Cutting Metal—including Aluminum—with a CNC Router

CNC Routers for Aluminum and Other Metals

When people think of CNC routers, wood cutting and engraving usually come to mind. However, these machines can also handle metals such as aluminum, brass, and copper.

While they won’t match the speed or precision of plasma or fiber‑laser systems, CNC routers can still produce reliable parts from metal with the right setup.

Why use a CNC router for metal cutting?

First, if you already own a CNC machine, upgrading to a dedicated metal‑cutting unit would add unnecessary cost. Second, many shops lack the budget for a separate machine, and third, space constraints often make dual‑machine setups impractical.

How to cut aluminum on a CNC router

Secure the workpiece firmly—vacuum tables or robust clamping systems are essential to counter the high rotational forces involved.

Consider adding tabs to the part outline using Vectric V‑Carve. Small notches keep the material from shifting during the final stages of the cut and are a standard best practice in CNC machining.

Tool selection is critical. For a 3 mm aluminum plate, choose a router bit long enough to reach the cut depth without breaking, but not so long that it bends. The XGDA toolset from CEC is well‑suited for such jobs.

Metal machining generates significant heat. While dry cutting is possible, using a cutting fluid or coolant yields a cleaner surface finish, extends tool life, and ultimately saves money.

Follow these steps and you’ll produce high‑quality metal parts quickly and efficiently on your existing CNC router.

See our full range of CNC routers.