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Overview
Overview
A computer numerical control (CNC) router is a computer-controlled cutting machine which typically mounts a hand-held router as a spindle which is used for cutting various materials, such as wood, composites, metals, plastics, glass, and foams. CNC routers can perform the tasks of many carpentry shop machines such as the panel saw, the spindle moulder, and the boring machine. They can also cut joinery such as mortises and tenons.
A CNC router is very similar in concept to a CNC milling machine. Instead of routing by hand, tool paths are controlled via computer numerical control. The CNC router is one of many kinds of tools that have CNC variants.
Applications
Applications
A CNC router can be used to produce items such as door carvings, interior and exterior decorations, wood panels, sign boards, wooden frames, moldings, musical instruments, furniture. In addition, they see use in industry in the thermoforming of plastics by automating the trimming process. CNC routers can help ensure part repeatability and sufficiently efficient output for production, or allow one-off designs to be made.
Use
Use
CNC routers are controlled by a computer. Coordinates are uploaded into the machine controller from a separate program. CNC router are often used with two software applications—one to make designs (CAD) and another to translate those designs into a G-code or M-code program of instructions for the machine (CAM) in vertical, horizontal and perpendicular coordinates. As with CNC milling machines, CNC routers can be controlled directly by manual programming, but CAD/CAM allows wider possibilities for contouring, speeding up the programming process and in some cases creating programs whose manual programming would be impractical. On some controllers the G-code can be loaded as a vector file on the router control panel. A vector file can be created from a picture file by using a drawing (CAD) software.
CNC Router Parts
CNC Router Parts
Bed/Table
Bed/Table
The bed or table is the work surface of a CNC router. It’s where the material is placed to be cut. Often the bed contains clamping features to secure the material as it’s being cut. Unlike a CNC milling machine, the bed on a CNC router is usually made from something like MDF. This is so it can be easily resurfaced flat, as full depth cuts in material can run the tool into the table surface slightly. The bed on a CNC router is considered a wear surface and gets replaced as needed.
User Interface
User Interface
The electronic interface for the machine may be as simple as a laptop or desktop computer running the appropriate software, or it may be a dedicated computer built into the machine with a dedicated control panel or touch screen. In either case, this is where the user loads the g-code files to send to the machine. This is also where individual commands can be entered to perform functions like jogging axes, setting up home positions and possibly even tooling changes.
Computer Controller
Computer Controller
As with any CNC machine, a computer controller and motor drivers are used to translate the software g-code tool paths into electronic signals for the motors.
Motor(s)
Motor(s)
To actually get the machine to move, motors are used. Stepper motors are most commonly used for their accuracy and low cost, while higher end machines may use servo motors for more consistent control with feedback. They can drive pulleys connected to belts, ball screws, or some machines use a rack and pinion style drive system.
Gantry
Gantry
Most CNC router machines are built using a gantry. Usually the router or spindle is attached to a vertically moving section (z-axis) that runs horizontally along the gantry (x-axis). The entire gantry moves longitudinally (y-axis) to cover the working area.
Spindle/Router
Spindle/Router
The part of a CNC router that holes the holds and spins the tooling is the router or for more heavy duty setups it may be a dedicated spindle (more on that below). Depending on the size of the machine, the router/spindle can range from smaller commercial palm routers to multiple kilowatt, and even liquid cooled spindles.
Tooling
Tooling
We discussed tooling above and the wide range of types of tooling available. The tool or bit is the swappable part that does the actual cutting. It was barely an exaggeration to say there’s a near infinite number of different styles of tools available. Different materials have unique needs, such as more or less flutes. The direction of the flutes, whether straight, up, down or both can be used to influence chipping of the edges around a cut. Different coatings can be used to help control heat and tool life.
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