What is a CNC Router? What does it do? How is it used?

In our blog post about CNC routers, we will answer questions such as “What is a CNC router? What is it used for? How is it used?” After providing general information about CNC routers, we will discuss the advantages of using them. We hope this post will be useful for those who want to learn more about CNC routers. Happy reading!

What is a CNC Router? What does it do?

CNC, which stands for Computer Numeric Control, can be described as computer-aided numerical control. CNC machines are fully automatic machines designed to make CNC work easier and more efficient, with control provided by a computer. There are many types of CNC machines available for performing different tasks. These include CNC routers, CNC milling machines, CNC presses, CNC robots, and CNC lathes. A CNC Router is a machine with a computer control system and a large processing area. CNC Routers are machines that enable carving, shaping, relief, and engraving operations on various materials such as wood, MDF, particleboard, composite, plexiglass, derlin, polyurethane, and lightweight metals. Every CNC Router must have a control panel.

Types of CNC Routers and Their Advantages

The CNC router has three axes: X, Y, and Z. The commonly used 3-axis CNC router processes the part by approaching it only from the top surface. For those who want to process different parts, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC routers are also available. These machines, which operate with a computer system, offer users many advantages. The advantages they provide to users can be listed as follows:

• If you want to change the dimensions to be cut on the CNC router, simply update the drawing. You can then start cutting to the desired dimensions.
• CNC router machines can cut and shape many materials, including plastic, aluminum, wood, and composite. They have cutting tables up to 3000 mm x 2
• The programmable feature of these machines allows you to cut the same product again at any time with the same dimensions.
• Electricity and material costs are low.
• CNC machines eliminate the human factor. Therefore, they enable serial and precise production.
• In addition to these features, you also have the opportunity to mill, engrave, and shave materials with a CNC router.

The Difference Between CNC Routers and Other Machines

CNC router machines differ from other CNC machines in terms of their operating principle and the technology they use. These differences are as follows:

CNC laser machines cut parts with laser beams and can only perform two-dimensional operations. CNC routers, on the other hand, have the ability to perf

CNC plasma machines can only process metals and work in two dimensions, like lasers. CNC routers, on the other hand, can process a wide variety of materials, from wood to metal.

CNC water jet: Unlike lasers and plasma, these machines perform cold cutting. They operate using high-pressure water and are not suitable for wood. Routers have an even wider range of materials they can process, including those that these two machines can handle.

How Does a CNC Router Work? How Is It Used?

CNC routers operate on the principle of computer control. We can explain the operating principle of CNC routers controlled by a CNC control panel in three easy steps.

Step 1: A file detailing the workpiece according to the x, y, and z axes must be designed. This file determines how the image (workpiece) will be created.

Step 2: Once the file has been designed, the next step is to convert it to G code. G code is a programming language. G codes, which are the common language of CNC machines, are used to communicate to the control unit which movements to perform, at what speed, and in what order, to the servo axes.

Step 3: These recorded operations are transferred to the CNC machine using a flash memory device.

The CNC control software will now run the G-code file and direct the machine to move around the object to cut the same thing.

CNC router machines deliver fast and effective results when used correctly. However, there are certain points that are important in order to achieve effective results. These points are:

• Cutting depth,
• Safe height,
• Feed rate,
• Knife step
• Blade motor speed
• The quality of CNC router parts is important for achieving effective results.

You can read detailed information about the use and control of CNC control units in our blog post titled Control, Connection, and System Control Settings of CNC Control Units.

We have come to the end of our informative article on CNC Routers prepared by Şahin Rulman. For more information on CNC routers and CNC router parts, please contact us at 0212 576 04 06. We wish you a pleasant day.