3020 Nova CNC Assembly Guide: Step-by-Step Installation Tutorial for Beginners

If you have just received your 3020 Nova CNC machine, the first step before starting your first carving project is to assemble the machine correctly.

For CNC beginners, proper assembly is particularly important. A machine that is not securely installed or placed on an unstable workbench may experience vibration, reduced machining accuracy, or other issues during operation.

This guide walks you through the basic preparation and installation process of the 3020 Nova, from preparing your workspace to installing the Z-axis assembly and trimmer.

 

 

1. Prepare Your Workspace Before Assembly

Before opening the machine components, make sure you have a suitable workspace ready.

1.1 Reserve Enough Space Around the Machine

The overall dimensions of the 3020 Nova are approximately 39.3 × 52 × 41 cm.

In addition to the machine's own footprint, leave at least 100 mm of clearance around the machine for heat dissipation and ventilation.

Pay particular attention to the area around:

 The control box

 The spindle/trimmer

 Air vents

Do not place the machine directly against a wall or cover the ventilation openings.

Adequate ventilation helps prevent excessive heat buildup during extended operation.

1.2 Choose a Stable Workbench

The 3020 Nova should be placed on a level and sturdy workbench capable of supporting at least 50 kg.

A solid wood table or metal workbench is recommended.

Avoid lightweight or unstable tables. Vibration during CNC machining can affect:

 Carving accuracy

 Surface finish

 Dimensional accuracy

 Tool stability

A stable workbench provides a much better foundation for precision machining.

1.3 Check the Power Supply

Before connecting the machine, make sure the electrical outlet is properly grounded.

Also check that the available voltage matches the voltage configuration of your machine.

The 3020 Nova may be configured for 110V or 220V, depending on the model and power switch configuration.

Always verify the machine's voltage requirement before connecting it to a power source.

1.4 Check Included Parts

Before starting the assembly, please check the parts list and confirm that all components and accessories shown in the image are included in the package.

 

2. Tools You Need for Assembly

Most of the tools required for assembly are included with the machine, so there is generally no need to purchase additional tools.

You should prepare:

 Hex keys / Allen wrenches

 Wrench

 Screwdriver

 Level

 Marker pen

A level can be used to check whether the workbench is properly positioned.

A marker pen can also be useful for marking the orientation of components during assembly.

Gloves are optional but can be useful for protecting your hands and preventing scratches during installation.

 

 

3. Check the Parts Before Installation

Before starting assembly, unpack the components carefully and make sure the required parts and accessories are available.

 

 

4. 3020 Nova Step-by-Step Assembly

Once the workspace and components are ready, you can begin assembling the machine.

Step 1: Install the Z-Axis Bracket

Start by installing the Z-axis bracket/assembly.

Installation Steps

1. Remove the module from the protective foam.

Carefully remove the module from the packaging and place it flat on the workbench.

Before tightening any screws, make sure:

 The profile is positioned correctly.

 The profile is not twisted.

The mounting surface is clean.

 There are no remaining protective film or packaging residues on the contact surface.

2. Align the screws with the mounting holes.

Use the supplied wrench to align with the four screws on the profile.

3. Tighten the screws diagonally.

Do not tighten all four screws in sequence from one side.

Instead, tighten them diagonally and alternately.

This helps distribute the clamping force evenly and reduces the possibility of the X-axis assembly becoming tilted during installation.

Assembly Tip

After tightening the screws, visually check the assembly from different angles to make sure the profile remains properly aligned.

 

 

5. Step 2: Install the Fixture and Trimmer

The next step is to install the 65 fixture and trimmer onto the Z-axis assembly.

This step requires careful alignment because the fixture determines the position and orientation of the cutting tool.

5.1 Assemble the 65 Fixture and Trimmer

First, assemble the trimmer with the 65 fixture.

Align the mounting holes on the trimmer with the corresponding holes on the 65 fixture.

Follow the installation instructions provided with your trimmer if additional fixture-specific guidance is required.

Once assembled, you should have a combined:

65 Fixture + Trimmer Assembly

5.2 Position the Assembly on the Z-Axis

Hold the assembled fixture and trimmer securely with both hands.

Locate the trimmer mounting position on the Z-axis assembly.

The mounting area is located below the Z-axis assembly and contains four pre-drilled mounting holes.

Align the four screw holes on the 65 fixture with the corresponding mounting holes on the Z-axis assembly.

Make sure all holes are properly aligned before inserting the screws.

5.3 Secure the Fixture with the Four Screws

Use the four M6 × 75 hex socket screws to secure the 65 fixture.

Insert the screws through the mounting holes from the outside of the Z-axis assembly and screw them into the threaded holes on the 65 fixture.

Because these screws are relatively long, insert and tighten them slowly.

Avoid forcing a screw if the threads do not engage smoothly. Misalignment can damage the threads.

5.4 Tighten the Screws

Use the supplied M6 hex socket wrench to tighten the four screws one by one.

After tightening all four screws, gently move the trimmer by hand to check whether it is firmly secured.

There should be no noticeable wobble or looseness.

If the trimmer moves:

1. Check whether the mounting holes are correctly aligned.

2. Loosen the screws if necessary.

3. Reposition the fixture.

4. Retighten all four screws.

Do not continue operating the machine if the trimmer is loose.

 

6. Adjust the Trimmer Position

After securing the 65 fixture, place the trimmer into the fixture slot.

Adjust the trimmer's position so that it is:

 Properly centered in the fixture

 Perpendicular to the work platform

 Positioned at an appropriate working height

Correct alignment is important because an improperly positioned trimmer can affect machining accuracy and cutting results.

Take a moment to visually check the trimmer from the front and side before continuing with the remaining setup.

 

 

7. Wiring and Cable Management

After installing the trimmer, connect the machine wiring and organize the cables properly.

7.1 Connect the Wiring

Connect the wiring from the machine to the corresponding ports on the back of the Z-axis bracket.

Make sure each cable is connected to the correct position and securely inserted.

7.2 Organize the Cables

Use cable ties and cable clips to organize the cable routing.

Keep the cables away from moving components and the machining area to prevent:

 Cable interference

 Cable tangling

 Cable damage caused by movement

Proper cable management helps keep the machine cleaner and ensures safer operation.

 

 

 

8. Lubricate the Moving Components

Before starting your first machining project, check the lubrication condition of the machine's moving components.

The ball screws and linear guides should be properly lubricated to help maintain smooth movement.

Use the supplied lubrication brush and lithium grease where appropriate.

Regular lubrication can also help reduce friction and wear during long-term use.

 

 

9. Final Assembly Checklist

Before powering on your 3020 Nova for the first time, perform a quick inspection.

Workbench

¨  Machine is placed on a stable, level workbench

¨  Workbench can support at least 50 kg

¨  At least 100 mm of ventilation clearance is available around the machine

¨  Air vents are not blocked

Machine Assembly

¨  Z-axis assembly is securely fastened

¨  All four mounting screws are tightened

¨  65 fixture is securely attached

¨  Trimmer is firmly secured

¨  Trimmer is perpendicular to the work platform

¨  No component is visibly loose

Electrical and Cable Setup

¨  Power outlet is properly grounded

¨  Machine voltage matches the available power supply

¨  Trimmer cable is positioned away from moving components

¨  Cables do not interfere with the working area

Lubrication

¨  Ball screws have been properly lubricated

¨  Linear guides have been properly lubricated

Once these checks are complete, your 3020 Nova is ready for the next stage of setup and calibration.

 

 

10. 3020 Nova Assembly Video Tutorial

If you prefer a visual guide, you can also follow our 3020 Nova CNC assembly video tutorial.

The video provides a step-by-step demonstration of the complete installation process, including workspace preparation, Z-axis assembly installation, trimmer installation, wiring connection, and cable management.

Watching the video together with this written guide can help you better understand each assembly step and ensure that your 3020 Nova is installed correctly before your first CNC project.

Watch the 3020 Nova CNC Assembly Tutorial Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78nIecOXkpA&t

 

 

11. What's Next After Assembly?

Assembling the machine is only the first step of your CNC journey.

After the 3020 Nova is assembled, beginners will typically need to continue with:

1. Powering on and checking the machine

2. Connecting the CNC control software

3. Installing and configuring the required software

4. Setting the machine origin / work zero

5. Installing the cutting tool

6. Running a test engraving

7. Adjusting cutting parameters

8. Starting your first CNC project

For beginners, we recommend starting with a simple engraving project before moving on to more complex cutting or 3D carving.

This allows you to become familiar with the machine's movement, tooling, work zero, feed rate, cutting depth, and software workflow step by step.

Final Thoughts

Proper assembly is the foundation for getting good results from your 3020 Nova. Taking a little extra time to check alignment, tighten the mounting screws evenly, secure the trimmer, organize the cables, and lubricate the moving components can help you start with a more stable and reliable machine.

Once the assembly is complete, the next exciting step is to turn on your 3020 Nova and make your first CNC project.