STV CNC Optimum 8
Image: stvcnc.com, STV CNC
Key Specifications
cutting area
max plate thickness
machine dimensions
machine weight
water pan capacity
water pan depth
How much does the STV CNC Optimum 8 cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the STV CNC Optimum 8 that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.
Overview
A full 4 x 8 sheet drops straight onto the STV CNC Optimum 8: the cutting envelope is 8 ft x 4 ft. This is the servo-driven table at the top of the STV CNC range, with an enclosed welded frame and its own control computer, in the size most steel suppliers treat as their standard sheet, so material goes from the rack to the slats without a shear in between.
The mechanical parts are a step up from the stepper tables in every row of the maker's comparison. Three servo motors drive through 5:1 planetary gear reduction onto helical rack and pinion, the linear guides are hardened heavy-duty units, and the gantry is machined metal instead of extruded aluminum. Stated motion accuracy is about 0.001 in per 12 in, with a step resolution of plus or minus 0.00008 in. Gantry clearance is 6.75 in and Z travel 5.5 in. The enclosed tubular frame is welded, the single welded water pan is 4 in deep, and plate capacity is 2 in of steel. Motors sit in housings and full-length shields cover the guides against splash.
Plan the floor around the sheet, not only the table. STV CNC lists the occupied area as about 10 ft x 7 ft x 5 ft, and a 4 x 8 sheet needs clear space on the loading side as well. The pan under the slats holds about 87 gallons of water. The table weighs 1,600 lb. A full sheet of thicker plate is too heavy to slide on by hand, so think about a hoist or roller support for the loading side before the first heavy job.
Optimum CNC, the maker's own control, comes installed on a palm-sized Linux mini PC that is included and linked by Ethernet through a port on the front of the table. A monitor, wireless mouse and keyboard have to be added. The software accepts .dxf, .gcode, .nc and .tap files and includes 80+ editable shape templates, so simple parts can be drawn at the machine. Homing uses a kit of 4 proximity sensors, one of them for gantry alignment. Torch height control, an E-stop, a magnetic breakaway with cable catch and collision and material detection sensors are standard; the plasma cutter is a separate purchase.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Cutting Area | 8 ft x 4 ft (2,438 x 1,219 mm) |
| Max Plate Thickness | 2 in (51 mm) steel plate |
| Machine Dimensions | 10 ft x 7 ft x 5 ft (3,048 x 2,134 x 1,524 mm), approximate |
| Machine Weight | 1,600 lb (726 kg) |
| Water Pan Capacity | About 87 gallons (329 L) |
| Water Pan Depth | 4 in (102 mm) |
| Gantry Clearance | 6.75 in (171 mm) |
| Z Axis Travel | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
| Frame | Welded, enclosed tubular frame; no assembly required |
| Gantry | Machined metal gantry |
| Drive System | Helical rack and pinion with hardened, heavy-duty linear guide assembly (gantry and table) |
| Motor System | 3 servo motors with 5:1 ratio planetary gear reduction, plus Z-axis linear stepper motor positioner |
| Z Axis Drive | Precision ground billet ball lead screw |
| Motion Accuracy | About 0.001 in per 12 in (0.025 mm per 305 mm) |
| Step Resolution | +/- 0.00008 in (0.002 mm) |
| Homing | Automatic homing kit with 4 proximity sensors (3 for homing, 1 for gantry alignment) |
| CNC Control | Optimum CNC on an included Linux mini PC |
| Controller Connectivity | Ethernet |
| Slats | Interchangeable 1.5 in (38 mm) flat bar slats |
| Torch Height Control | Included |
| Table Power | 110 V, 20 A |
Specifications sourced from stvcnc.com — verified 2026-10-05
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 3 servo motors with 5:1 planetary gear reduction on helical rack and pinion
- Stated motion accuracy of about 0.001 in per 12 in and step resolution of plus or minus 0.00008 in
- Machined metal gantry on hardened heavy-duty linear guides, behind full-length shields
- 8 ft x 4 ft envelope takes a full 4 x 8 sheet without pre-cutting
Limitations
- A monitor, wireless mouse and keyboard are not included with the mini PC
- Ships fully built as a welded table, so delivery has to be planned around unloading equipment
- Needs about 10 ft x 7 ft x 5 ft of floor plus sheet-loading space
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Yes. The cutting envelope is 8 ft x 4 ft, which is a full 4 x 8 sheet. The table is rated for steel plate up to 2 in thick and occupies about 10 ft x 7 ft x 5 ft.
02
STV CNC states a motion accuracy of about 0.001 in per 12 in and a step resolution of plus or minus 0.00008 in for the servo motor system. The motors drive through 5:1 planetary gear reduction onto helical rack and pinion, on hardened heavy-duty linear guides.
03
The table electronics run on 110 V. The plasma cutter is separate and has its own supply requirement. The water pan holds about 87 gallons and is 4 in deep; the table can be run wet or dry.
04
An automatic homing kit with 4 proximity sensors: three for homing, which can be toggled in the software, and a fourth for gantry alignment. Torch height control, collision and material detection sensors and a magnetic breakaway with a cable catch are also standard.
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