Goliath is a portable CNC machine tool that mills, cuts and engraves flat surfaces, including sheet metal and aluminum. Its innovation is how it does so, according to Lorenzo Frangi, who began developing the device as a master's thesis project.

"Goliath overturns the logic of traditional machines because the user can place it directly on the surface to be worked, where it moves autonomously," he said.

The 15"×15"×12" (381mm × 381mm × 304.8mm), 22-lb. (10kg) robotic device from Springa Srl rides on three omnidirectional wheels and guides itself with a patented sensor system that triangulates its position. Using radio-frequency communication, the sensors continuously update the position of Goliath, relative to the work area, at 100 times a second. The sensor system ensures accuracy of 0.004"(0.1mm) and enables autonomous Z-axis calibration.

EdgeInspect quickly scans an edge of a drill for accurate analysis. Image courtesy of Novacam Technologies.

Frangi said he had been interested in developing a "maker-friendly" desktop CNC mill but was discouraged by the small size of the work envelope on such devices—usually only "as big as an A4 (letter-size) sheet of paper." By taking a mill out of its cabinet and attachingwheels, so to speak, the work area becomes boundless, limited only by the size of the workpiece material itself.

The omnidirectional, three-module wheel design ensures that two rollers are always in contact with the panel, guaranteeing that Goliath's movement isn't affected by grooves or profiles that have already been cut.

With its mobility and sensor system, "Goliath can manage the manufacturing of milling, cutting and engraving with a precision comparable to desktop CNC milling machines," Frangi said. "The user can design or download designs from online libraries, then send the file [to the machine control] and supervise the work progress by computer, smartphone or tablet."

While the mill itself is of desktop size and quality, the sensor system and other aspects of Goliath's design will make it of interest to manufacturers in numerous industries.

Springa Srl is preparing to develop a version for the industrial market that would enable autonomous laser or plasma cutting as well as milling. In the meantime, more than 400 orders for Goliath have been presold by Frangi and his partners (in business as Springa) via Kickstarter.

For more information about Springa Srl, Milan, visit www.goliathcnc.com or email [email protected].