CNC Router
Encyclopedia
A Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC)
router is a computer controlled machine for composites, aluminum, steel, plastics, wood and foams. It is a specific version of a CNC
tool.
CNC Routers come in many configurations including the small home style "desktop" CNC routers to the large "gantry" CNC routers used in boat making facilities. Although there are many configurations, most CNC routers have a few specific parts, a dedicated CNC controller, one or more spindle motors, AC inverters, and a table.
CNC routers are generally available in 3 axis and 5 axis cnc router formats.
The CNC router is run by a computer. Coordinates are uploaded into the machine controller from a separate program. CNC router owners will have two programs, one program to make designs and another to upload designs to the machine and run it. CNC routers can be controlled directly by manual programming, but the full potential of the machine can only be achieved if they are controlled from files created by CAD/CAM
software.
There are a number of domestic and international brands on the market, most of which are of high quality. Some of the CNC router brands are FMT Routers, Quintax, CMS, CMT, Multicam, Vortech Routers, Thermwood. There are competitively priced machines which many small work-shop owners might find attractive.
CNC Routers can be very useful when carrying out identical, repetitive jobs. A CNC router typically produces consistent and high quality work and improves factory productivity.
A CNC router can reduce waste, frequency of errors and the time the finished product takes to get to market. For example, CNC routers can perform the tasks of many carpentry shop machines such as the panel saw
, the spindle moulder, and the boring machine
. It can also cut mortise
s and tennons.
A CNC router gives more flexibility to the manufacturing process. It can be used in the production of many different items, such as: door carving
s, interior and exterior decorations, wood panels, sign boards, wooden frames, molding
s, musical instruments, furniture manufacturing and so on. In addition, the CNC router makes thermo-forming of plastics easier by automating the trimming process. CNC Routers help ensure part repeatability and helps factory output.
Numerical control
Numerical control refers to the automation of machine tools that are operated by abstractly programmed commands encoded on a storage medium, as opposed to controlled manually via handwheels or levers, or mechanically automated via cams alone...
router is a computer controlled machine for composites, aluminum, steel, plastics, wood and foams. It is a specific version of a CNC
Numerical control
Numerical control refers to the automation of machine tools that are operated by abstractly programmed commands encoded on a storage medium, as opposed to controlled manually via handwheels or levers, or mechanically automated via cams alone...
tool.
CNC Routers come in many configurations including the small home style "desktop" CNC routers to the large "gantry" CNC routers used in boat making facilities. Although there are many configurations, most CNC routers have a few specific parts, a dedicated CNC controller, one or more spindle motors, AC inverters, and a table.
CNC routers are generally available in 3 axis and 5 axis cnc router formats.
The CNC router is run by a computer. Coordinates are uploaded into the machine controller from a separate program. CNC router owners will have two programs, one program to make designs and another to upload designs to the machine and run it. CNC routers can be controlled directly by manual programming, but the full potential of the machine can only be achieved if they are controlled from files created by CAD/CAM
Computer-aided manufacturing
Computer-aided manufacturing is the use of computer software to control machine tools and related machinery in the manufacturing of workpieces. This is not the only definition for CAM, but it is the most common; CAM may also refer to the use of a computer to assist in all operations of a...
software.
There are a number of domestic and international brands on the market, most of which are of high quality. Some of the CNC router brands are FMT Routers, Quintax, CMS, CMT, Multicam, Vortech Routers, Thermwood. There are competitively priced machines which many small work-shop owners might find attractive.
CNC Routers can be very useful when carrying out identical, repetitive jobs. A CNC router typically produces consistent and high quality work and improves factory productivity.
A CNC router can reduce waste, frequency of errors and the time the finished product takes to get to market. For example, CNC routers can perform the tasks of many carpentry shop machines such as the panel saw
Panel saw
A panel saw is any type of sawing machine that cuts sheets into sized parts. Panel saws are used by cabinet shops to easily cut plywood and melamine sheets into cabinet components. They are also used by sign shops to cut sheets of aluminum, plastic and wood for their sign blanks. Panel saws...
, the spindle moulder, and the boring machine
Tunnel boring machine
A tunnel boring machine also known as a "mole", is a machine used to excavate tunnels with a circular cross section through a variety of soil and rock strata. They can bore through anything from hard rock to sand. Tunnel diameters can range from a metre to almost 16 metres to date...
. It can also cut mortise
Mortise and tenon
The mortise and tenon joint has been used for thousands of years by woodworkers around the world to join pieces of wood, mainly when the adjoining pieces connect at an angle of 90°. In its basic form it is both simple and strong. Although there are many joint variations, the basic mortise and tenon...
s and tennons.
A CNC router gives more flexibility to the manufacturing process. It can be used in the production of many different items, such as: door carving
Wood carving
Wood carving is a form of working wood by means of a cutting tool in one hand or a chisel by two hands or with one hand on a chisel and one hand on a mallet, resulting in a wooden figure or figurine, or in the sculptural ornamentation of a wooden object...
s, interior and exterior decorations, wood panels, sign boards, wooden frames, molding
Molding (decorative)
Molding or moulding is a strip of material with various profiles used to cover transitions between surfaces or for decoration. It is traditionally made from solid milled wood or plaster but may be made from plastic or reformed wood...
s, musical instruments, furniture manufacturing and so on. In addition, the CNC router makes thermo-forming of plastics easier by automating the trimming process. CNC Routers help ensure part repeatability and helps factory output.