Exploring CNC Routing: Techniques and Best Practices
For modern manufacturing techniques when it comes to processing plastics and composite materials CNC routing is a game-changer. CNC routing offers precision, efficiency, and versatility, no matter if you’re crafting intricate designs or producing large-scale components. In this blog, we’ll dive into the basics of CNC routing, and its importance in manufacturing, and share some top techniques and best practices to help you get the most out of this machining service.
Understanding CNC Routing
CNC routing is a precision-controlled cutting process where a high-speed rotating tool shapes a material based on programmed instructions. Unlike milling or turning, where either the material or tool moves, CNC routing keeps the material still while the cutting or routing tool moves along multiple axes to achieve the desired cuts and patterns. This method is especially effective for machining plastics and composite sheets into intricate designs and shapes
Common CNC Routers and Tools
CNC routers have a flatbed design which securely holds the flat material while in use. Equipped with high-speed spindles, these routers use a variety of cutting tools such as:
- End Mills: Ideal for smooth edges and fine detail work.
- Ball Nose Cutters: Used for curved surfaces and 3D shapes.
- V-Bit Cutters: Perfect for engraving and creating sharp angles.
Combined with CAD-based programming, CNC routing can produce detailed components with exceptional precision and repeatability.
Section 2: Key CNC Routing Techniques 
CNC routing can be used with a variety of techniques to suit different design requirements and material properties, this is another reason this process offers exceptional flexibility and precision.
2D and 3D Routing
- 2D Routing: This process cuts flat profiles and shapes from sheet materials, ideal for creating parts like panels, enclosures, and frames.
- 3D Routing: Commonly used for moulds and prototypes this process involves carving or shaping materials to produce complex geometries, contoured surfaces or intricate 3D designs.
Techniques for Different Materials
Depending on the type of material you’re using CNC routing techniques can vary, here’s a run down of techniques you’ll need to process these plastic materials:
- Acrylic: Requires slower feed rates and polished cutting tools to achieve clear, smooth edges.
- Polycarbonate: Needs high-speed and very sharp tools to prevent chipping and ensure precise cuts.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Works best with low cutting speeds to prevent melting and distortion.
- Composite Panels: A difficult material to process which often requires specialised tools to handle layered structures without delamination.
Examples of Specific Techniques
The CNC routing process ensures accurate, repeatable precision that often wouldn’t be achieved manually, especially for the below techniques:
- Engraving: Often used to create precise lettering, logos, or decorative patterns – perfect for creating signage.
- Cutting: Produces clean, accurate edges for parts like machine components or consumer products.
- Drilling: Achieves consistent, smooth holes for fasteners or assembly features
Section 3: Best Practices for CNC Routing
For best results, it’s important to follow best practices that ensure precision, efficiency, and longevity of your equipment.
Tool Selection
Choosing the right router bits and tools for your project is crucial to achieving clean, accurate cuts. Different materials and design complexities will require specific tools – selecting the wrong tool for the task can cause damage to your machine and/or damage to your end product or a poor finish.
Speed and Feed Rates
Depending on the material you’re processing you’ll need to optimise speed and feed rates to prevent material deformation, and tool wear and to achieve the right finish. Selecting the wrong speed may cause cracking or chipping of the material and often too much speed can generate too much heat which may cause damage to your product/material.
Software and Programming
As a computer-aided machine, the CNC Router will do what you tell it to do (or what it’s been programmed to do) and therefore it all starts with accurate programming. Make sure your CNC router follows the right tool paths, minimising errors and ensuring consistent quality. You can use advanced CAD/CAM software to generate precise designs, define accurate tool paths to accommodate unique material properties and adopt cutting techniques as required. A great benefit of these types of software is you can simulate the routing process before machining to check for any mistakes, tool interference or collisions that can ruin the design. Once you’re set, you know you’re good to go.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your CNC router is key to extending its lifespan and maintaining consistent results.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the router to remove debris, dust, and chips that can affect performance.
- Lubrication: Ensure moving parts are properly lubricated to reduce friction and prevent wear.
- Calibration: Regularly calibrate the machine to ensure all axes are moving accurately and the cutting tools are correctly aligned.
Section 4: Applications of CNC Routing
One of the big benefits of CNC routing is that it can be used for a variety of applications across a wide range of industries. Its precision and adaptability make it a valuable tool for creating custom, high-quality components.
Here are some of the most common uses we come across through our CNC Services:
Signage
CNC routing is widely used in the signage industry to produce custom signs with crisp edges and intricate detailing. Whether working with plastics, composites, or metals, CNC routers can create 2D and 3D signs, logos, and lettering with precision.
Prototyping and Product Development
CNC routing is invaluable for creating detailed prototypes and testing designs before mass production. The ability to machine plastics and composites quickly and accurately ensures that prototypes meet exact specifications. This process is then easily repeatable and accurate every time.
Aerospace and Automotive Components
CNC routing can be used to produce lightweight, durable components from advanced composite materials. Examples include interior panels, structural supports, and
aerodynamic parts.
Architecture and Construction
Architects and builders can use CNC routing for custom cladding panels, decorative facades, and detailed architectural elements. This ensures precision in complex designs that are difficult to achieve with manual methods.
Electronics and Technology
The process is ideal for crafting enclosures, circuit boards, and other precision components used in electronics. The CNC routing process provides the accuracy required for delicate, intricate designs.
Contact TK Fabrications for CNC Routing Requirements
CNC routing is a staple for modern machining, offering unparalleled precision, versatility, and efficiency for processing different materials to create components for various industries. From product development to highly precise components, CNC routing is essential for crafting high-quality, detailed products from plastic materials.
We specialise in CNC routing, along with other CNC machining services such as CNC milling, CNC turning, and CNC routing, to meet all your manufacturing needs. With years of experience and a focus on quality, our team is ready to bring your project to life.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements and discover how our expertise can make your vision a reality!