falls here

[@HexlGaming]

so it's like a 3d printer, but cnc

[@jjoonathan7178]

[@alonsorobots]

Lost me at man door…

[@ottsixsupport8170]

I need this

[@danhphan4571]

Guess they just buy most components for their machine and markup the price to be 80k+ for such a small spindle and light weight machine. A compact CNC, say brand new, with rotary table can handle more jobs at about the same price. Custom tooling system rather than standard BT30, CAT40 will make it difficult to scale the business and likely ended up selling at a lost compared to other machine tool can last for a fairly long time, say 10 years with proper maintenance. Of course, for hobbyist, these types of machines would live in the garage rather than actually inside the house that potentially messing up with all the little chip and cutting fluid.

[@nonapplicable1013]

80,000.00 for the base model lol

[@tbugduoduo4767]

I want it！！！！！

[@sheepman6291]

I would rather get a brother for that price.

[@gg48gg]

Nice looking machine but its just too expensive. It will only sell to Fortune 500 CEOs that will use it for decorating their offices.

[@james.a]

Starts at $80k 😢

[@Foxfried]

5 Axis without a ATC? Yeah... not sure about this...

[@PentaMachineCo]

It has an ATC with 14 tools.

[@azazahmed3708]

don't tell me it cost 100k

[@freeforall825]

close. 80k. Not worth it unless you have money to waste.

[@user-og8ij6ge9t]

How did you get Joe Rogan to do the voice over for this?

[@JanNalivaika]

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!

[@christophorus9235]

Lol 80k....

[@dzot43]

shut up and take my money!!!!))))

[@Pureblood712]

Bro im seeing 80k for this LOL nah 1800 spindle speed hahaha

[@Detvarsomfan]

80k?!😂😂😂😂 for 80k i can get a used DVF 5000 in nearly mint condition 😂. A small and weak machine like this is absolutely useless even for simpler prototyping.

[@blakes8901]

I came. more than once

[@asidesigner8542]

5000$ is the maximum price I would pay for this

[@arbjful]

It’s a five axis milling machine…are you for real

[@bennyb.1742]

$25k would be decent. 80 is out to lunch.

[@Hibbie2963]

Rolling through your man door, wearing a man bun? There is nothing Man about that. Start in THE SHOP! and loose the BUN!

[@Jsu-gq5nt]

Hard to compete with the Makera Carvera CNC machine

[@electronicsandewastescrapp7384]

not even in the same universe of machines my guy. You'd compare this to a Tormach.

[@hwacheon4169]

clearpath servo ?

[@TheMotosnake]

Lol. 80k ? Get a slightly used HAAS umc 500 for that . 😂

[@volodymyr4383]

80.000$? 🖕

[@kurtkrause7151]

Great news guys, thanks. I held out for this moment. 👍✌️🙏🪶