Pro Series CNC Routers: Which Model Should You Choose?

by Amun Nour August 26, 2026

Choosing the right CNC router comes down to more than simply buying the biggest machine available. The right model depends on the size of the work you plan to produce, the materials you work with, the space available in your workshop and the type of projects you want to take on.

The Pro Series CNC Routers are designed for workshops, businesses and manufacturers that need a capable CNC router with professional components and a choice of machine sizes.

The Pro Series is currently available in three models:

All three machines share the same core Pro Series platform, but their working areas are very different. This guide explains the differences and helps you decide which model best suits your needs.

What Does the Pro Series Offer?

Across the Pro Series range, the machines feature:

HGR20 linear guide rails
HGW20CC bearing blocks
3Nm NEMA 23 closed-loop motors with integrated drivers
Ball screw drive systems
2.2kW water-cooled spindle
DDCS V4.1 3-Axis offline CNC controller
Heavy-duty aluminium profiles
Adjustable mounting feet

The Pro Series uses ball screw drive systems on the X, Y and Z axes.

The closed-loop motors provide position feedback, while the linear rails and ball screw systems provide a solid and accurate mechanical platform.

The offline controller also allows the machine to run CNC programs without needing a dedicated computer connected throughout the cutting process.

Pro Series 1010 – Compact and Capable

The Pro Series 1010 is the smallest machine in the range.

It has a bed size of approximately 940 × 1000mm, with:

X-axis travel: 720mm
Y-axis travel: 770mm
Z-axis travel: 185mm

Its smaller footprint makes it a good choice for workshops where floor space is limited or where most jobs involve smaller components.

Good applications for the 1010 include:

Sign making
Engraving
Smaller timber components
Plastics
Prototyping
Jigs and fixtures
Smaller aluminium machining
General CNC routing

Best for: Smaller workshops and businesses that want Pro Series capability in the most compact machine.

Pro Series 1515 – The Versatile Middle Option

The Pro Series 1515 gives you considerably more working space while still keeping the machine manageable in a normal workshop.

It has a bed size of approximately 1440 × 1500mm, with:

X-axis travel: 1210mm
Y-axis travel: 1260mm
Z-axis travel: 185mm

For many customers, the 1515 will be the most versatile option in the range because it offers more capacity without moving all the way up to the large footprint of the 3020.

Good applications for the 1515 include:

Sign making
Cabinet and furniture components
Decorative panels
Timber products
Plastics and composites
Larger engraving work
Prototyping
General workshop production

Best for: Businesses that need more working area than the 1010 but do not regularly work with very large panels.

Pro Series 3020 – Large-Format CNC Routing

The Pro Series 3020 is the largest machine in the Pro Series range.

It has a bed size of approximately 1940 × 3000mm, with:

X-axis travel: 1710mm
Y-axis travel: 2770mm
Z-axis travel: 185mm

Like the other Pro Series models, the 3020 uses ball screw drive systems on the X, Y and Z axes.

The larger working area makes it better suited to businesses working with larger panels, sheet material and bigger production jobs.

Good applications for the 3020 include:

Large signage
Cabinetry
Furniture manufacturing
Large timber panels
Sheet processing
Decorative wall panels
Production work
Larger CNC projects

Best for: Workshops and businesses where larger workpieces are a regular part of production.

Pro Series Size Comparison

Model	Bed Size	X Travel	Y Travel	Z Travel
Pro 1010	940 × 1000mm	720mm	770mm	185mm
Pro 1515	1440 × 1500mm	1210mm	1260mm	185mm
Pro 3020	1940 × 3000mm	1710mm	2770mm	185mm

The main difference between the three machines is the amount of working area available.

If the 1010 comfortably fits the work you plan to produce, it gives you a compact setup without taking up unnecessary workshop space.

If you want more flexibility for larger projects, the 1515 gives you a useful increase in capacity.

If you regularly work with large panels or larger production jobs, the 3020 is the better option.

Recommended Add-ons for the Pro Series

A CNC router is only one part of a complete CNC setup. Depending on the type of work you plan to do, a few accessories can make the machine easier to use and better suited to your application.

CW-3000 Water Chiller

The Pro Series uses a 2.2kW water-cooled spindle, so a CW-3000 Water Chiller is an important accessory to consider.

It circulates cooling water through the spindle and helps manage spindle temperature during operation.

For customers using the standard water-cooled spindle setup, this should be one of the first accessories to consider.

Spindle Dust Shoe

Materials such as MDF, timber and plastics can produce large amounts of dust and chips during machining.

A Spindle Dust Shoe helps collect this material close to the cutter and can be connected to a suitable dust extraction system.

This is especially useful for woodworking, cabinetry and sign-making applications.

CNC Router Bits

The cutter you use has a major effect on cutting performance and surface finish.

Different CNC router bits are suited to different materials and jobs, including:

Cutting
Engraving
Pocketing
Profiling
3D carving

Choosing the correct tooling for your material is just as important as choosing the correct CNC router.

3D Touch Probe

A 3D Touch Probe can help locate edges, corners, holes and other reference points on the workpiece.

For users doing repeated setups or more advanced machining, it can make workpiece positioning faster and more consistent.

4th Axis Upgrade

A 4th Axis adds rotary machining capability to the CNC router.

This can be useful for:

Cylindrical components
Rotary engraving
Decorative carving
Machining around a workpiece

The correct setup should be confirmed for the selected machine before ordering.

Manual Oil Pump Kit

Regular lubrication is important for keeping a CNC router's moving components operating correctly.

A Manual Oil Pump Kit provides a more convenient way to distribute lubricant to applicable parts of the machine and can make routine maintenance easier.

Other Pro Series Options

Depending on your application, the Pro Series can also be configured with options such as:

The best spindle setup depends on the materials you plan to machine, how heavily the machine will be used and the setup of your workshop.

If you are unsure which spindle option is suitable, contact CNC Online before ordering your machine.

Which Pro Series CNC Router Should You Choose?

A simple way to choose is to start with the largest workpiece you realistically expect to machine.

Choose the Pro Series 1010 if most of your projects are relatively compact and workshop space is important.

Choose the Pro Series 1515 if you want more flexibility and a larger working area for a wider variety of jobs.

Choose the Pro Series 3020 if large panels, sheet material and larger production work are a regular part of your business.

If you need an even higher-specification CNC platform for more demanding production work, it may also be worth comparing the Pro Series with CNC Online's Elite Series CNC Routers .

Need Help Choosing?

Every CNC setup is different.

The materials you want to cut, the size of your workpieces, production volume, available workshop space and accessories you need can all affect which machine is the best fit.

If you are unsure whether the 1010, 1515 or 3020 is right for your application, contact CNC Online South Africa and we can help you choose the machine and accessories that best suit your requirements.

Email: sales@cnconline.co.za
WhatsApp: 073 352 8930