Swap out the M2: Cohesion3D or Awesome.Tech
Awesome.Tech
The Awesome.Tech MiniGrbl is a compact and affordable controller board used in small-scale CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines such as desktop CNC routers and engravers. It is designed to control the movement of the machine’s motors and the power output of its laser or spindle.
The MiniGrbl board is powered by the Grbl firmware, which is a popular open-source firmware for CNC machines that provides advanced features such as real-time motion control, acceleration management, and backlash compensation. It can be controlled through software such as CNCjs or LightBurn, which allows for easy communication between the board and a computer.
One of the advantages of the MiniGrbl board is its compact size, which makes it ideal for use in small machines with limited space. It is also very affordable compared to other controller boards, making it a good option for those who are just starting out in the CNC industry or who are working on smaller projects.
So we can say, the Awesome.Tech MiniGrbl is a reliable and cost-effective option for those who are looking for a compact and easy-to-use controller board for their small-scale CNC machine.
Cohesion3D
The Cohesion3D is a type of controller board designed for use in laser engraving and cutting machines. It is an upgraded replacement board for the popular K40 laser cutter, which is a low-cost laser cutter commonly used by hobbyists and small businesses.
The Cohesion3D board is designed to improve upon the limitations of the original K40 control board, which had limited software and firmware support and was prone to reliability issues. The Cohesion3D board uses an improved version of the popular Smoothieboard firmware, which provides advanced features such as support for multiple extruders and axes, automatic bed leveling, and improved acceleration management.
The Cohesion3D board also offers additional features such as support for a variety of input devices including USB, Ethernet, and SD cards, as well as support for LCD screens for standalone use. It also has a larger memory capacity than the original K40 board, which allows for smoother operation and more complex designs.
Overall, the Cohesion3D is a popular upgrade for those who are looking to improve the performance and reliability of their K40 laser cutter. It offers advanced features and improved firmware support, which can help users create higher-quality cuts and engravings with more precision and ease.
A Comparison
The Cohesion3D and the Awesome.Tech MiniGRBL 2 are both types of controller boards used in CNC machines, but they differ in their capabilities and target applications.
The Cohesion3D is designed specifically for laser engraving and cutting machines and is often used as an upgraded replacement board for the K40 laser cutter. It is equipped with advanced features such as support for multiple input devices, larger memory capacity, and improved firmware support with Smoothieboard firmware. The Cohesion3D board also offers additional features such as support for standalone use with an LCD screen.
In contrast, the Awesome.Tech MiniGRBL 2 is a compact and affordable controller board designed for use in small-scale CNC machines such as desktop CNC routers and engravers. It is powered by the Grbl firmware, which is optimized for CNC applications and provides advanced features such as real-time motion control, acceleration management, and backlash compensation.
The MiniGRBL 2 is not designed specifically for laser engraving and cutting machines, but it can still be used for this purpose with the addition of a laser control module. However, compared to the Cohesion3D board, the MiniGRBL 2 has limited capabilities and features.
In summary, while both the Cohesion3D and the Awesome.Tech MiniGRBL 2 are capable controller boards for CNC machines, they differ in their target applications and capabilities. The Cohesion3D is a more advanced board designed specifically for laser engraving and cutting machines, while the MiniGRBL 2 is a more compact and affordable board that can be used in a variety of small-scale CNC machines with some limitations.
