2418 vs 3018 Cnc Router: Which One Should You Buy?

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2418 vs 3018 cnc router: what the numbers name

In the naming used by these desktop kits, the figures track the bed size. The RATTMMOTOR 3018PRO title states a working area of 300x180x45mm, and the 3018 in its model name lines up with the 300mm side. By the same naming pattern, a 2418 names a smaller bed in the same family: less room along the long side, the same desktop idea. The listing itself is not perfectly consistent: its bullets give a working area of 18x10x4.5cm (11.8 x 7.1 x 1.8″), which differs from the title figure, so treat the title figure as the headline and the bullets figure as a warning to measure before buying.

Work area: the real difference

Work area decides what fits on the bed. The RATTMMOTOR 3018PRO title states 300x180x45mm. The Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 title states a working area of 11.8″ x 8.1″ x 3.1″. The Twotrees TTC450 states a 465x465mm work area. The listings state these in different units, mm on some machines and inches on the Genmitsu, so the ranking below reads each listing’s own figures. By the figures as listed, the Twotrees bed is the largest here, the Genmitsu sits in the middle class, and the RATTMMOTOR is the 3018 class itself. Frame size tells a related story: the RATTMMOTOR bullets state a frame of 42x35x27cm (16.53 x 13.78 x 10.63″), so the machine footprint runs larger than its work area.

Spindle power and materials

Spindle figures separate the machines. The Twotrees states a 500W spindle, upgradeable to 3000W, with speeds from 8000 to 30000 RPM and an ER11 chuck for 0.5-7mm tools. The Genmitsu states 0.4 hp with a maximum speed of 12000 rpm on 230 volts. The RATTMMOTOR states a 775 spindle motor at 12-24V, reaching 10000r/min at 24V. Materials follow the same spread: the Twotrees lists hardwood, MDF, acrylic, nylon, aluminum, carbon fiber, and stainless steel; the Genmitsu lists wood, acrylic, PCB, MDF, and metal; the RATTMMOTOR lists wood, plastic, acrylic, PVC, PCB, carbon fiber, density board, and soft metal such as copper and aluminum, while ruling out glass, hard metal, and jade. Note the RATTMMOTOR material list names PVC as a milling material for a CNC router, which is a different matter from lasering it; never laser PVC.

Control and setup

Control options matter once the machine is on the bench. The Genmitsu runs on open-source Grbl V1.1 with Toshiba TB6S109 drivers on 32-bit chips, an offline controller, 6 limit switches, emergency stop switches, and a photoelectric Z-probe, plus a 3-pin laser port, an air assistance pump port, and an MPG port. Its XZ gantry module and base assembly arrive pre-assembled, with pre-organized wiring and a pre-assembled drag chain. The RATTMMOTOR uses an updated GRBL board with an emergency stop button and X/Y/Z axis limit functions, a silent cooling fan, and a board that automatically identifies the offline controller and supports PWM; the kit comes with a paper manual and a USB flash drive of files. The Twotrees runs an integrated LKS CNC V1.0 motherboard with a 3.5-inch IPS capacitive touchscreen, GRBL firmware without flashing, CNC and laser modes, offline operation via TF card and USB, reserved interfaces for WiFi/Bluetooth modules, fourth-axis expansion, dual limit switches on XYZ axes, a spindle safety switch, and an emergency stop function, with CE/ROHS/FCC certification stated. It arrives 90% pre-assembled at a net weight of 19kg.

Gear section: the machines ranked

The Twotrees TTC450 leads the ranking: the largest stated work area at 465x465mm, a 500W spindle upgradeable to 3000W, the only wattage figure stated here, and the only stated accuracy figures, with X/Y-axis positioning accuracy of 0.01mm, Z-axis precision up to 0.0025mm, engraving accuracy of ±0.05mm/100mm, and a maximum engraving speed of 3000mm/min. The Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 follows: a mid-size working area of 11.8″ x 8.1″ x 3.1″, a sturdy 4040 Y-axis profile with a one-piece machined and molded aluminum spoilboard, and a complete control package with offline controller and limit switches. The RATTMMOTOR 3018PRO closes the ranking: it is the 3018 class machine itself, but its work area figures contradict each other between title and bullets, and its stated spindle speed of 10000r/min at 24V, against the Genmitsu maximum of 12000 rpm and the Twotrees range of 8000 to 30000 RPM.

FAQ: lasers and CNC

What does 3018 mean in a CNC router name?

In the RATTMMOTOR listing, the 3018PRO title states a working area of 300x180x45mm, so the name tracks the bed size. The bullets give a conflicting 18x10x4.5cm figure, so check the listing before buying.

Is a 3018 bed big enough for signs?

It depends on the sign. The 3018PRO title area of 300x180x45mm suits smaller signs and plaques, while the Twotrees bed of 465x465mm fits larger panels. Measure the workpiece against the stated work area before choosing.

Can these machines cut metal?

As listed: the Genmitsu title names metal, the RATTMMOTOR names soft metal such as copper and aluminum but rules out hard metal, and the Twotrees names aluminum, carbon fiber, and stainless steel. Treat each claim as that listing’s own statement.

Do these machines run offline?

The Genmitsu includes an offline controller, the RATTMMOTOR board automatically identifies the offline controller, and the Twotrees runs offline via TF card and USB. Each listing names an offline option.

Which machine has the largest work area?

The Twotrees TTC450, at a stated 465x465mm work area, against the Genmitsu at 11.8″ x 8.1″ x 3.1″ and the RATTMMOTOR title figure of 300x180x45mm.

Related: the CNC router hub, and desktop vs industrial CNC router.