What Are CNC Routers?
Written by webtechs

What are CNC Routers?

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Routers help to cut through all forms of surfaces, such as wood, foam, steel, and even different types of composites. These routers are very comparable to CNC mills, when it comes to computer functionalities that can be used inside the computer by numerical orders that route paths enabling machines to work properly. CNC routers reduce the general amount of waste and increases the rate of productivity. If you are searching for “cnc routers” or “what are cnc routers,” then this post is for you!

How Do CNC Routers Work?

CNC machinery runs on a series of pre-programmed scripts and commands. When using these machines, follow this 3-step process:

  1. A Vector image is created which does not have a G-Code attached. This vector is a form of a DXF extension that has details compared to the x, y and z axis, which help determine the resulting image that will be produced.
  2. Take the produced vector from before and translate this into a G-Code.
  3. A New CNC system will then take that script and formatted G-code, then translating that inside the machine’s system.

How CNC Routers Are Used

There are great examples of CNC routers being able to manipulate all forms of materials. A lot of woodworkers tend to leverage CNC routers in their work to sever and mold all types of wood. If you would like to design any chairs, etc, CNC routers are a necessity. You can do all sorts of shaping and sliding to make clean cuts. With the cuts and measurements, you can easily craft bolts and screws, meshing them together to create amazing pieces of furniture.

Comparatively to other CNC machinery, these CNC routers are extremely effective at crafting exact materials. These routers can be typically found in manufacturing houses and be purchased for other private purposes. 

CNC Router Details

It depends on the age of the model of the CNC router. Some can be extremely large, and really take up a lot of space. Although, some of the new models of CNC routers are much more convenient in size, generally placed on a modern table.  Machines for private use aren’t nearly as powerful as industrial models, but they can be used with the access of a computer in the comfort of your own home. Once accessed, you can start to program the CNC router to do all kinds of different functions to produce whatever you desire.

CNC Machining

Why Buy A CNC Router?

Capacity

This, of course, will boil down to the size of the project you are beginning. The bigger the project, the heavier duty the CNC router should be to handle this. CNC routers of the average size of 4×8 are very feasible for beginners looking to learn about CNC routers. Its very common for many college students to have one of their own and or homeowners to have one for smaller projects.

 Life Span and Strength

Of course, not all CNC router machinery is going to perform the same for longer set durations and periods. These machines over time tend to wear down like brake pads in a car, as they work with a lot of friction. 

Value

With all investments, you would love to understand the value in which your getting in return. Depending on the model, you may get different accessories and parts at discounted rates. Some machines come with prebuilt different software designs, requiring you to purchase different materials to accomplish different jobs.

If you need help with picking a CNC router and choosing one, you can always contact us for advice and help!

CNC Machine Shop Near Me

Equipped with over 40 years of experience, East Valley Precision has been offering top-notch customer service and machinery work throughout the valley. EVP, located in Chandler, Arizona,  specializes in CNC milling, turning, surface grinding, engineering and water jet cutting. This company also has extensive experience in machining aluminum, stainless steel, titanium and plastics. With customers from the medical, semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries, you can rest assured that any of your needs can be taken care of by EVP.

CNC Machining can handle the following:

East Valley Precision – Custom Machinery Specialists

East Valley Precision offers custom CNC Machining in the Chandler, Arizona and surrounding areas. When you need precision CNC machining and milling contact East Valley Precision. Call us at 480-288-6601 for more information or use our form for a quote.

CNC Machining
Written by Brian B

Types Of CNC Machine

CNC machines are automated motion control machines that consist of three components: a motion system, feedback system and a command function. The goal of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) is to make precise cuts of metal pieces for industrial use. There are several different kinds of CNC machines, though. If you are searching online for “types of cnc machine,” then this post is for you!

CNC Machine Types

Original numerical control machines date all the way back to the 1940s. Back then, using a motor was essential for other devices’ movement. While technology advanced, this helped the CNC machine lead the industry in a different direction earlier than expected. CNC machines were originally controlled by analog computers, and later, digital computers.

There is a whole line of CNC machines that are entirely electronic. Most commonly, CNC’s include some form of ultrasonic welding, laser etching, and hole crafting. Here is a list of the more common CNC machines being used today:

CNC Milling

CNC milling is a machining method that utilizes computerized controls and spinning multi-point cutting devices to remove material from a workpiece. This process will rapidly cut solid metal and plastics into smaller and final parts. Smooth finishes are possible, as well as producing 2D or 3D shapes. CNC milling machines can create parts for mechanisms, engines, enclosures and more. The end result will be custom-designed parts or products. 

CNC Lathes

This particular machine rotates a piece through an axis of rotation (x and y respectively) to perform various processes. These tasks include cutting, knurling, sanding, drilling, deformations and turning. A CNC lathe is used to cut away any excess materials by rotating a piece on a spindle. Different drilling bills and cutters will chip away at the material(s). CNC lathes can be configured to cut precisely and efficiently. Such precise cuts would not be possible if done manually. 

CNC Plasma Cutter

Plasma Etching is the elimination of silicon, plastic, or other non-metallic materials using plasma which is produced by exciting ions in a gas; typically oxygen and CF4. Those ions crash into the material at an atomic level and remove it without needing chemical acids. Within CNC plasma cutters, gas will be blown from a nozzle to the surface at very high speeds. Gas is then converted into plasma, with a temperature up to 50,000 degrees. 

CNC Laser Cutter

CNC laser cutters are very similar to CNC plasma cutting machines. The biggest difference between the two, of course, is the use of the laser for cutting purposes. Lasers are tremendous tools used to cut metals, hardwoods and plastic materials. The intensity of the laser can be adjusted depending on the strength and density of the materials that needs to be cut. 

Electric Discharging Machine (EDM)

Electrical discharge machines (EDM) use a nontraditional technique where material is removed from a workpiece via thermal energy. A lot like processes such as laser cutting, EDM doesn’t require mechanical pressure in the removal process. 

The Two Different Sub Types Of EDM’s:

  • In wire electrical discharge machines, a slim single-strand metal wire, is slipped across the piece. This wire will be submerged in a bath of dielectric fluid, generally deionized water. 
  • Electrical Discharge Machine or sinker EDM machining processes an electrically charged electrode calibrated to a particular configuration to burn the configuration of the electrode into a metal element. This type of process is usually used to produce molds and dies.

CNC Machine Shop

Equipped with over 40 years of experience, East Valley Precision has been offering top-notch customer service and machinery work throughout the valley. EVP specializes in CNC milling, turning, surface grinding, engineering and water jet cutting. This company also has extensive experience in machining aluminum, stainless steel, titanium and plastics. With customers from the medical, semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries, you can rest assured that any of your needs can be taken care of by EVP.

East Valley Precision – Custom Machinery Specialists

East Valley Precision offers custom CNC Machining in the Chandler, Arizona and surrounding areas. When you need precision CNC machining and milling contact East Valley Precision. Call us at 480-288-6601 for more information or use our form for a quote.

1 2