6x CNC Controller for FluidNC with 6 Stepper Driver and Web-based Configuration

US-based CNC and Bart Dring (a motion control developer) has introduced the 6x CNC Controller, a powerful and open-source CNC (Computer Numerical Control) controller board for FluidNC. It is designed around the ESP32. Pre-loaded with FluidNC firmware, this compact board offers six external stepper motor drivers with 5V signals and supports web-based configuration, upgrades, and control. For easy setup, this controller features individual step and direction controls and LED indicators. 

Specifications: 

Wireless Module

• Espressif Systems ESP32-WROOM-32E
• ESP32 dual-core microcontroller
• 4MB flash memory
• 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth (LE)
• Integrated PCB antenna

Storage - MicroSD card support (local G-code file storage)

Connectivity - 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 4

Motor Control

• 6x stepper motor driver outputs (5V signals)
• Separate step, direction, and enable signals with indicator LEDs

Laser Control- PWM and enable signals for laser operation

Inputs - 8x opto-isolated switch inputs for limit switches, probes, and control functions

Outputs

• 3A, 2 MOSFET outputs (for relays/solenoids/valves)
• Repurposed 5V spindle outputs

USB Interface - USB-C for FluidNC configuration and firmware updates

Expansion Options

• Supports NPN proximity/inductive sensors (ground-switching type)
• Expansion module socket (GPIO extenders and pendant interfaces)

Additional Features

• All inputs have external pull-up resistors, except for GPIO.2 and GPIO.26.
• Indicator LEDs for step/direction control, and enable signals on motor outputs
• Status LEDs are provided for power, spindle, and MOSFET outputs.
• Dedicated hardware emergency stop (E-stop) input
• Web-based FluidNC configuration interface

Power Requirements

• 12-30V DC input (VMot) with a minimum requirement of 2A.
• Central voltage access header:
• 3.3V (100mA max)
• 5V (500mA max)
• VMot (1A per pin max)
• 3A per pin for MOSFET terminal outputs
• No reverse polarity protection (incorrect wiring may cause damage)

Physical Dimensions - 125 x 85 mm

The 6x CNC Controller is fully open-source, with schematics and board files available for download from EasyEDA. It uses FluidNC firmware, which makes installation and updates easy through a web-based installer. You can set up your machine by editing configuration files, where you can customize settings for things like motor drivers, switches, and spindle controls. There's a basic configuration file to test, but you'll need to create your own custom file for your specific machine. For more details, you can check the wiki page.

You can purchase the 6x CNC Controller on Tindie for $64.00, or get a more affordable version on Elecrow for $49.