CMS Ares
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Rapid Traverse
models
b axis stroke
How much does the CMS Ares cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a cnc router in this class — not a quote from CMS. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The CMS Ares is a 5-axis CNC machining center sold in six sizes, with X travel of 3600, 4800 or 6000 mm, Y travel of 1800 or 2600 mm and 1200 mm of Z on every model. CMS's table for the range covers travels, rotary strokes and rapid rates. It gives no spindle, tool changer or weight figures, so those have to come from a quotation.
The model number is the X and Y travel in short form. The 3618 has 3600 mm of X and 1800 mm of Y, the 4826 has 4800 mm and 2600 mm, and the 6026 is the largest at 6000 mm by 2600 mm. Picking a size is therefore two separate decisions: how long the part or the row of fixtures is, and whether 1800 mm of Y is enough or the job needs the 2600 mm version. Z does not grow with the larger frames, so a deep part gets the same 1200 mm on a 6026 as on a 3618.
Both rotary axes have limited strokes: B is ±120° and C is ±270°. B swings past horizontal on both sides, which lets the tool reach side faces and undercuts, while the C limit means a path that keeps circling a part has to unwind at some point. Linear rapids are 80 m/min in X and Y and 70 m/min in Z, and the B axis rapid is 9000 °/min.
Within CMS's range the Athena is the smaller alternative, with X from 2200 mm to 5200 mm and Y of 1500 mm or 2000 mm, and the Poseidon is the larger one, listed with X travels from 2,5 m up to 41.5 m.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Models | 3618, 4818, 6018, 3626, 4826, 6026 |
| X-Axis Travel | 3600 mm (3618, 3626); 4800 mm (4818, 4826); 6000 mm (6018, 6026) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 1800 mm (3618, 4818, 6018); 2600 mm (3626, 4826, 6026) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 1200 mm |
| B Axis Stroke | ±120° |
| C Axis Stroke | ±270° |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | X/Y 80 m/min; Z 70 m/min |
| B Axis Rapid | 9000 °/min |
Specifications sourced from cms.it — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Six sizes from one table: X of 3600, 4800 or 6000 mm combined with Y of 1800 or 2600 mm
- 1200 mm of Z on every model, including the shortest 3618
- B axis stroke of ±120° reaches past horizontal on both sides; C stroke is ±270°
- Rapids of 80 m/min in X and Y and 70 m/min in Z, against X 85 m/min, Y 85 m/min and Z 45 m/min on the Poseidon
Limitations
- C axis is limited to ±270°, so it is not a continuous rotary axis and long circling paths need an unwind move
- Z stays at 1200 mm across the range; the larger models add X and Y only
- CMS's table for the Ares gives no spindle power, speed or taper, so cutting capacity cannot be judged from the listed rows
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
There are six: 3618, 4818, 6018, 3626, 4826 and 6026. X travel is 3600 mm on the 3618 and 3626; 4800 mm on the 4818 and 4826; 6000 mm on the 6018 and 6026. The 3618, 4818 and 6018 have 1800 mm of Y. The 3626, 4826 and 6026 have 2600 mm. Z travel is 1200 mm on all of them.
02
The B axis has a stroke of ±120° and the C axis ±270°. Neither is continuous. The B axis rapid is listed at 9000 °/min. CMS's table for the Ares gives a rapid rate for the B axis only.
03
Rapid traverse is 80 m/min in X and Y and 70 m/min in Z. For comparison, the Athena is listed at X 90 m/min, Y 90 m/min and Z 60 m/min, so the Ares is slower in the horizontal axes and faster in Z.
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