One of These Things is Not the Same!
Look at the three machines above. At first glance, they look nearly identical: same machining size, same spindle, same structure. You’re probably thinking, “Looks like the same machine to me.”
Well, you’re right… sort of.
Meet the Laguna Creator Pro, the Axiom AR8 Pro V6, and our very own Simply Technologies PERFORMANCE 8. All three machines hail from the same hometown. True confession: our PERFORMANCE machines share a factory floor with their competitors (uh oh, are we letting out industry secrets?).
So, what’s the difference? Are they the same or not?
The Big Reveal: Similarities
Let’s start with the basics. Mechanically, these machines are built to deliver. According to the blue-highlighted features in our comparison chart:
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All boast a 24″ x 48″ x 6″ machining capacity.
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Each machine runs a 3HP (2.2KW) liquid-cooled spindle.
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Precision ball screws, prismatic guide bearings, ER20 collets, and .00393” positional accuracy come standard.
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They all include onboard cooling, tool touch-off, welded steel frames, and prewired 4th axis capability.
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File memory? Check.
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Laser support? Yes (though with a catch).
If you are searching for your first CNC machine or upgrading the current one in your shop, these machines all seem like a solid bet. They’re strong, they’re stable, and they’re ready to work hard.
Comparison Chart: SIMPLY vs Laguna vs Axiom
Here’s Where the Comparisons End.
Now let’s zoom in on the green and red rows – the differences that matter:
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Controller: SIMPLY uses an Industrial iCNC Controller with a 15.6″ full-colour touchscreen, real-time tool path visualization, and more. The other guys? Monochrome handheld DSPs.
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Remote Operation:Â Our machines can be wirelessly controlled via any Android device. Others? Not available.
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Warranty: SIMPLY offers a 2-year warranty. Laguna and Axiom? Just one year.
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Training: We offer our exclusive EMPOWER[ED] ACADEMY training and certification. Others offer expensive on-site or no training at all.
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Support: Unlimited lifetime support for both the machine and software, including file analysis and design guidance. Our competitors? Support limited to hardware only. And from our extensive experience (rumour has it we used to work for one of them), getting reliable support may be a struggle.
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Safety Enclosures: Available from SIMPLY. Not available elsewhere.
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Tool Changer: SIMPLY offers a 6-position automatic tool changer on many models. Our competitors? No such option.
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Ownership: SIMPLY is family-owned. Laguna and JPW (Axiom) are private equity companies.
Why the Difference? We’re Glad you Asked!
1. CNC Is Our Obsession
Simply Technologies is a family-owned business. CNC technologies is what we do. We don’t sell band saws, drill presses, or sanders. We live and breathe CNC. We use them. We test them. We innovate on them. From day one, we’ve been laser-focused (pun not intended) on small and medium format CNC machines.
Over 15 years ago, we started with no design input. Today, we work hand-in-hand with our factory to push CNC innovation forward. These machines aren’t just products to us. They are our passion.
2. Support You Can Actually Count On
We built our reputation on support and relationship, the kind of support that doesn’t clock out. We’ve supported machines sold under Gorilla CNC, General International, Oliver Machinery, ICONIC CNC, Axiom Precision, and now our own SIMPLY brand. We still back those legacy machines and maintain strong relationships with their owners.
Can big companies say the same? They have thousands of products and countless divisions. CNC becomes just another SKU. But to us? It’s everything.
We may be small – minuscule compared to JPW and Laguna – but we believe we do it better. We guarantee it.
Want to talk about your CNC journey? Here’s my personal cell number: 425-496-9620. Let’s chat.
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Steve Stevenson
Co-founder and President
Simply Technologies Group Inc.