PRSalpha CNC

The affordable, full-size, professional CNC router …
…when high-performance production, reliability, and easy configuration are important.

  • Advanced technology in a tough, full-production CNC tool for wood, plastics, aluminum, and more.
  • Rapid transit speeds of 1800 inches/minute (600 inches/minute for cutting).
  • Robust hybrid Vexta alphaStep motor/driver combo deliver quick motion and speed for cutting, drilling, carving, trimming, and machining.
  • Proven ShopBot reliability and performance.
  • Free technical support, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

ShopBot PRSalpha CNCs are our toughest, most sophisticated, gantry-based CNC routers. Using advanced technology for CNC cutting, drilling, carving and machining, the PRSalpha is right in professional environments where production speed is important, delivering rapid transit speeds of 1800 inches per minute and cutting speeds of up to 600 inches per minute. These ShopBot CNCs boast robust Vexta alphaStep motors, an innovative hybrid combining the quick motion and speed of stepper motors with the closed-loop feedback advantages of servos. Easy to assemble, configure and re-configure, learn and use, the PRSalpha CNC delivers reliable, affordable, full-production performance in digital fabrication of wood, plastic, aluminum, and other materials.

ShopBot PRSalpha Features


View PRSalpha Specifications
  • Fast, closed-loop Vexta alphaStep motors fitted with low-backlash, tapered-hob gear heads on all three axes (two on the X axis) -- alphaStep system monitors motor shaft positions to maintain synchronicity between signal and motion.
  • Tough precision bearings and hardened steel rails on each axis.
  • Reliable rack-and-pinion power transmission on each axis.
  • Impressive cutting speeds of up to 600 inches per minute (depending on cutting bit and material) and rapid transit speeds of 1,800 inches per minute.
  • Step resolution of .0004".
  • Positional accuracy of +/- .002".
  • Sealed Industrial Control Box.
  • Emergency Stop disconnect switch in the Control Box with integrated and cabled remote Emergency Stop Buttons.
  • Z-zero Touch-Off Plate and XY Proximity Switches.
  • Dust Skirt ready to onnect to your dust collector.
  • Advanced ShopBot Control System software runs your CNC.
  • User-friendly ShopBot PartWorks Software Suite for easy part design and tool-pathing.
  • Shipped as four ready-to-assemble modules.
  • Free Tech Support and User Forum.
  • Two-year warranty.

ShopBot PRSalpha Dimensions and Prices (popular sizes)

PRSalpha also available in "Buddy" Format  

(Cutting Area and Footprint measurements are indicated in model on left)

 Model Nominal Cutting Area*
(green outline at right)		 Total Movement Area*
(red outline at right) 		Footprint*¹
(black arrows at right)		 Price
 Cutting and Movement Area Diagram
 (#10151)
PRSalpha
48-48		  48" x 48" x 6"
1.22m x 1.22m x .15m		  50" x 50" x 8"
1.27m x 1.27m x .20m		  72" x 79" x 67"
1.83m x 1.94m x 1.70m 		$15,195
 (#10162)
 PRSalpha
 96-60		  96"x 60"x 6"
2.44m x 1.52m x .15m		  102" x 62" x 8"
2.49m x 1.57m x .20m		  120" x 91" x 67"
3.05m x 2.31m x 1.70m 		$18,195
  (#10168)
PRSalpha
 120-60		  120" x 60" x 6"
3.05m x 1.52m x .15m		  122" x 62" x 8"
3.10m x 1.57m x .20m		  144" x 91" x 67"
3.66m x 2.31m x 1.70m 		$20,795
 (#10174)
PRSalpha
144-60		  144" x 60" x 6"
3.66m x 1.52m x .15m		  146" x 62" x 8"
3.71m x 1.57m x .20m		  168" x 91" x 67"
4.27m x 2.31m x 1.70m 		$23,895
*Nominal Cutting area and Total Movement Area refer to the areas that can be covered using a single z-axis.
¹ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) tools have a height footprint of 75"(1.91m) rather than 67"(1.70m).

ShopBot PRSalpha CNC Systems with Accessories

We've put together some suggested basic systems of CNC Tool and Table, as well as accessories useful in getting you quickly into production with CNC. 

[See suggested systems]

Custom Sizes and Special Applications

In addition to our standard size tools, we can build your PRSalpha ShopBot to any dimension up to 10' by 30' and with plunge depths up to 24 inches.  Dual Z options with two Z axes on the main gantry are available.  We also have considerable experience in adapting ShopBots to specialized production needs [see Manufacturing and Construction applications] and currently provide modified ShopBots and ShopBot Control systems to other manufacturers for use in specialty products.  Please check with us on design, pricing and delivery of custom products.

Before Placing Your Order

Electrical -- You will need to know about the electrical service to your shop before ordering because ShopBot Control Boxes and accessories such as routers/spindles and vacuum pumps are configured for specific types of service. [Basic electrical hook-ups for PRSalpha ShopBots (note these hookups are not for PRSstandard) see International Support, below, for PRSalpha hook-ups for other countries.] PRSalpha Control Boxes must be wired to your electrical service by a licensed electrician.

Router or Spindle -- Control Boxes are also configured for either router or spindle. So you will need to specify your choice at the time you order your ShopBot. Give us a call for help with this decision [and see Router vs Spindle].

Computer Requirements -- You need a PC with an available USB port that is running Windows XP/Vista/7 (recommended version: HomePremium/ Business or higher). At minimum: Pentium 800 MHz, 512M RAM, Graphics display 1024x768 for the shop (this resolution optimally uses screen).  For your design computer (if you use a separate computer), a resolution of 1280 x 1024 or higher will work well.  If your shop computer will not be networked, an additional USB port for transferring files using USB memory stick is very useful.

Shipping -- ShopBots are shipped as four modules (Table, X rails, X car, Y-Z car) ready for straightforward set up. Shipments are crated and banded onto a single pallet and ShopBot will arrange shipment by truck to your shop or facility.

International -- We sell and ship ShopBots internationally and manufacture them configured to local requirements. Please see our International Support page where a number of issues related to international use, sales, shipping, installation, and support are reviewed.

ShopBot Price List

Click here to Download ShopBot's full price list in PDF format.
Click here for info on Leasing a ShopBot.

ShopBot PRSalpha Warranty

ShopBot warrants that the PRSalpha system will perform in substantial compliance with the instructions and documentation supplied. ShopBot further warrants that all components of the tool, except for those parts subject to normal wear (e.g. pinion gears, gear rack, springs), will be free from defects in material or workmanship for two years from the date of purchase. SELLER'S SOLE OBLIGATION AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY under this Limited Warranty and, to the extent permitted by law, any warranty or condition implied by law, shall be the repair or replacement of parts, without charge, which are defective in material or workmanship and which have not been misused, carelessly handled, or miss-repaired by persons other than Seller. ShopBot reserves the right to use new or ShopBot remanufactured components for warranty replacement. Components repaired under warranty repairs will be returned to customer at ShopBot’s expense via surface mail. Overnight or Express shipping will be at the customer's expense. There are no warranties extending beyond the above warranties. All resold products constituting accessories and secondary components (such as, but not limited to, routers, spindles, vacuum pumps, etc) are subject to their own manufacturer’s warranties.