PANTHER1520 1.5 × 2m Ball Screw CNC Router – ESP32 Controller
The CNC Basix PANTHER1520 is a mid-size ball screw CNC machine and CNC router equipped with an ESP32 GRBL CNC controller. Designed for workshops, production work, woodworking, signage, engraving, plastics, acrylic, PCB work and selected aluminium applications, the PANTHER1520 combines ball screw drive systems, linear rails and closed-loop stepper motors in a practical CNC machine platform.
With a machine footprint of approximately 1520 × 1985 mm and a 1240 × 1740 × 200 mm working area, the PANTHER1520 provides a larger working area than the PANTHER1010 and PANTHER1515 while maintaining a practical footprint for workshops and production environments.
The machine uses SFU2010 ball screws on the X and Y axes, an SFU1605 ball screw on the Z axis and HGR15 linear rail systems. Dual Y-axis motors drive the gantry, while four NEMA 34 closed-loop stepper motors provide the configured motion system.
The standard machine is supplied with a Makita RT0700C 700 W router, ESP32 GRBL Laser CNC Controller V4.96 Pro, automatic homing and auto squaring.
1240 × 1740 mm CNC Working Area
The PANTHER1520 provides a 1240 × 1740 mm working area with 200 mm of Z-axis travel.
The working area is suitable for a wide range of CNC routing, cutting and engraving applications, including woodworking, signage, furniture components, plastics, acrylic, PCB work and selected aluminium machining with the appropriate tooling and configuration.
The open-ended machine design also allows longer materials to pass through the cutting area where the material can be repositioned during machining.
Ball Screw CNC Drive System
The PANTHER1520 uses SFU2010 ball screws on the X and Y axes and an SFU1605 ball screw on the Z axis.
HGR15 linear rails provide linear movement across the machine.
The Y axis uses dual motors to drive the gantry.
The combination of ball screws and linear rail systems provides controlled movement for CNC routing, machining and engraving applications.
Closed-Loop Stepper Motors
The PANTHER1520 is equipped with four NEMA 34 closed-loop stepper motors rated at 4.5 Nm.
Four closed-loop motion controllers are included in the standard configuration.
The machine also uses seven proximity sensors for axis homing and limit protection.
ESP32 CNC Controller
The PANTHER1520 uses an ESP32 GRBL Laser CNC Controller V4.96 Pro.
The controller supports:
- USB communication
- Bluetooth communication
- Wi-Fi communication
- Micro SD card storage for local G-code files
- 0–10V spindle control
- PWM and enable control for compatible laser applications
- Wireless pendant operation
The ESP32 controller provides a flexible CNC control solution for the PANTHER1520.
700W Makita Router
The standard PANTHER1520 is supplied with a Makita RT0700C 700 W router.
The router provides manual speed control between 12,000 and 30,000 RPM.
A 65 mm router mount is supplied for the standard Makita RT0700C configuration.
Optional spindle upgrades are available, including:
- 1.5 kW air-cooled spindle
- 1.5 kW water-cooled spindle
- 2.2 kW air-cooled spindle
- 2.2 kW water-cooled spindle
- 3 kW air-cooled spindle
- 3 kW water-cooled spindle
CNC Machine Specifications
- Machine footprint: approximately 1520 × 1985 mm
- Working area: 1240 × 1740 × 200 mm
- Z-axis travel: 200 mm
- Stated cutting depth: up to 100 mm depending on tooling
- X axis: HGR15 linear rails with SFU2010 ball screw
- Y axis: HGR15 linear rails with SFU2010 ball screw
- Z axis: HGR15 linear rails with SFU1605 ball screw
- Y axis: dual motors
- Motors: 4 × NEMA 34 closed-loop stepper motors
- Motor torque: 4.5 Nm
- Motion controllers: 4 × closed-loop motion controllers
- Router: Makita RT0700C 700 W
- Router speed: 12,000–30,000 RPM
- Maximum jog rate: 2,000 mm/min
- Maximum feed rate: 1,000 mm/min
- Controller: ESP32 GRBL Laser CNC Controller V4.96 Pro
- Communication: USB, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Local G-code storage: Micro SD card
- Linear rails: HGR15
- Ball screws: SFU2010 X/Y and SFU1605 Z
- Configured resolution: less than 0.1 mm
- Automatic homing
- Automatic squaring
- Emergency stop
- Seven proximity sensors
- MDF wasteboard and fastening clamps included
Materials & Applications
Depending on the tooling, router or spindle configuration and material, the PANTHER1520 can be used for:
- MDF cutting
- Wood cutting
- Plywood cutting
- Acrylic and perspex cutting
- Plastic machining
- PCB work
- Aluminium machining with the appropriate configuration
- Sign making
- Engraving
- Prototyping
- Furniture components
- Cabinet components
- Production components
- Panel processing
- General CNC routing
CNC Software
The PANTHER1520 can be used with CNC design and CAM software capable of generating compatible G-code.
Easel
Easel can be used for designing and preparing CNC cutting and engraving jobs. A 30-day free trial is available. Subscription pricing is subject to change.
Vectric
Vectric CNC design and CAM software can be used as an alternative for preparing CNC jobs. Basic training is available at additional cost.
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 can be used for CNC design and CAM workflows, including more advanced machining operations. Basic training is available at additional cost.
Machine Requirements
The PANTHER1520 ESP32 requires:
- Personal computer or laptop
- USB connection
- CNC design and CAM software
- Suitable G-code files
- 230V electrical supply
The machine is supplied with the required controller, router, electronics, motors, limit sensors, cables and standard accessories specified for this configuration.
Optional Upgrades
The PANTHER1520 can be configured with additional options depending on the required application.
Spindle upgrades include 1.5 kW, 2.2 kW and 3 kW air-cooled or water-cooled spindle kits.
Table upgrades are available in several sizes, including 1 × 1 m, 1.5 × 1.5 m, 1.5 × 2 m, 1.5 × 3 m and 2 × 3 m square-tubing tables.
Laser upgrade options are also available, including selected diode laser and AlgoLaser/LightBurn configurations.
PANTHER Ball Screw CNC Range
The PANTHER range is CNC Basix's ball screw CNC machine range, designed for customers requiring ball screw drive systems, linear rails and controlled CNC movement.
The range includes different machine sizes and configurations to suit different working requirements.
The PANTHER1520 provides a 1240 × 1740 mm working area, placing it between the smaller PANTHER1010 and PANTHER1515 and the larger PANTHER machines in the range.
- Compulsory delivery, setup and minimal training of the machine at additional costs to the customer - within South Africa only.
- Delivery Time For Gauteng And Surrounding Provinces 3-5 Weeks Lead Time
- Delivery Time For Northern, Eastern & Western Cape 5-8 Weeks Lead Time