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Nomad Desktop CNC

Make High-Quality Parts from Real Materials

Buy Nomad 3

A fully integrated, ready-to-run desktop CNC mill that's at home in any environment

The Nomad 3 is not just another desktop CNC machine. It's designed it to make CNC machining something that normal people can do. All of the complexity of traditional CNC machines is handled in the background. This is only possible because of our highly-integrated hardware and software.

Meet the Nomad 3

Get Nomad 3

Configure Your Nomad 3

What can it do?

The Nomad is built to take up minimal space and cut a wide variety of materials with amazing surface finish and without making a mess.
Cut Small Metal Parts
Soft metals, like aluminum and brass up to .25" thick cut well on the Nomad.
Plastic is Easy
Plastic machines really well on the Nomad: HDPE, Delrin, acrylic, polycarbonate, and more.
Wood is No Problem
Any kind of wood is suitable for the Nomad, from pine to maple, oak, or the even more exotic species.
Make Prototypes
Whatever materials you need to work in, create functional prototypes with ease.
Make Jewelry
Whether you work in wax or directly in metal, the Nomad is capable of the fine detail you need.
Make PCB's
The Nomad has the precision to do PCB milling with ease, even with SMT components.
Engrave Parts
The Nomad's spindle is fast and has low run out - it's perfect for engraving jobs.
Cut Inlays
The Nomad is accurate enough to cut inlays and pockets that fit together perfectly.
Full 3D Cutting
You're not limited to simple 2D cuts. The Nomad can do complex, flowing organic shapes with ease.

Who is it for?

Electrical Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Educators
Industrial Designers
Woodworkers
Jewelers
Crafters
Hobbyists
Manufacturers of custom products

Specifications

Materials to Cut

Wood
All types of wood
Plastic
Most plastics, including: ABS, Acrylic, Polycarbonate, Delrin, HDPE, PEEK, PVC
Metals
Aluminum, Brass, Copper (Some alloys are more suitable for machining)

Size

Cutting Area
8"(X) x 8"(Y) x 3"(Z)
Footprint
17.5" (X), 19" (Y), 17" (Z)

Calibration Hardware

Work Zero
BitZero V2 work probe
Tool Height
Automatic tool height calibration

Spindle

Spindle Collet
1/8" ER-11, 7mm max cutter diameter (collet not included)
Spindle RPM
9000 - 24000 RPM
Spindle Motor
130W Brushless DC Motor
Bearings
Angular contact bearings for greater rigidity

Hardware

Lighting
Internal lighting for maximum visibility of work piece
Rails
HG15 linear rails on the Z-axis
Nuts
Anti-backlash nuts on every axis
Switches
Inductive homing switches
Door
Inductive safety door interlock

Color Options

Bamboo
White HDPE
Dark Gray HDPE

What's Included

Hardware

Nomad 3
The CNC Machine and power accessories
Calibration
BitZero V2 for quickly setting machining zeros on your stock
Wasteboard
MDF Wasteboard
Tape
Double-sided tape for work fixturing

Collet and Starter Bits

Collet
1/8" ER-11 Collet and wrenches
Ball
1/8" Ball endmill
Flat
1/8" Flat endmill

Software

2D/3D CAD
Your choice of Alibre Atom3D, Alibre Design Pro, or Alibre Design Expert
3D CAM
MeshCAM Pro for Alibre for general purpose 3D machining
PCB CAM
Carbide Copper is CAM software to let you mill PCBs with your CNC machine.
Simple 2D CAD/CAM
Carbide Create can be used for quick, simple design and milling of 2D designs for when your job doesn't really need a CAD system.
Controller
Carbide Motion control software tells the machine how to move based on the gcode you provide from the CAM software.

Warranty, Training, and Support

Warranty
18-month Manufacturer's Limited Warranty
See Warranty Details >
Training
Four 30 minute 1-on-1 training sessions with a Carbide 3D expert via video chat
OOPS Guarantee
We want you to jump into your new CNC router without any fear of damaging anything so the manufacturer's warranty includes the following benefit: For the first 30 days that you own your machine, we’ll replace any Carbide 3D-branded item that’s damaged, even if it’s your fault.
See the Guarantee >
1-on-1 Training
We want you to be successful with your machine. That’s why we offer four 30-minute 1-on-1 training sessions with a Carbide 3D expert via video chat. We’ll help you get your machine up and running, answer any questions you have, and help you get started with your first project.
Support
Unlimited US-Based Support from Carbide3D via email, phone, or video chat. For support related to Alibre CAD products, please contact Alibre.

A Workhorse Spindle

This custom spindle design was engineered specifically for desktop machining. The quick specs:

- 10,000 RPM
- Sealed ball bearings
- ER-11 Collet
- Brushless DC motor
- Custom drive electronics

It remains the most durable and quiet spindle you’ll find on a desktop machine.

Fully Enclosed

The Nomad 3 comes fully enclosed in either HDPE or Bamboo to contain both dust and noise.

With the enclosure closed, it’s possible to put the Nomad in your home or office and not worry about making a mess. A small shop vac is all you need.

Tool Auto-Calibration

Calibrating tool length is always a pain on a desktop CNC machine - they typically lack the automation found in big industrial machines.

The Nomad was designed with an accurate and easy way to automatically measure the tool length before cutting anything. It’s completely integrated into the machine and software so it’s all done during the cutting process. Easy!

Made in the USA

Nomad machines are milled and assembled in the USA. Close relationships with local manufacturers allow an extraordinary level of quality control.