Unlock Advanced Production: Why a CNC Router Is Essential for Your Workshop

Although your shop may be well equipped with machinery, you should consider the benefits of adding a CNC router to your equipment and capability list.  A CNC Router can open the doors to possibilities in manufacturing not realized with other shape cutting methods. Adding this capability provides possibilities for expansion into other areas of fabricating that will allow growth and new revenue streams.

What is a CNC Router Machine?

A CNC Router is a milling machine of sorts. Used primarily to cut contours in flat shapes like plywood and panels they are used extensively in the cabinet making and sign making trades. Comprising a work surface, usually in the 4’ X 4’ to 6’ X 12’ range material is held down typically by vacuum control. A motorized cutting head is then passed over the surface utilizing a CNC Controller to cut, carve, drill and form many types of materials and shapes.

The material that can be machined in this method includes:

• Metals: Aluminum , Brass and even Steel.  
• Wood: Hardwood and Softwoods, Plywood's too.
• Plastics:  Acrylics, Polycarbonates, Polypropylene etc
• Foams: Foam for carving or structural application.
• Phenolics: These synthetic materials often are used in military and aerospace applications.

CNC Router Parts

The CNC Router consists of several components critical to the successful operation

1. Work Surface: While sizes of the work surface can vary from 2’ X 4’ to over 20‘ X 80” these “tables” are usually found in the 4’ X 12’ size.  The workpieces can be affixed to the table in a variety of ways including clamping, bolting through, double sided tape or adhesives; but the most common method is via use of micro holes drilled into the tables surface ducted to a large vacuum pump which in turn creates heavy downforce affixing the workpieces securely. 
2. Gantry: The gantry is the mechanism that controls the positioning of the cutting head of the machine. This unit, controlled by the CNC, creates all the movement of the machine when in operation.
3. Tool Changer: Whether it be a rack at the end of the table or an integrated rotary device a tool changer is an integral part of a CNC Router alluring for automated tool changes when required.
4. CNC Controller: The heart of every CNC machine is the CNC Controller and CNC Routers are no different. The CNC Controller is the Human/Machine Interface where the operator instructs the machine to complete tasks using complicated calculations through an easy to use and understand menu as well as diagnostic and monitoring functions.. 
5. Dust Collector: In most every case of material being machines on a CNC Router a Dust Collector is imperative. It quickly removes the carved chips away from the tool path and reduces dust and fumes from clouding up the shop atmosphere. Depending on what material you will be ideally focusing on would determine which dust collector setup is right for you.
6. Vacuum Pump: The vacuum pump is a critical piece in most every CNC router application.  By creating a strong vacuum pull on the table it securely holds the flat sheets of work in place while the cutter shapes, drills and carves its way through as controlled by the CNC.

Benefits of Using CNC Router Machines

• Precise Cuts: A CNC Router can perform accurate and repeatable cuts. 
• Larger Work Area: Typically sized at 4’ X10’ or larger these machines are inexpensive to accommodate some of the largest workpieces. 
• Controlled Depth Cuts: While not only used for carving shapes such as letters out, the router can be programmed in 3 dimensions and even 5-Axis units are available for 3D carving of architectural foam and other materials. Another great function of routers is drilling holes in materials or workpieces which are easily accomplished on the most basic of machines.
• Flexibility of Materials: From soft foams to rigid steels the CNC router is capable of consuming a wide variety of materials used in an enormous amount of aerospace, industrial, commercial and consumer applications.
• Adaptability: A CNC Router does not require virtually any setup changes to go from Foam to Steel or Plastics to Wood. The setup is simple and consistent across a wide variety of applications and materials making the CNC router a must have for any shop. 

Browse Our Extensive Inventory of CNC Router Machines Today!

At Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales we know CNC Routers and the applications they are best suited for.  We know when your application is best on a plasma, laser, waterjet, turret punch or CNC Router and can recommend the right solution for your needs and budget.,  Contact us today to review your application or click below to shop for the latest CNC Routers.