Machine choice for composite panel CNC + probe-driven XY/Z G-code compensation

Hi all,

I'm planning a gantry router build for machining composite panels into cabinet components. Looking for advice on machine choice and stack.

Material

- Sandwich panels: 1mm aluminium skins on both faces, polyurethane foam core
- Total thickness: ~60mm nominal, but varies ±1mm across a batch
- Panel size: up to 1500x3000mm

Parts and operations



- Cutting outlines
- Pockets and step joints on panel face
- V-scoring the aluminium skin to create precise fold lines (score-and-fold)

These operations require multiple tools in a single job (end mills for pockets and joints, V-bit for scoring), so automatic tool change (ATC) is a hard requirement.

The step joints are the critical operation: they create mechanical overlap between mating panels so cabinets assemble with tight joints. A 1mm thickness variation in the stock translates directly into a gap.

Workflow

probing → generate Z map → process map (Python) → adjust G-code geometry (XY and Z) → send corrected G-code → machining

- Fusion 360 CAM produces nominal G-code
- Before cutting, I probe a grid of Z points across the panel surface
- A Python script reads the probe map and rewrites the G-code: step depths and joint profiles are adjusted to the actual measured local thickness — for both the panel being cut and its mating counterpart
- This is not just Z surface compensation: XY profiles are modified based on the probe map so that mating joints match regardless of thickness variation

Why LinuxCNC

- Workflow already tested with LinuxCNC + MESA cards (7i96/7i77) on an entry level router.
- Plan to use the Python socket interface for probe data collection and G-code rewriting — tight integration between probing and post-processing is central to the workflow

My questions

1. Are there manufacturers selling new gantry routers with these specs who ship with LinuxCNC, or sell mechanics separately from the controller?
   - Working envelope: ~1600x3200mm
   - HF spindle: 18k+ RPM
   - Integrated vacuum table with independently switchable zones
   - ATC (tool magazine or rack)
   - Probe input

2. For a retrofit path: which used industrial gantry platforms have the best LinuxCNC community experience?
   - Main concerns: ATC integration and vacuum zone management via MESA I/O

3. Any experience with probe-map-driven G-code modification beyond simple Z surface mapping?
   - Currently planning G38.x + Python
   - Is there a better pattern for this use case?

Thanks

 

Thanks for the response — this is helpful context.

I understand retrofit is a valid path and the point about ending up with a tank-built machine is well taken. My hesitation is mainly about the time investment: I'd rather spend that energy on the application layer (custom probe-driven post-processing workflow) than on commissioning the machine itself.

That said, I'm open to both paths if the retrofit is well-documented for a specific platform.

So to refine my question:

1. For **new machines**: I've been told some smaller European builders sell gantry routers either pre-configured with LinuxCNC or as bare mechanics without a controller. Can anyone confirm this and point to specific manufacturers with real-world experience?

2. For **retrofit**: which specific platforms (Biesse, SCM, other) have the best-documented LinuxCNC retrofit in this community? Ideally something where ATC and vacuum zone management via MESA I/O are already solved problems with existing examples.