LUNYEE 4040 PRO CNC router review with Candle software

LUNYEE has sent us a review sample of the 4040 PRO CNC router, featuring a larger work volume than the LUNYEE 3018 Pro Ultra model we reviewed a few months ago.

It is designed for milling and engraving tasks that demand high precision and features a robust structure to support continuous operation. It works with wood, plastic, and acrylic. Its standout feature is the complete set of accessories, such as the Probe system for Z-axis setup and a workpiece clamping kit, allowing users to get started right away. This makes it an ideal CNC Router for beginners in engraving work. We’ve previously reviewed the smaller 3018 Pro Ultra with Easel, but we’ll instead use Candle software on the 4040 PRO machine.

LUNYEE 4040 PRO CNC router specifications

• Controller – 4-axis GRBL 1.1f-compatible controller based on GigaDevice GD32F303CCT6 Arm Cortex-M4 MCU @ 120MHz with 256KB flash, 48KB SRAM.
• Control Software – Programs compatible with GRBL, such as Fusion360, Easel, Candle, UGS, LaserGRBL, and LightBurn
• Work volume – 400 x 400 x 90 mm
• Max Speed – 5000 mm/m
• Accuracy – ±0.1 mm
• Motion System
  • Linear Guides – X-HG15
  • Ball screws – Z-Φ12mm
  • Synchronous belt drive –X, Y
• Spindle motor – Option for 100W, 500W, or 710W
• Stepper motors – NEMA 17
• Safety features –  X/Y/Z limit switches and emergency stop button
• Power Supply – AC 110/230V (Switch Power)
• Dimensions – 725 x 675 x 375 mm
• Weight – 17 kg
• Machine materials – Aluminum alloy and carbon steel

An interesting feature is the design of a removable “Magnetic Baffle”, which helps prevent material debris from splashing, enhancing safety during operation. It can be detached when needed for cleaning or adjusting the work area. We did have this accessory on the 3018 Pro Ultra model.

The LUNYEE 4040 PRO CNC router also features a rotatable control box, which offers convenience for handling materials larger than the machine itself. It allows users to adjust the control box position to suit actual operations, reducing clutter when changing or sliding materials into the milling and engraving area.

Main control board key features:

• Power Input – Supports 12–24V DC and 48V DC for the spindle
• Stepper Motor Ports – For axes X, Y1, Y2, Z
• Spindle Output – Separated into 24V and 48V
• Laser Port – Available in 3P and 4P types, supporting PWM
• Z-Probe, Limit Switch, E-Stop, Reset, and Hold for safety control and precision in operation
• USB Connection and Offline Controller – The machine can be used via computer or offline using a controller (same as 3018 Pro Ultra)
• Fan and servo output

LUNYEE 4040 PRO CNC machine’s unboxing and assembly

The 4040 PRO CNC router is packed neatly inside large shock-absorbing foam. On the left side, you can see the main components safely enclosed in plastic bags. The machine assembly instructions can be found in the user manual included in the box, or downloadable from the company’s website.

The accessory kit and tools part of the package include:

• Z-probe for precise Z-axis calibration
• Open-end wrenches in various sizes for tightening and adjusting components
• A hex key set for securing the frame structure and various modules
• A metal ruler for measuring workpiece dimensions
• A dust brush for cleaning material debris during operation

The power adapter is designed to work globally with 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz input, and 24V/5A output.

The limit switches installed on the LUNYEE 4040 PRO CNC router are push-buttons featuring foam for shock absorption. The limit switches are mounted on each axis (X1, X2, Y1, Y2, Z1, Z2) to prevent accidents resulting from erroneous movements.

The linear rail/guide rail utilizes ball bearing wheels that run on aluminum rails, and the cable drag chain organizes various power and signal cables connected to the moving axes.

Each stepper motor features an adjustment knob (knob) allowing users to manually move the positions of various axes by turning this knob.

The 500W spindle of the LUNYEE 4040 PRO CNC machine serves as the core component for milling and engraving tasks.

Highlights:

• Power – 500W for up to 12,000 RPM rotation. Enables the milling of materials such as wood, plastic, and acrylic.
• Dimensions – ∅ 52mm diameter; a standard size which makes it easy to replace or upgrade, such as a higher-power spindle or a water-cooled variant.
• Mounting – The Spindle Mount frame is constructed from hardened aluminum, helping to reduce vibrations during operation.

The Z-axis is driven by a ball screw for the up-and-down movement of the spindle. The structure is reinforced with linear guide rails and slide bearings, reducing vibrations during operation.

The power input connectors allow users to choose between 24V through a DC jack, or 48V through a terminal block, depending on the application and required power level

24V input works with the included adapter and is suitable for most tasks. 48V input is used when higher power is required, such as for heavy loads or deep milling.

Spindle and laser ports, other features on the top cover:

• 48V Spindle
• 24V Spindle
• 24V Laser (we’ll use that one in the review for the 500W spindle included with our machine)
• 12V Laser
• Reset button to reset the machine’s operation
• E-Stop (Emergency Stop) – Note: We have tested it, but this button cannot stop the machine. Instead, it halts the system in the program
• Power button
• Probe port for connecting the Z-probe

A few more connectors and a button can be found on the side of the control box:

• USB Type-B port for connection to a computer in order to use CNC software.
• Offline port for connecting an offline controller. It enables users to run G-code files without relying on a computer
• Light Switch for the work area’s lighting, improving visibility of the workpiece during milling or engraving

We will plug in the USB cable to connect the CNC router to a computer and control operations through Candle CNC software.

We can plug the Z-probe cable into the Probe connector to proceed.

Inserting and removing the end mill on the CNC machine requires using the specific tools provided in the box to ensure tightness and safety. The main components include:

• Open-end wrenches – Use two together; one locks the Spindle’s rotating shaft while the other turns to loosen/tighten the collet nut for inserting or removing the end mill
• End mill (Bit) – Insert into the Collet according to the appropriate size (e.g., 3.175mm, 4mm, 6mm)
• Collet nut + collet – Serves to securely hold the end mill to the spindle

Installation steps:

• Use one wrench to hold the spindle shaft steady, preventing free rotation
• Use the other to turn and loosen the collet nut
• Insert the end mill into the collet to a sufficient depth, not too shallow
• Tighten the collet nut back in place, then use both wrenches to tighten securely

The LUNYEE 4040 PRO CNC router kit includes various accessories and end mills of various types, allowing immediate use right after assembly. The main items are as follows:

• End mills and drill bits (3.175mm) of various types: flat, ball nose, and PCB drill bits for wood, plastic, acrylic, and fine grooving tasks
• PCB Drill Tool box for circuit board work or small-scale engraving, requiring high precision and sharpness
• Collets (ER11 and ER16) in size 3.175mm / 1/8” for securely holding end mills with standard shanks
• Set of 3.175mm end mills with 17mm length, supporting general operations and detailed finishing

The clamp set included with the LUNYEE 4040 PRO CNC machine consists of:

• 4x black metal clamp plates for pressing and locking the workpiece to the worktable
• Long threaded rods for inserting and securing the clamps to the holes on the CNC table
• Plastic knob nuts to enable convenient tightening and locking without the need for tools

Basic instructions on how to use the clamp set on the CNC table:

1. Insert the threaded bolt into the threaded securing hole on the table
2. Place the clamp plate over the end of the workpiece
3. Tighten the knob nut to press the workpiece firmly against the table surface.

Repeat with up to four clamps to keep the workpiece firmly in place, as shown below.

Candle software

LUNYEE CNC routers support a range of CNC software. Last time, Suthinee used Easel software, but this time around, we’ll go with Candle software for the 4040 Pro CNC machine. If you want an overview of the Candle software user interface, check out the relevant section in our TwoTrees TTC6050 CNC router review.

The LUNYEE 4040 Pro CNC router was connected to port COM23 at 115,200 bps. Important machine information as follows:

• Status query period: 40ms
• Rapid speed: 2500 mm/min
• Acceleration: 100 mm/s.
• Spindle speed: between 0 and 10000 RPM
• ControlProbe commands: Commands for using the probe to automatically set the Z-axis level: G21G91G38.2Z-50F100;G92 Z19;G0Z5.
• Safe position commands: Sets return to a safe position, e.g., G21G90; G53G0Z0;.
• Buttons 1–4: Frequently used G-code shortcuts, such as: G0 = move fast, G1 = move with feed rate, G2/G3 = arc movement

Loading a .GCODE file

The Candle software displays the toolpath of the designed text (CNX Software), along with real-time X, Y, Z axis coordinates and the G-code commands being sent line by line. This step serves as a simulation before the actual start, allowing verification of the starting position accuracy, feed rate, spindle speed, and various axis settings to ensure they match the design. Loading the .GCODE file into the machine is a crucial step, as it ensures the machine operates according to the prepared design without errors that could damage the workpiece.

Testing various materials on the LUNYEE 4040 Pro CNC router

Our first cutting test on acrylic revealed that the machine experienced step loss, resulting in cut lines that did not align with the specified G-code file. The primary cause was setting the single-pass cutting depth to 3 mm, which exceeded the machine’s and the small end mill’s capacity. This type of operation generates high resistance, causing the stepper motor to lose its position. Additionally, when the emergency stop button was pressed, the machine did not halt, requiring manual power-off to address the issue.

The recommended solution is to adjust the cutting depth per pass to an appropriate level, such as 0.5–1 mm per pass, depending on the material. For acrylic or hardwoods, use even lower values. It’s also advisable to coordinate the spindle speed and feed rate to reduce resistance and prevent heat accumulation.

We then switched to MDF wood using the 500W spindle to engrave “CNX SOFTWARE” text at a speed of 300 mm/s, with a depth of 0.5 mm per pass for a total of 2 passes, resulting in a total depth of 1 mm. Overall, the work came out well.

Plywood is a softer wood, so we engraved the text at the same speed of 300 mm/s with a single pass depth of 3 mm, and the result was fine.

LUNYEE 4040 Pro CNC router video review

Conclusion

The LUNYEE 4040 Pro CNC router has a reasonably sturdy structure, comes equipped with a 500W spindle, and a ball screw and belt drive system that delivers accuracy up to ±0.1 mm, making it suitable for engraving wood, plastic, and acrylic, as well as small-scale PCB milling.

Although the initial use revealed step loss issues due to excessive cutting depth settings, once adjustments were made, such as reducing the depth per pass and coordinating the spindle speed with the material, it operated smoothly and produced high-quality results. This machine is particularly ideal for DIY enthusiasts, students, makers, and small-scale entrepreneurs needing equipment for prototyping or low-volume production.

We would like to thank LUNYEE for providing the LUNYEE 4040 Pro CNC router along with the 500W spindle for review. It can be purchased through the company’s online store for $559.20 when using the 20% off coupon code CNX20. Alternatively, you’ll also find the 100W spindle model for $470 on Amazon after ticking on the box for a $50 discount. The 500W spindle tested here doesn’t appear to be available on Amazon.

CNXSoft: This article is a translation – with some edits – of the original review on CNX Software Thailand by Kajornsak Jamjam, edited by Suthinee Kerdkaew. 

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.

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