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Mechanical motion control manufacturers power up their machining equipment every day. CNC milling machines are creating detailed work, and jig routers are making deep cuts.
So what’s the role of a CNC router machine in all this? Many manufacturers offer router services to supplement your machining needs.
Read on to learn more about the benefits and capabilities of CNC router services.
What Can a CNC Router Machine Do for Your Project?
Routing adds contours and smooth edges to the piece via a milling head attached to a computerized system. A CNC router table works by maneuvering a mill or router bit across the material, which is held down on a vacuum table to keep positioning consistent.
A spoilboard, usually made of MDF (medium-density fiberboard) ranging from 1” to 1.5” in thickness, provides a vacuum seal to hold the workpiece and has built in relief for the cutting tool/bit around the profile of the tray or workpiece.
CNC offers a great deal of automation and control over the entire process, leading to fewer routing errors.
When Are CNC Services the Right ... Route?
In manufacturing, routing tends to make sense when the part is ...
- Relatively large
- Flat or sheet-like
- Needs features cut into it
- Doesn't justify a more tooling-intensive process
CNC routing services are a fast and accurate operation. A traditional router is used to create rounded edges, cut precise angles, or hollow out various materials. A CNC (computer numerical control) router automates these operations, allowing manufacturers to reproduce complex cuts and features with greater consistency. These advanced computerized capabilities aid in the cutting of a wide variety of materials, all while increasing operator productivity and reducing waste.
Suppose you need a large, aluminum equipment panel with a weird outside profile, six holes, two slots and a recessed pocket.
A CNC router is attractive because you can clamp or vacuum down the blank and have the machine create most or all of those features from the CAD program. The router can potentially profile, drill and pocket the same workpiece in one setup, reducing secondary operations and handling.
Related Resource: To learn more about single-source manufacturing partnerships, check out our free handbook:
CNC Routing Capabilities & Limitations
Whether your manufacturing components are small or large, a single-source manufacturer can often easily adapt its CNC router services to meet your needs with accuracy and consistency.
Routing Capabilities |
Routing Limitations |
|
| Part Dimensions | Large router tables potentially allow an entire part to be machined in one setup | Maximum length, width, and thickness depend on machine's work envelope and tooling clearance |
| Tolerance & Repeatability | Positioning and repeatability make routing great for parts that need consistent dimensions | Achievable tolerances depend on material, geometry, tooling, workholding, etc. |
| Design Complexity | Can create profiles, contours, pockets, slots, holes, etc. without dedicated hard tooling | Tool diameter, tool access, inside-corner radii, depth, & part geometry can limit what's machinable |
| Production Volume | Works well for low volumes because designs are changeable without dedicated tooling | At high volume, another process or dedicated tooling may offer a lower per-part cost |
A good example of a highly capable industrial CNC router is the Komo Mach III. Depending on its configuration, the machine can combine high-speed routing, multiple spindles, and ±0.0008" linear-axis repeatability. The 15-position automatic tool changer adds the versatility to accommodate more complex projects. The larger models can process standard, 5x10’ sheets as well as longer pieces.
These machines can cut and profile several CNC router materials, including:
- Phenolic composites
- Wood
- Plastic
- Laminate
CNC routing machines can process aluminum too, but chip/waste disposal can be difficult depending on the router setup. Depending on the machine and tooling, industrial CNC routers can machine some nonferrous metals and other sheet materials.
Outsourcing Your CNC Routing Needs
It can be difficult to create, compile, and process the necessary pieces in-house to fully assemble a project. If you’ve reached a point where it’s a pain to conduct all your machining processes in-house, know that by outsourcing your CNC router needs to a third-party provider, you can achieve:
- Faster turnaround
- Greater freedom in specifying part requirements
- Cost-efficiency
Typical projects where it makes sense to outsource CNC router services include trays, mouse pans, tabletops, blood draw tablets, and other ergonomic products. Depending on your manufacturer’s capabilities, it may also accept custom routing projects, such as sliding trays for medical carts or anything with an unusual size or shape.
When looking to outsource your processes, make sure that you consider a full-service company. You may be able to bundle in other services to save lead time and transportation costs, such as:
- CNC fiber laser cutting
- CNC turning
- CNC press brake services
- Progressive die stamping
- Robotic welding
- Testing
- Prototyping
- Assembly
- Finishing services (i.e. electroplating and powder coating)
Need a Full Suite of Engineering Services?
Not all hinge manufacturers are created equal. Weber Knapp breaks the mold by offering routing + laser cutting + forming + welding + finishing + assembly. And if you need design assistance from a team of experienced motion control engineers, we've got that too
Learn more about how third-party machining services can benefit your bottom line below:
