An Automatic Tool Changer makes shop life easy. With a push of a few buttons, the annoyance of swapping tools is replaced with uninterrupted, continuous operation. The ATC 2.2kW spindle has the power and precision to repeat production tasks reliably, and makes running hobby projects a breeze. Our ATC is sold in different combinations that allow for full tool automation or quick and easy manual tool change mode. Read the Description tab for full details.
Highlights include:
High Torque, 2.2kW Spindle
Flexible 6 and 12 Tool Rack Options
Air Cooled with Quiet, 60dBA Low Speed Fan
Runs on Most Air Compressors
Easy to Use Software Interface
Integrated Tool Holder Detection
Visual Tool Remapping
Ability to Save Your Tool Offsets
Tool Position, Temperature and Pressure Sensors
Quickly Switch from Rack to Manual Mode
Sold as a Tool Rack Kit or Stand Alone Spindle
Plug and Play Compatibility with all AltMill Models
***An ATC Spindle Kit requires an air compressor to operate. Must be purchased separately from third-party.*** ***We highly recommend purchasing an Air Filter Regulator. View.***
An ATC Spindle Kit does not come with an AltMIll CNC, an air compressor or air filter regulator, which must be purchased separately. Our ATC Spindle Kits are only compatible with AltMill CNCs (all sizes and models: 2×4, 4×4, 4×8 & MK1, MK2.) It is not compatible with LongMills, or other branded CNCs.
Before purchasing, please select your ATC Spindle Kit type and AltMill Machine Size you will be using.
Speed: 7,500-24,000RPM / Constant torque beginning at 18,000RPM
Bearings: Ceramic
Cooling: Air cooled with 24V fan
Operating Noise: 60 dBA
Tool Holder: ISO20
Collet: ER20
Power Requirements: 220VAC 15A single phase (spindle only)
Tool Rack: Maximum shank diameter 1/2” / Maximum tool diameter 2”
Number of Slots: 6 or 12 (configuration dependent)
Impact on Cutting Area: 5.3″ Rear keep out area (accounting for clearance of the Clear Cut Dust Shoe)
Remaining Cutting Area on all AltMill models: 4×4: 43.5” / 2×4: 27.5” / 4×8: 99” / Detachable design allows the rack to be removed at any time to free up full cutting area under passthrough mode
Tool Setter: Included
Compressed Air Requirement (Customer Supplied): Operating pressure 100psi / Airflow of 3 CFM (cubic feet per minute) at 90psi or better
Dryer and Filter: Compressed air should be filtered to 40 µm or better using a coalescing-type filter, unless your air source (compressor) already includes built-in drying and filtration. For use in high-humidity environments, additional drying equipment is recommended to reduce the risk of corrosion.
Machine Compatibility: All AltMill sizes and models) / Not compatible with with third-party CNC machines
Must Have Add-on: ATC Air Regulator and Filter
You’ll need an air filter (40 µm or better) of the coalescing type, unless your air source already has built-in drying and filtration. Shop ATC Air Filter Regulator
Will an ATC Spindle Kit work on an AltMill? Yes! Our ATC Spindle Kits are fully compatible with the 4×8, plus the 2×4 and 4×4 AltMills. It is also compatible with all versions (MK1 & MK2.)
Will an ATC Spindle Kit work on a LongMill? Unfortunately no. There are no plans for it to be available due to current geometry compatibility.
Will the ATC Spindle Kit work with non-Sienci Labs CNC machines? No, it’s currently not supported. Although it is likely possible to adapt this system onto other controllers with similar architecture (grblHAL) we will not be exploring this option at this time.
What comes in an ATC Spindle Kit? Three options are available – check out the Description tab for complete details – but all kits come with an ATC spindle; an expansion IO board for your SLB-Ext controller; spindle cables and air lines; tool wrenches; ER20 collets; and a VFD unit to power your spindle. Depending on the kit you select, you’ll get racks to hold up to 6 or 12 tools, plus a range of 3 to 12 tool holders. If you select the standalone spindle kit, you will not receive a tool rack, but will receive tool holders and collets to get started.
What do I need to buy to use an ATC system on my AltMill? Two key items are need to run an ATC:
A reasonable sized air compressor, with 3 CFM at 90psi or better, and 100psi minimum
You’ll need an air filter (40 µm or better) of the coalescing type, unless your air source already has built-in drying and filtration. Shop ATC Air Filter Regulator
I use CAM software: what’s compatible and do I need to make any changes? Most CAM software packages such as VCarve will already use a ‘tool number’ system to track different cutting tool geometry that you’ve assigned for tool paths in your project. You’ll need to make sure those numbers match the corresponding tool numbers that are set up in your tool rack on the AltMill. Even if you enter the wrong number, you’ll get a chance to ‘re-map’ that tool correctly within gSender before your project starts. When exporting your project to generate a gcode file, you’ll need to use the ATC-compatible post processor file provided to you. A new post processor will be provided to use with the ATC system with VCarve and Carveco. Export settings in programs like Fusion 360 will need to be modified for compatibility. Other grbl compliant CAM software must be configured to tool change with an M6 Command. Other CAM software that outputs grbl compliant gCode and supports tool changes using the M6 command are also compatible, but not officially supported. ***Visit our resources for more details on compatibility and CAM software***
Why is the spindle air cooled instead of water cooled? We get this question a lot: our mission was to provide the easiest plug-and-play experience out of the box. This meant using an air cooled solution which doesn’t require complicated water lines or pumps for AltMill users. The air cooling fan is powered by a low speed DC fan which means very little noise compared to a traditional air cooled spindle, and once cutting begins the ATC spindle will produce the same amount of noise as any water cooled spindle.
How much travel will the tool rack take away from my AltMill? You will loose some travel once the Tool Rack is installed. Here is the remaining area to play with:
4×4: 43.5”
2×4: 27.5”
4×8: 99”
The racks are detachable and can be removed at any time to free up full cutting area under passthrough mode, or when using oversized stock. Removing the rack will automatically configure the system to use a manual tool change workflow.
I already own a 2.2kW spindle VFD from Sienci Labs (or another manufacturer)… can I buy an ATC Spindle Kit without the included 2.2kW VFD? No. At this time we are not offering the ATC Spindle Only Kit without a VFD (a suitable option may be to sell your complete 2.2kW spindle system once swapped with an ATC system.)
Warranty
The Automatic Tool Changer has a 90 day warranty once it arrives at your door.
We want you to have a great experience with your ATC, so if any parts are found to be missing or damaged, please email us. We will ensure that you receive the support you need to restore your ATC to operating condition or provide a full or partial refund.
You may cancel an order if it has not shipped yet, please contact us if you wish to do so. We do not accept returns for ATCs that have already shipped.
General Warranty and Limits of Service:
Effective November 11, 2025
Throughout this policy the words “we”, “us” and “our”, or “Sienci Labs” will be used to refer to Sienci Labs Inc. herein and “ATC” or “Spindle” or “Spindle Kit” or “ATC Spindle Kits: will refer to Sienci Labs’ Automatic Tool Changer Additionally, the words “you”, “your”, “user”, and “operator” will refer to the original purchaser/customer, user, or viewer of any of the products or media provided by or through Sienci Labs.
Sienci Labs Inc. (the “Company”) grants the Automatic Tool Changer (the “Product”) a standard warranty within Canada and the US to the original customer to be free from missing parts, defects in material, and defects in workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of receipt by the original purchaser. Sienci Labs Inc. will ensure that the appropriate support is provided to the original customer to restore the Automatic Tool Changer to operational condition or provide a full or partial refund under the sole discretion of the Company.
This warranty does not cover damage due to improper use or assembly, lack of maintenance, normal wear and tear, or modifications to the Automatic Tool Changer which are not produced or authorized by the Company. Consumables such as cutting tools and sample or stock materials which may have come with your Automatic Tool Changer are not included in this warranty.
This warranty will become void if the operator does not follow the Safety Warnings and Guidelines, uses the Product for illegal purposes, intentionally causes damage to the Product, or transfers the Product to another owner.
The original customer must contact Sienci Labs Inc. within ninety (90) days of receiving their order to make a warranty claim to be eligible for warranty service. Proof of purchase, tracking number, email address, or other material will be used to confirm the original purchasing date and the identity of the original customer. If damage was due to shipping, original packaging materials must be kept in the original received condition. Photos, videos, written descriptions, and other items may be requested to assess and validate a warranty claim.
In the case Sienci Labs Inc. requires the original parts to be returned, the customer is solely responsible for packing all items securely. Damage incurred during return shipping will not be covered by the warranty. A method of payment such as a credit card may be requested by Sienci Labs Inc. to cover shipping costs or damaged items if Products are not eligible for warranty service.