CNC News Digest - January 31, 2026
Published
This week in CNC: Makera Z1 production continues post-CES with Pro Upgrade announced for March. AI Craft text-to-toolpath software lowers the CAD/CAM barrier for beginners. Shapeoko announces HDM V3 for users needing maximum rigidity. The desktop CNC market is maturing with both entry-level and prosumer options.
Makera Z1 Pro Upgrade Announced for March 2026
Following the $10M+ Kickstarter success and CES 2026 showcase, Makera announced a 'Pro Upgrade' option for the Z1 desktop CNC. The upgrade targets faster motion speeds and is expected in March 2026. Early backers received production updates on shipping timelines.
If you backed the Z1, the Pro Upgrade option adds future-proofing. If you're considering the Z1 now, waiting for the Pro option may be worth a few weeks - faster motion directly translates to shorter job times on production runs.
💡What this means for you
The base Z1 features a 150W closed-loop spindle at 13,000 RPM with 0.02mm precision. The 'Pro Upgrade' likely increases motor power and motion speeds for faster rapids. The cast aluminum frame provides the rigidity needed for higher accelerations.
Market Position: At $599 Kickstarter price, the Z1 undercuts all enclosed desktop CNCs except DIY kits. The Pro Upgrade option targets users who want to start affordable but scale up without replacing the entire machine.
- Pro Upgrade pricing
- Retrofit vs factory-installed options for existing backers
- Speed improvement specifications (rapids, cutting feeds)
⏸️ Wait if: You need maximum speed from day one, Pro specifications are important to your workflow
✅ Buy if: $599 entry price fits your budget now, You can upgrade later as skills develop
🏆 Standout Features
Makera AI Craft Simplifies CAD/CAM for Beginners
Makera introduced 'AI Craft' within Makera Studio at CES 2026 - an AI-powered text-to-toolpath system. The feature allows users to describe what they want to create in natural language, receive tool recommendations, and generate machining code without CAD/CAM experience.
This is the most significant accessibility improvement in CNC since the invention of the hobby CNC itself. If traditional CAD/CAM has been your barrier to CNC, AI Craft provides an on-ramp. Expect similar features from competitors within 12 months.
💡What this means for you
AI Craft uses LLM-based design generation combined with CAM post-processing. The 'Text to Relief' workflow converts descriptions or 2D images into 3D relief models with optimized toolpaths. This automates the most complex CNC planning steps.
Market Position: First consumer CNC integration of generative AI for toolpath planning. Similar to how LightBurn 2.0 added AI material recognition, this represents the 'AI layer' being added across maker tools. First-mover advantage for Makera.
- Accuracy of AI-generated toolpaths vs expert CAM
- Material database coverage
- Offline capability or cloud-required
⏸️ Wait if: You're already proficient in Fusion 360 or VCarve, You need precise control over every toolpath parameter
✅ Buy if: CAD/CAM learning curve has stopped you from CNC, You want quick prototyping without deep technical knowledge
🏆 Standout Features
Shapeoko HDM V3 Announced for High-Rigidity Users
Carbide 3D announced the Shapeoko HDM V3 on their community forum, targeting users who need maximum rigidity and cutting power. The Heavy Duty Machine line serves prosumers bridging hobby and light-industrial workloads.
If you're pushing your current Shapeoko to its limits on aluminum or hardwoods, the HDM line addresses deflection issues. The V3 likely improves on the already-substantial frame rigidity. Best for users whose bottleneck is machine stiffness, not skill.
💡What this means for you
The HDM series uses thicker steel plates and more massive linear guides than standard Shapeoko. V3 likely adds improved Z-axis stiffness - typically the weak point for deep plunge cuts in metals.
Market Position: Fills the gap between hobby Shapeoko and industrial VMCs. At ~$5000-7000, it targets serious hobbyists and small shops who can't justify a $30,000+ VMC but need more than a $2500 Shapeoko Pro can deliver.
- Specific improvements over HDM V2
- Spindle options (router vs spindle conversion)
- Pricing and availability timeline
⏸️ Wait if: You primarily cut wood and plastics, Shapeoko Pro rigidity meets your needs
✅ Buy if: You regularly cut aluminum or steel, Deflection is limiting your surface finish quality
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Makera Z1 Pro Upgrade?▼
The Makera Z1 Pro Upgrade is an enhancement option announced for March 2026 that provides faster motion speeds for the Z1 desktop CNC. It allows users to start with the affordable $599 base model and upgrade later for improved production speed.
Can I use a CNC without learning CAD/CAM?▼
Makera's new AI Craft feature in Makera Studio allows users to describe projects in natural language and generates toolpaths automatically. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry, though learning traditional CAD/CAM still provides more control for complex projects.
What makes the Shapeoko HDM different from regular Shapeoko?▼
The Shapeoko Heavy Duty Machine (HDM) series uses thicker steel construction and more rigid linear guides for reduced deflection when cutting metals. It targets prosumers who need more rigidity than hobby-grade machines but can't justify industrial CNC pricing.