What CNC-STEP does

CNC-STEP GmbH & Co. KG is a privately held German manufacturer of CNC portal milling machines, engraving machines, water jet cutting systems, and plasma cutting systems, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Geldern, North Rhine-Westphalia. The company's product range spans work envelopes from 400 mm to 12,000 mm, anchored by the High-Z series of stepper-motor-driven portal mills (over 10,000 units sold), supplemented by the T-Rex and RaptorX-SL large-format machines, the AceroDURO industrial mill, the Plesio water jet system using Hammelmann high-pressure pumps, and the High-Z PlasCUT-1350 hybrid plasma cutter/mill. Its proprietary technology stack includes KinetiC-NC control software (in-house since 2004, operating at 1.6 MHz per axis) and ConstruCAM-3D CAD/CAM software, both bundled free with machine purchases to enable 'Plug & Play' operation without manual G-code programming.

The company operates a direct-to-customer sales model with no third-party resellers, combining inside sales with telephone consultation, live demonstrations, and an e-commerce shop. Distribution spans 130+ countries with localized sites in German, English, Spanish, and Dutch. Revenue streams include hardware sales (the dominant stream), bundled software (effectively zero-marginal cost to CNC-STEP but adding perceived value), professional services (training, commissioning, prototyping, repair), and financing/leasing arrangements. Disclosed pricing ranges from entry-level bundles around EUR 6,365 (GranitoGrav photo engraving bundle) to mid-tier machines such as the EUR 17,867 PlasCUT-1350, with quote-based pricing for larger industrial-format machines. Educational institutions receive a 10% discount and a 20% newsletter signup discount is currently promoted.

The customer base of 15,570+ spans four horizontal segments: industrial and commercial users (including three-shift operations), SMBs and craftsmen in furniture, camper, kitchen, and boat building, educational institutions, and hobbyists. The company employs 11-50 staff at its 2,850 m² Geldern facility, has no disclosed external funding, and operates as an independent, founder/family-controlled entity with continuous operation since 2005.

Name

CNC-STEP

Legal name

CNC-STEP GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://cnc-step.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

German CNC machine manufacturer founded in 2005, producing portal milling, engraving, water jet, and plasma cutting systems with proprietary control and CAD/CAM software. Serves industrial, commercial, educational, and hobbyist customers across 130+ countries via direct sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

CNC Machine Tools and Cutting Systems

NAICS

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (33324), Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339)

SIC

Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590), General Industrial Machinery & Equipment, Nec (3569)

akta.pro primary industry

CNC Machine Tools (Turning, Milling, Machining Centers) (IMAHADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG), Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH), CNC Machining & Programming (EDAOAGAA), Industrial CAD/CAM for Manufacturing (EDAOAGAG)

Keywords

• CNC milling machines
• Portal milling machines
• Water jet cutting
• Plasma cutting systems
• CNC engraving machines

Headquarters

HQ city

Geldern

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. CNC Machine Hardware Sales: Primary revenue stream from selling CNC milling machines, portal milling machines, engraving machines, water jet cutting systems, plasma cutters, and photo engraving machines. Machines are sold directly through the company shop and sales team, with optional financing (leasing, rental purchase).
2. Software Licensing / Bundling: Proprietary CAD/CAM software (ConstruCAM-3D) is bundled free with machine purchases (excluding High-Z S-400 model), valued at EUR 499.80. This creates a bundled hardware+software revenue model where software adds perceived value to hardware sales.
3. Professional Services: Revenue from services including machine training, repair service, sample/prototype manufacturing (Mustererstellung und Prototypenfertigungen), and machine commissioning (Inbetriebnahme).
4. Financing Services: CNC machine leasing and rental purchase financing offered to commercial customers, providing recurring revenue through financing arrangements and potentially referral commissions from financial partners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CNC-STEP manufactures and sells CNC portal milling machines, engraving machines, water jet cutting systems, and plasma cutting systems, ranging from compact 400mm work envelopes to extra-large 12,000 x 3,000mm industrial formats. All machines are sold as plug-and-play systems with pre-configured parameters and are bundled with proprietary KinetiC-NC control software and ConstruCAM-3D CAD/CAM software, eliminating the need for manual G-Code programming. The company also offers training, repair, commissioning, and prototype manufacturing services, with worldwide delivery to over 130 countries.

Product overview

CNC-STEP is a German manufacturer of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling machines, water jet cutting systems, and plasma cutting systems, founded in 2005 and based in Geldern, NRW. The product portfolio centers on the High-Z series of portal milling machines (including the High-Z/T, High-Z S-series, T-Rex, and RaptorX-SL models ranging from 400x300mm to 12000x3000mm travel), supplemented by the AceroDURO industrial machine and specialty systems including the Plesio water jet cutter and High-Z PlasCUT-1350 hybrid plasma cutter/mill. The software ecosystem includes KinetiC-NC (proprietary CNC control software at 1.6 MHz), ConstruCAM-3D (CAD/CAM provided free with machines), SmartWOP (furniture design without CAD knowledge), and SheetCAM TNG (for plasma cutting). Add-on modules such as GranitoGrav enable photo engraving on hard materials. All machines are marketed as 'Plug & Play' with pre-configured machine parameters, eliminating the need for manual G-code programming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• High-Z/T CNC Milling Machine Best-selling all-round CNC portal milling machine with ball screw drives, available in travel ranges up to 2100x1050mm, featuring 4-axis, 5-channel stepper motor control developed in-house. Designed for hobbyists, craftsmen, and industrial users.
• High-Z S-400/T Entry-Level CNC Milling and Engraving Machine Compact entry-level CNC milling and engraving machine with travel up to 400x300mm, featuring ball screw drives and Kugelumlaufspindel technology. Positioned as the starter bundle for hobbyists and beginners.
• T-Rex Portal Milling Machine Large-format portal milling machine with T-slot table for plate processing, available in travel ranges up to 2600x8000mm, equipped with CNC control and a nut table design for secure workpiece clamping.
• RaptorX-SL Extra-Large Format Milling Machine Extra-large format CNC milling machine in sizes up to 12,000x3000mm, built on a modular frame with height-adjustable table support surface and 3-axis industrial CNC control for the largest workpieces.
• AceroDURO Industrial Milling Machine Industrial CNC milling machine with safety enclosure and travel ranges up to 1000x1000mm, featuring the 4-axis Zero-3 CNC motor control and steel frame construction for industrial environments.
• Accurata CNC Machine for Stonemasons Specialized CNC machine designed for stonemasons to process stone materials with precision CNC control.
• High-Z PlasCUT-1350 Plasma Cutting System CNC plasma cutting system / hybrid machine (can also mill) featuring Hypertherm Powermax or EX-TRAFIRE plasma source, working area 1350x1050mm for plasma and 1400x1050mm for milling, with electronic height control. Priced at EUR 17,867.85 (incl. VAT).
• Plesio Water Jet Cutting System Water jet cutting system equipped with HAMMELMANN high-pressure pump delivering up to 3,800 bar and 3.5 liters flow rate, available in 15kW and 30kW motor variants for abrasive and pure water cutting.
• High-Z S400T + GranitoGrav Photo Engraving Bundle Complete CNC engraving unit combining the High-Z S400T machine with ConstruCAM-3D software and GranitoGrav module for photo engraving on granite, brass, glass, stainless steel, and other hard materials. Starting from EUR 6,365.31.
• CNC Machine Training Services Professional training in CNC machine operation and the company's proprietary software (KinetiC-NC, ConstruCAM-3D), offered to customers as a paid service.
• CNC Machine Repair Service Repair and maintenance service for CNC machines, provided by CNC-STEP's technical team to keep customer equipment operational.
• Machine Commissioning Service On-site commissioning (Inbetriebnahme) of CNC machines for customers, ensuring proper setup and operational readiness upon delivery.
• Sample and Prototype Manufacturing Service Contract manufacturing of samples and prototypes (Mustererstellung und Prototypenfertigungen) using CNC-STEP's own machines, offered to customers who need parts produced without owning equipment.
• Wood Milling Machine (Holzfräse) Dedicated wood CNC milling machine with travel ranges up to 2600x8000mm, optimized for woodworking applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 11,600 CNC machines sold worldwide, with High-Z series exceeding 10,000 units
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Hypertherm / EX-TRAFIREcoreTechnology or IntegrationHypertherm's EX-TRAFIRE plasma burners (45HD, 65HD, 85HD, 105HD) are integrated into CNC-STEP's High-Z PlasCUT plasma cutting machines. The EX-TRAFIRE 45HD is included as standard in the PlasCUT-1350, with stronger variants available as options. Hypertherm is a leading plasma cutting technology provider.
• SheetCamcoreTechnology or IntegrationSheetCam TNG is recommended as the preferred software for CNC-STEP's plasma cutting machines. It enables precise manufacturing with the PlasCUT plasma cutting system and is included with the machine purchase.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Roland DGA Corporation: Established manufacturer of small-format CNC mills, engravers, and 3D printers for commercial, education, and sign-making markets. Broader portfolio but overlapping desktop CNC product category with CNC-STEP.
• Haas Automation: Largest US-based CNC machine tool builder producing industrial vertical machining centers and lathes. Defines the upper bound of the addressable market CNC-STEP is moving into with AceroDURO and industrial extensions.

Others

• Hypertherm (now part of ESAB): Industrial plasma cutting technology provider whose EX-TRAFIRE plasma burners are integrated into CNC-STEP's PlasCUT-1350. Strategic technology partner and adjacent ecosystem player rather than direct competitor.

Direct peers

• Tormach Inc. US-based manufacturer of compact CNC mills and plasma cutters serving small businesses, education, and prosumer customers. Overlaps with CNC-STEP in desktop/mid-size CNC and direct-to-customer sales model.
• Carbide 3D: US maker of the Shapeoko desktop CNC router plus the Easel CAD/CAM software ecosystem. Directly comparable to CNC-STEP in the hobbyist/SMB segment with proprietary software bundling strategy.
• Avid CNC: US-based manufacturer of mid-size CNC router and plasma machines (CNC Router Parts heritage). Comparable in portal milling format, target market (small shops, makers), and direct online sales approach.
• Stepcraft GmbH & Co. KG: German manufacturer of desktop CNC portal milling machines targeting hobbyists, educational institutions, and SMBs. Closest direct competitor to CNC-STEP in product positioning, target customer, and German manufacturing heritage.
• ShopBot Tools: US manufacturer of CNC routers for small businesses, education, and prototyping with direct sales. Overlaps with CNC-STEP in portal mill product category and educational customer segment.

Emerging players

• Bantam Tools (formerly Othermill): Manufacturer of desktop CNC milling machines for prototyping, small-business, and educational use. Comparable in compact format and prosumer target market, though focused primarily on PCB and small-part milling.
• Snapmaker: Multi-function 3-in-1 desktop fabrication tools (CNC, 3D printing, laser) targeting the hobbyist and maker segment. Competes with CNC-STEP's High-Z S-series for hobbyist wallet share with a different modular format.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/Croftmania
• Facebookfacebook.com/CNC.Maschinenbau
• Instagraminstagram.com/cnc_step_de
• Xx.com/CNC_STEP

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CNC-STEP