The 2001 Cincinnati Milacron Dart 750 Vertical Machining Center (VMC) is a prime example of great Cincinnati CNC iron that's worth saving. Originally equipped with an aging Acramatic 2100 control, this solid, low-hour machine (just 1,400 spindle hours) sat idle for years after the factory control became obsolete and impossible to repair affordably. Enter the Centroid Hickory CNC controller — the modern EtherCAT-based 8-axis CNC controller that has brought this classic VMC back to life and running better than ever.

Cincinnati Dart 750 VMC CNC Retrofit Gallery

From Auction Find to Production Powerhouse — The Retrofit Journey

DIY CNC Control system build by B&M Welding Inc., this full Cincinnati VMC retrofit transformed a $200 auction machine into a reliable, feature-packed machining center.

The complete upgrade included:

• Full replacement of the obsolete Acramatic CNC control with the new Centroid Hickory CNC controller and CNC12 Pro software
• New Leadshine EL7 EtherCAT closed-loop servo motors and drives on all axes for smoother, faster, and more accurate motion
• Spindle VFD conversion with custom magnetic-ring encoder for perfect orientation, rigid tapping, and nearly 100% reliable automatic tool changes
• Full support for the original 21-tool ATC with custom PLC logic
• Centroid KP-1 Touch Probe for fast setup and in-process inspection
• Wireless MPG pendant for convenient operator control
• Complete wiring, I/O configuration, and EtherCAT networking

From encoder mounting to PLC tuning — was solved with Centroid's expert support, and the owner shared the entire build in real time.
Follow the DIY full documented retrofit thread here: https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=109310#p109310

Running Better Than Ever — Real-World Results

Tool changes are seamless. Production jobs run smoother and quieter. The machine that once sat collecting dust is now a profitable workhorse again — and the owner says the iron had “a lot of potential” that the Hickory controller finally unlocked.

After the Hickory CNC retrofit, the Cincinnati Dart 750 is now:

• Accurate with butter smooth machine tool motion
• Equipped with modern features the old control didn't have
• Simple to program and operate right at the machine — no more fighting outdated software
• Rock-solid reliable with virtually zero downtime, good to go for another 20 years.

Typical DIY parts list for this machine tool.

Why Choose the Centroid Hickory for Your Cincinnati CNC Retrofit?

The Hickory is Centroid's flagship control designed specifically for high-performance VMC retrofits, machining center control upgrades, and CNC machine tool modernization.

Key advantages include:

• Easy Servo drive connections with EtherCAT communication for superior speed and accuracy.
• Plug and play with ethernet cable! eliminate expensive time consuming conroller to drive communication cables.
• Absolute encoders! the machine knows where its at even when the power is off.
• Expandable up to 8 axes with full closed-loop control
• Large touchscreen operator console with intuitive CNC12 software
• Built-in conversational programming and all CAD/CAM compatibility.
• Made-in-USA reliability backed by outstanding U.S. technical support
• On site professional installation, Factory Built CNC Controrl systems (you install) or DIY CNC control kits — your choice

Whether you're looking for Cincinnati CNC parts, VMC controller replacement, obsolete CNC repair alternatives, or a complete machine tool retrofit kit, the Hickory delivers results that outperform expensive factory repairs or new machine purchases — often for a fraction of the cost.

Ready to Bring Your Classic CNC Back to Life?

A Centroid Hickory CNC retrofit is the smart, cost-effective way to modernize your Cincinnati Dart, Arrow, Sabre, Milacron, or any other VMC, knee mill, or machining center. Save thousands versus buying new Reuse your solid machine iron and mechanics Gain modern features and performance Get back to making parts — faster and more profitably. But don't just take our word for it, read customer experiences here at Centroid DIY CNC control installation retrofit upgrade Success Stories

Contact Centroid directly for a quote or find an authorized integrator for a free machine evaluation and custom retrofit quote. We specialize in Hurco machine tool upgrades, vertical machining center retrofits, CNC controller replacements that keep classic iron running stronger — and more affordably — than ever.

DIY CNC controller kits are available online 24/7/365 here.

Explore the Centroid Hickory CNC controller and see why shops worldwide choose it to revive their best machines:
https://shopcentroidcnc.com/hickory-cnc-controller/

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