The Indian Alternative to
Roland SRM-20 Desktop CNC
May 27, 2026
Akriti Meteor 1HP DB delivers a larger work area, a more powerful 1HP spindle at 24,000 RPM, 22 faster travel speed, and machines aluminium, steel, copper, composites, and PCBs for ?3,95,000 vs Roland's ~?6 Lakh landed cost in India.
The Price Gap is Real
Roland SRM-20 costs significantly more when landed in India before any service or spare parts
Why Akriti Beats Roland SRM-20 for Indian Users
More capability, more power, more materials at a better Indian price
Materials: Akriti vs Roland SRM-20
- Modelling wax
- Chemical wood
- Foam
- Acrylic
- Polyacetate
- ABS
- PC board (light)
- Aluminium Not capable
- Steel Not capable
- Composites / Carbon Fiber Not capable
- Aluminium, Copper, Brass, Bronze
- EN Steel (untreated 8/24/31/32)
- Carbon Fiber, Fiber Glass, Composites
- PCBs (FR4, all types)
- Wood, MDF, Plywood
- Acrylic, Plastics, PEEK, Delrin
- Rubber, Silicone, Foam
- Modelling Wax, Styrofoam
- Graphite
- + Laser option on DUO models
Roland SRM-20 vs Akriti Meteor 1HP DB: Comparison
Full specification table every major spec compared head-to-head
| Specification | Roland SRM-20 | Akriti Meteor 1HP DB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Area (X Y Z) | 203.2 152.4 60.5 mm | 400 300 100 mm AKRITI | Akriti 3.5 more work area |
| Workpiece Table | 232.2 156.6 mm | 450 350 mm AKRITI | Akriti Much larger table |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 2 kg | 10 kg AKRITI | Akriti 5 heavier workpieces |
| Spindle Motor | DC motor ~50W, 3,0007,000 RPM | AC Air-Cooled 0.73 kW (1 HP), 6,00024,000 RPM AKRITI | Akriti 14 more power, far higher RPM |
| Max Travel Speed | 1,800 mm/min | 4,000 mm/min AKRITI | Akriti 2.2 faster machining |
| Drive System | Stepping motor | Stepping motor NEMA 23 & 24 TIE | Tie both stepper driven |
| Software Resolution | 0.001mm/step (NC code) | 0.001mm/step (NC code) TIE | Tie equivalent resolution |
| Mechanical Resolution | 0.001mm/step | 0.0025mm / 2.5 microns per step AKRITI | Akriti Finer mechanical step |
| Materials Capability | Wax, wood, foam, acrylic, ABS, light PCB | Aluminium, EN steel, copper, brass, composites, carbon fiber, PCBs, wood, plastics + more AKRITI | Akriti Entire different capability tier |
| Controller Interface | USB | USB (Arduino) Compatible with Windows 8/10/11 , macOS, Linux TIE | Tie both USB connected |
| Control Command / Code | RML-1, NC code (proprietary) | NC / G-code / M-code (open standard) AKRITI | Akriti No software lock-in |
| Power Consumption | ~50W ROLAND | ~1 unit/hr continuous use | Roland Lower electricity consumption |
| Noise Level | 65 dB(A) operating; 45 dB standby ROLAND | 70 dB(A) operating; 55 dB standby | Roland Quieter (lower spindle power) |
| Machine Footprint | 451 426.6 426.2 mm / 19.6 kg ROLAND | 750 750 450 mm / ~90 kg | Roland More compact, much lighter |
| Enclosure | Included | Included TIE | Tie both enclosed |
| Warranty | 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty | 1 yr + Lifetime on composite superstructure + Optional 10yr AMC AKRITI | Akriti Significantly stronger warranty |
| Price in India (approx.) | USD $5,000 ? ~?6 Lakh landed | ?3,60,000 + GST (includes Windows 10 Pro PC Kit) AKRITI | Akriti Save ~?2.5 Lakh, GST invoice, local service |
?? Verdict: For India, Akriti Meteor is the Clear Answer
The Roland SRM-20 is a well-built, ultra-reliable Japanese desktop machine and for light milling of wax, foam, and soft plastics in a very compact space, it has a decades-long track record. Its quiet operation (65 dB) and small footprint also give it real advantages in noise-sensitive environments.
But for Indian engineers, MSMEs, and colleges, the comparison is stark. At ~?6 Lakh landed (after USD conversion, 1828% import duty, customs, and freight), Roland SRM-20 costs nearly twice as much as Akriti Meteor and gives you far less: half the RPM range, a fraction of spindle power, no metal-cutting capability, and proprietary software that limits your CAM options.
Akriti Meteor 1HP DB machines aluminium, steel, copper, composites, carbon fiber, and PCBs. It runs 22 faster. It carries a lifetime warranty on its composite superstructure. And at ?3,95,000 (GST invoice, local service, no customs), it saves you ~?2 Lakh before you even turn it on.
Choose Roland SRM-20 only if: You specifically need its ultra-compact form factor, very low noise, and your work is limited to soft materials only. For everyone else in India Akriti is the better investment.
Get Roland-Quality Results at Indian Prices
Talk to our team we'll match your exact use case to the right Akriti machine and show you a live demo.