Anet 4540 Desktop CNC Machine User Manual
1. Disclaimer
⚠️ Please be careful when using your CNC engraving machine. This machine is electrical equipment with moving parts and dangerous areas.
- This machine is for Indoor Use Only.
- People under 18 should operate this machine supervised by adults familiar with the operation.
- Wear proper Personal Protection Equipment (safety glasses etc.).
- Always place the CNC Machine on a stable surface.
- The CNC Machine is supplied with Switchable Power Supply 230VAC or 115VAC. Never use a different power supply, or it may cause malfunctions or damage to the machine.
- The CNC 4540 utilizes a high amp power supply. It is recommended that you do not plug the CNC Router into an extension cord or power strip, as it may damage the machine.
- Ensure the emergency stop button is easily accessible at all times.
- Never disassemble the Power Supply or Electrical Components. This will VOID the warranty.
- Do not touch the machine spindle, or place any body part near the working area when the machine is running. Serious injury may occur.
- Do not leave children unsupervised with the CNC Machine even when it's not operating. Injury may occur.
- Do not leave the machine unattended while it's operating.
- Ensure your CNC Machine is in a well-ventilated area. Some Materials may discharge smoke or fumes during operation.
2. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | 4540 |
| Product size | 650 × 532 × 320mm (25.59 × 20.94 × 12.60 inches) |
| Working area | 430 × 390 × 90 mm (16.93 × 15.39 × 3.54 inches) |
| Power supply | 48V 10.4A |
| Stepping motor | 42 x 48mm |
| Limit switch | X, Y, Z (both ends) |
| Emergency stop switch | Yes |
| Power of spindle motor | 500W |
| Speed of spindle motor | 11000rpm/min |
| Offline controller | Yes |
| Software | Grblcontrol (Candle), other GRBL compatible software |
| System | Windows XP/7/8/10 |
| Support Add-ons | Laser (not included) |
| Weight | 11.55kg (25.46 pounds) |
3. Accessories
3.1 Mechanical Parts
Accessories Needed:
- 1. Base assembly
- 2. X-axis drag chain assembly (544mm)
- 3. Y-axis drag chain assembly (480mm)
- 4. X-axis aluminum profile (40 × 40 × 544mm)
- 5. X-Z axis assembly
- 6. 500W spindle motor
- 7. Drag chain fixing plate on Y-axis (rear)
- 8. Drag chain fixing plate on Y-axis (front)
- 9. Drag chain fixing plate on X-axis (left)
- 10. Drag chain fixing plate on X-axis (right)
3.2 Electrical Parts
Accessories Needed:
- 11. USB cable
- 12. Power supply & control board
- 13. Offline device / cable
- 14. U disk (2G)
3.3 Tool Parts
Accessories Needed:
- 15. Allen wrench (4mm)
- 16. Allen wrench (2mm)
- 17. Double end spanner
- 18. Open spanner (13mm/17mm)
- 19. 4 x Clamp
- 20. Synchronous belt
- 21. Cable ties
- 22. 10 x Milling cutter (Ф3.175mm/20°/0.1mm)
- 23. Collet
- 24. Collet nut
- 25. Brush
- 26. 2 x Coil on side plate
- 27. Z probe
- 28. Spindle connector
- 29. Slotted screwdriver
3.4 Screw / Other Parts
Accessories Needed:
- 30. 8 x M5*12 Screw
- 31. 10 x M3*8 Screw
- 32. 12 x M3*5 Screw
- 33. 10 x M3 T nut
4. Installation Instructions
4.1 Drag Chain on Y-Axis Assembly
4.1.1 Accessories Needed:
- 1 Base assembly
- 3 Y-axis drag chain assembly (480mm)
- 7 Drag chain fixing plate on Y-axis (rear)
- 8 Drag chain fixing plate on Y-axis (front)
- 16 Allen wrench (2mm)
- 31 4 x M3*8 Screw
- 32 6 x M3*5 Screw
- 33 4 x M3 T nut
4.1.2 Operating Steps:
- 1. Tighten the front and rear fixing plates with M3*8 screws and M3 T nuts as shown in the diagrams.
- 2. Fix the Y-axis drag chain assembly with M3*5 screws.
4.2 X-Z Axis Assembly
4.2.1 Accessories Needed:
- 4 X-axis aluminum profile (40 × 40 × 544mm)
- 5 X-Z axis assembly
- 15 Allen wrench (4mm)
- 16 Allen wrench (2mm)
- 20 Synchronous belt
- 26 2 x Coil on side plate
- 30 8 x M5*12 Screw
- 31 2 x M3*8 Screw
- 33 2 x M3 T nut
4.2.2 Operating Steps:
- 1. Pass the aluminum profile through the X-Z assembly, then install the synchronous belt as shown, and secure it with M3*8 screws and M3 T nuts.
- 2. Pass the Y2 stepper motor wire through: Winding coil → left plate → X-axis aluminum profile → right plate → winding coil.
- 3. Pass the synchronous belt through the holes in the left and right side panels. Install the X-axis aluminum profile between the side panels with M5*12 screws. Note: You can pull the side panels outward to install the X-axis aluminum more easily.
4.3 Drag Chain on X-axis Assembly
4.3.1 Accessories Needed:
- 2 X-axis drag chain assembly (544mm)
- 9 Drag chain fixing plate on X-axis (left)
- 10 Drag chain fixing plate on X-axis (right)
- 16 Allen wrench (2mm)
- 31 4 x M3*8 Screw
- 32 6 x M3*5 Screw
- 33 4 x M3 T nut
4.3.2 Operating Steps:
- 1. Install the fixing plates on the left and right sides of the X-axis with M3*8 screws and M3 T nuts.
- 2. Install the X-axis drag chain assembly with M3*5 screws.
4.4 Spindle Motor
4.4.1 Accessories Needed:
- 6 500W spindle motor
- 15 Allen wrench (4mm)
- 18 Open spanner (13mm/17mm)
- 22 10 x Milling cutter (Ф3.175mm/20°/0.1mm)
- 23 Collet
- 24 Collet nut
4.4.2 Operating Steps:
- 1. Install the collet into the spindle cap, insert the burin (milling cutter) into the collet, and tighten the cap with 13mm and 17mm wrenches.
- 2. Loosen the screws with a 4mm Allen wrench, insert the spindle motor into the U-clamp, and tighten the screws.
4.5 Connecting Wires
Wiring Diagram:
A diagram shows the connections between the Z-Limit(+/-), Spindle Motor, X-Motor, Z-Motor, X-Limit(+/-), Y1-Motor, Y-Limit(+/-) to the control board and offline controller.
Component Connections:
- 1. Spindle Motor & Z-Limit(+) & Z-Limit(-)
- 2. Y2 Motor
- 3. Z Motor & X Motor & X-Limit(+) & X-Limit(-)
- 4. Y1 Motor & Y-Limit(+) & Y-Limit(-)
4.6 Tips
- 1. Correct usage of the clamp is shown in the diagram.
- 2. If the lock nut or eccentric is loose, adjust it with a double end spanner. The diagram shows adjusting a lock nut and an eccentric component.
5. Software Setup
5.1 Install Driver
Install the driver by running CH340SER.exe from the Software→Driver folder. A dialog box will show the installation progress, indicating successful installation. Note: Exit anti-virus software before installing the driver.
5.2 Determine COM port
- For Windows XP: Right-click "My Computer" > "Properties" > "Device Manager".
- For Windows 7, 8, 10: Click "Start" > Right-click "Computer" > "Device Manager" > "Ports (COM & LPT)".
- Your machine will appear as "USB Serial Port (COMX)", where X is the COM number (e.g., COM5).
- If multiple USB serial ports exist, check the manufacturer; it should be "CH340". Note: Connect the control board to the computer to get the port number.
5.3 Open the Software
Click the Grblcontrol icon (Software→Grblcontrol→Grblcontrol (Candle).exe) to open the software. It is recommended to copy the entire Grblcontrol folder to your local computer for daily use.
5.4 Connect the Software
- 1. In the software, click "Service" > "Settings" to open the Settings dialog box.
- 2. Select the correct COM Port (corresponding to the CH340 driver) and set the Baud Rate to 115200.
- 3. Click "OK" to save the settings.
6. Test Project
1. Grblcontrol Interface
The Grblcontrol software features a 3D preview interface. Use the left mouse button to rotate and the mouse wheel to zoom. If no preview is visible, ensure your computer supports OpenGL2.0 graphics cards. The interface includes coordinate display, status display, common operation buttons, manual operation direction buttons, and step/feed value settings. Spindle ON/OFF is controlled manually; speed is not adjustable via software.
2. Run G-code for Processing
- 1. Click "Open" and select the G-code file to run.
- 2. On the manual operation panel, move the spindle to the starting point of the engraving, ensuring the tool just touches the workpiece.
- 3. Click "Zero XY" and "Zero Z" to set the XYZ axis coordinates.
- 4. Click "Send" to run the G-code.
3. About Firmware Parameters
The control board parameters are pre-configured for the CNC 4540.
7. Z Probe Setup
Probe Function
1. Probe commands editing
Z14 is the height of the tool setting block, and Z25 is the height of the tool lifting. These can be configured as needed. The table shows G-code commands for probe setup.
| Probe G code | After editing | Probe tool height |
|---|---|---|
| G90G21G38.2Z-50F100 G92 Z21 G0 Z25 | G90G21G38.2Z-50F100 G92 Z19.18 G0 Z28 | A diagram shows a digital caliper measuring 19.18mm. |
2. Probe Commands Filled in Grblcontrol (Candle)
In the Grblcontrol software's Settings dialog, navigate to the "Control" section. Enter the probe commands in the "Probe commands" field. The example shows: G21G91G38.2Z-50F100; G92Z19.18; GOZ28;
3. Connect the probe tool to the controller probe interface.
4. Click the "Zero XY" button.
5. Click the "Z-probe" button to perform Z-axis automatic zeroing.
8. Off-Line Operation
1. Connect the offline controller to the computer via USB cable.
Note: Use a USB cable to transfer files instead of inserting the SD card into a card reader, as this may cause a crash.
2. Copy the NC file to the offline controller.
File explorer windows show NC files being copied from a computer to the offline controller's storage.
3. Connect the offline controller to the control board.
Note: When using the offline controller, unplug the USB cable from the computer; the computer and offline controller cannot be used simultaneously.
4. Move the spindle to the machine origin.
Use the [X+/X-/Y+/Y-/Z+/Z-] keys to move the spindle. Tool setting method: The cutter just touches the object, then press the [Exit] key. Select the engraving file and click [OK] to start carving.
5. Interface introduction
A. Menu page:
Controls: Machine control. Files: Use Gcode files. Press [Y+]/[Y-] to select, Press [OK] to enter.
B. Ctrl page:
Reference direction: X±, Y±, Z± are moving axes. Note: "Spindle" can be a motor or a laser. Change step/exit (long press 0.1/1.5.10mm). Spindle ON/OFF: Press {OK}+{Z+} to add spindle speed, Press {OK}+{Z-} to reduce spindle speed.
C. File page:
Commonly supported formats include .nc, .txt, .tap. Press {Y+}/{Y-} to select a file. Hold to enter. If ready, press {OK} to start. Note: Long press {Exit} to stop machining.
