The ShopBot Tools, Inc. PRSalpha 48-48 is a professional-grade CNC router designed for woodworking, plastics fabrication, composite machining, sign production, and prototyping. As part of ShopBot’s flagship PRSalpha series, this machine combines industrial motion control, precision rack-and-pinion drives, and advanced software integration in a compact 4 ft x 4 ft format. The 2020 model is especially attractive because it incorporates modern electronics, improved spindle options, and compatibility with leading CAD/CAM platforms.
The 2020 SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 typically offers a 48 x 48 inch cutting area with 6 to 8 inches of Z-axis clearance. Machines are commonly equipped with a 3 to 5 hp HSD spindle capable of up to 18,000 RPM. Most systems use the proprietary ShopBot Control Software and support both SBP and G-code programming. Common options include vacuum hold-down systems, automatic tool changers, tangential knife attachments, rotary indexing units, and dust collection accessories.
This machine is widely used by cabinet manufacturers, sign shops, educational institutions, aerospace composite fabricators, and product development teams. Typical applications include custom furniture parts, signs, foam molds, plastic enclosures, instrument panels, and aluminum fixtures. Its combination of compact footprint, single-phase power, and industrial performance makes it an excellent fit for both small shops and advanced prototyping environments.
The 2020 SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 remains an outstanding investment because it offers professional-grade accuracy, extensive accessory options, and a strong user community, providing exceptional value and long-term versatility.
SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 SPECIFICATIONS
SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 – AXIS
Number of Axes
3-Axis CNC Router
Optional Configurations
4th Axis Rotary Attachment
Axis Configuration
X, Y, Z
Positioning Accuracy
High Precision
Repeatability
Excellent
Machine Type
Industrial CNC Router
SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 – WORK ENVELOPE
Cutting Area
48 x 48 in (1,219 x 1,219 mm)
X-Axis Travel
Approx. 48 in
Y-Axis Travel
Approx. 48 in
Z-Axis Travel
6 – 8 in Depending on Configuration
Gantry Clearance
Variable
Rapid Traverse Rate
Up to 1,800 IPM
SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 – TABLE & CAPACITY
Table Type
Aluminum T-Slot or Vacuum Table
Maximum Material Size
4 ft x 4 ft Sheets
Maximum Material Thickness
Depends on Z Clearance
Workholding
Clamps, T-Slots, Vacuum
Supported Materials
Wood, Plastics, Composites, Aluminum
Industrial Usage
Routing, Engraving, and Prototyping
SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 – SPINDLE
Spindle Power
3 – 5 hp
Maximum Spindle Speed
Up to 18,000 RPM
Spindle Brand
HSD
Tool Holder Type
ER Collet System
Cooling Type
Air Cooled
Direction
Clockwise
SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 – TOOL CHANGER
Automatic Tool Changer
Optional
Tool Capacity
6 – 8 Tools
Tool Change Type
Automatic
Tool Length Calibration
Optional
Tangential Knife
Optional
Rotary Indexer
Optional
SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 – CONTROL SYSTEM
CNC Control
ShopBot Control Software
Programming Method
SBP and G-Code
CAD/CAM Compatibility
VCarve, Aspire, Fusion 360
Program Storage
PC-Based
Networking
USB and Ethernet
Pendant Control
Optional
SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 – DUST & VACUUM SYSTEM
Dust Collection Hood
Standard
Vacuum Table
Optional
Vacuum Pump
Optional
Vacuum Zones
Multiple
Pop-Up Alignment Pins
Optional
Dust Collector
Customer Supplied
SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 – POWER REQUIREMENTS
Power Requirement
220V Single-Phase
Air Pressure Requirement
Required for ATC and Pneumatics
Frequency
50 / 60 Hz
Connected Load
Approx. 5 – 10 kVA
Control Power
Integrated
Main Breaker
Manufacturer Specified
SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 – DIMENSIONS
Machine Weight
Approx. 1,500 – 2,500 lb
Machine Length
Approx. 78 in
Machine Width
Approx. 78 in
Machine Height
Approx. 72 in
Floor Space Requirement
Compact Footprint
Installation Type
Standard Shop Floor
SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 – GENERAL INFORMATION
Machine Type
Industrial CNC Router
Manufacturer
ShopBot Tools
Country of Origin
USA
Model Year
2020
Primary Application
Routing, Engraving, and Prototyping
Automation Ready
Yes
INDUSTRIES THAT USE SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48
Woodworking
Yes
Sign Making
Yes
Education
Yes
Aerospace Composites
Yes
Product Development
Yes
General Manufacturing
Yes
TYPICAL PARTS SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 CAN PRODUCE
Cabinet Components
Yes
Signs
Yes
Plastic Enclosures
Yes
Foam Molds
Yes
Fixture Plates
Yes
Furniture Parts
Yes
WHY CHOOSE SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48
Compact 4 x 4 Work Area
Outstanding
Industrial Motion Performance
Outstanding
Broad Material Compatibility
Excellent
Strong Software Ecosystem
Excellent
Large User Community
Excellent
Excellent Value
Excellent
WHY BUY USED SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48
Purchasing a used 2020 SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 is an excellent way to obtain a modern industrial CNC router at a significantly lower cost than buying new. ShopBot machines are known for their intuitive software, strong community support, and compatibility with a wide range of accessories and CAD/CAM packages.
Many used machines include valuable extras such as vacuum pumps, dust collection systems, automatic tool changers, and rotary attachments. These options can greatly reduce setup costs and expand the machine’s capabilities immediately.
Buyers should inspect spindle bearings, rack-and-pinion drive condition, control electronics, and vacuum table performance. Machines with low operating hours, updated software, and complete maintenance records generally command higher prices and provide greater long-term reliability.
For woodworking shops, sign makers, educational labs, and prototyping facilities seeking a compact yet highly capable CNC router, the SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 offers exceptional versatility and an outstanding return on investment.
HOW MUCH DOES A USED SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 COST?
MACHINE AGE / CONDITION
ESTIMATED PRICE RANGE (USD)
2018 – 2023 Models
$12,000 – $35,000
Automatic Tool Changer Included
Premium Pricing
Vacuum Pump Included
Added Value
Rotary Indexer Included
Added Value
Extensive Tooling Package
Added Value
Low Operating Hours
Premium Pricing
Excellent Mechanical Condition
Premium Pricing
Fully Operational Under Power
Higher Buyer Confidence
Complete Service Records
Higher Market Value
Dealer Refurbished Machines
10% – 20% Higher
The cost of a used 2020 SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 depends on spindle size, installed accessories, operating hours, and maintenance history. Machines equipped with vacuum systems, automatic tool changers, and rotary axes typically command higher prices due to their enhanced functionality and productivity.
For buyers seeking a reliable, professional-grade CNC router with broad material compatibility and a compact footprint, the SHOPBOT PRS ALPHA 48-48 remains one of the best values in the used CNC market.