Penta Machine Company in Education

 

5-axis capabilities and endless possibilities

 
 
Student operates desktop CNC sitting on wooden benchtop inside a white enclosure.

MAKING MACHINING ACCESSIBLE

Penta creates advanced CNC milling technology with the mindset that our machines shouldn’t simply be powerful — they should be practical.

Penta Machine Company is dedicated to creating user-friendly CNC solutions with modern, intuitive software, making milling easier to learn and master — from the shop to the classroom. The future will be determined by today’s student machinists, and Penta’s uniquely portable, powerful machines give learners a leg-up when it comes to problem-solving practice and hands-on skills.

 
Dial indicator measures runout on small CNC spindle.

The Penta Difference

Smarter machines with more applications create confident, capable students.

Currently, about 1,000 Pocket NC milling machines are used in education. This includes high schools, community colleges, technical colleges, and universities that choose to integrate milling into their curriculum or shop opportunities.

 

PENTA’S MACHINE LINEUP IS UTILIZED FOR DIVERSE EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

 
 

Teaching 5-axis programming and machining in vocational schools, adult education training programs, community colleges, and tech education in high schools.

Integrating the machine into robotics and manufacturing competitions like SkillsUSA and FIRST.

Machines are used in FabLabs, Innovation Labs, STEAM Labs, MakerSpaces, and Museums.

 
 

Machines are integrated into research labs to make small components for research experiments or study aspects of manufacturing.

Community colleges are using the machine to recruit students in middle school or high school into vocational programs.

 

Case Study:

Bridgerland Technical College chooses Penta to give students firsthand 5-axis experience through portable, user-friendly CNC machines.

Desktop CNC Machines Ideally Suited for Education

  • EXPANDING 5-AXIS ACCESSIBILITY

    Technical programs are challenged by industry to train students in 5-axis programming and machining. Many vocational training programs have a few multi-axis CNC machines, but in many circumstances, only more advanced students get to use the machine and even that time can be limited.

  • MORE EXPERIENCE = BETTER HIREABILITY

    Skills learned on Penta machines translate to industrial 5-axis machines, giving students with Penta experience a competitive advantage in their search for employment.

  • IDEAL FOR SMALLER SPACES

    Many schools and labs are limited by space constraints and don’t have enough room for a large 5-axis CNC milling machine. With the Pocket NC boasting a footprint of 16 inches wide x 8 inches in depth x 11 inches tall, a weight of ~30 pounds, and standard wall power, a classroom can have one or more CNC machines without taking up much space. Penta’s desktop mills also run off of standard wall power.

Screen shot of online course for learning 5-axis CNC machining.

ONLINE COURSE - POCKET NC 101 + KINETIC CONTROL


An Intro to CAM and CNC Machining

Learn the basics, move the machine’s axes, input your programming, and machine your first parts with Pocket NC 101, our user-friendly online course create.

learn more

Put the power of Penta in your learning environment

  • Penta Simulator

    Explore the Pocket NC’s capabilities for your specific needs with our simulator software. 

    Try it now

  • Machine Selection QUiz

    Let us help you choose the best machine for your needs based on materials, size, experience level, and more.

    Get started

  • Get in touch

    Contact our team to discuss how our CNC machines can support your students.

    Contact us