CNC Milled Door Panel Detail
CNC Routed MDF Clock
CNC routed wood parts
CNC Routed MDF Parts

CNC routing

2D + 3D carving of robust materials

  • Profile Cutting

    CNC routing is a precise method of cutting a design from a given material using a CAD file to guide it. A CNC operates in 3 dimensions (X, Y, Z) simultaneously, but most commonly cuts in the XY plane to create a flat outline of a shape in a given material thickness. A really fine level of cutting detail can be achieved on a wide range of materials, using bits a small as 1/16” diameter.

    Variable depth carving/etching is also possible, and can be done with various shapes of tool heads.

    We can rout out and paint fill the etching, or for some applications, a two-tone material is available where routing away a top color exposes another color beneath.

    Surface Routing

    Besides cutting through materials, the CNC router can be used to cut away material at varying depths. These can be right angle step downs, or it can step down smoothly in the Z-axis while simultaneously moving in the XY plane. Both techniques create a 3D relief, but are simply design dependent.

    Our router has over 10” of clearance in the Z-axis, allowing for a great range of depth.

    Parts

    The precision and variety of available router bit parameters and profiles allow for many possibilities in creating whole parts or sculptural pieces out of a variety of materials. Countersinks, threaded holes, roundovers, slots, and more are all achievable through the dynamic capabilities of the router. We can help you design your pieces to perfectly match specified hardware and connectors seamlessly.

  • CNC routing requires a vector drawing to have a path to cut along. Common file types are .dwg, .ai, .3dm, .dxf, and .eps, created in programs such as Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, Rhino, etc.

    A raster (image) file cannot be used to profile cut, and must be converted to vector file for quoting and cutting. Please inquire if you need assistance with this.

    Surface routing of three dimensional objects will typically require a 3D model. The exception to this is if the cut depths only require flat, pocketed areas, which can be called out in a 2D drawing.

    Given proper 2D drawings, we can assist you with the creation of the 3D model to create your piece.

    The exactness of the router allows for pieces to be cut from multiple materials and combined into a finished product. If the product requires ultimate precision and detailing, we can transfer parts from the router to the laser cutter and add the finishing touches or customization in-house.

CNC MATERIALS

While wood and plastic are most common, our router is powerful enough to cut through many non-ferrous metals and many other very hard materials. Please inquire about additional materials not listed below.

Baltic birch plywood edge

Our full selection of plywood options. Filter by type of wood, thickness, etc.

+ Finish Face Grading Standards

Baltic Birch Plywood is graded with a face and back grade designation.

B/BB: Single piece face and back veneer. Face veneers are considered clear and free of defects with a light-uniform color. The back allows 3-6 color-matched patches, which are oval in shape and egg-sized. Inner cores are solid birch single piece veneers.

BB/BB: Single piece face and back. Both face and back veneers allow 3-6 small color-matched patches on average and some light mineral streaks. Tight pin knots may be present. Inner cores are solid single piece veneers.

BB/CP: Single piece face and back. The “CP” back veneers are downgraded from “BB” grade veneers, which allow for unlimited patches and sound knots, but does not allow for open defects. Inner cores are solid birch single piece veneers.

CP/CP: Single piece face and back. Face and back grade veneers allow unlimited sound knots and repaired splits and unlimited patches. The panel is sounding both sides and designed for laminating.

C/C: Patches, open knots, and small veneer splits allowed. Veneer lap and small core voids permitted. This panel is not sanded and would be used for structural purposes.

SHOP GRADES: Panels allow for 1-3 splits on the face veneer along one edge of the panel in lengths no longer than 10” and no wider than ¼”.

+ Veneer Cuts and Matching

Click here for more info.

Entire log is peeled producing a continuous ribbon of veneer.
The half log is mounted with the knife parallel to the center of the “back” of the log, then forced across the knife to produce a flat sawn lumber look, often developing a repeating grain pattern called a cathedral.
The quarter log is mounted in the slicer so that the knife cuts across the growth rings at approximately a right angle and parallel to the rays, resulting in a highly three dimensional ray flake appearance in red and white oak.

+ Plywood Core Types

Hardwood plywood cores are the layers between the hardwood or decorative softwood face and back veneers. The core of the panel will influence the properties of the plywood panels such as water resistance, stability, strength, flatness, screw holding ability, weight, and cost. Click here for more info.

+ What is FSC Certification?

FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. Click here for more info.

hardwood edge profile

Our a wide selection of hardwood options. Filter by type of wood, thickness, etc.

Plastic Acrylic Tile Color Assortment

Our wide selection of plastic options. Filter by type of plastic, thickness, color, etc.

HDU Foam Block On Router

Our wide selection of foam options. Filter by type of foam, density, thickness, etc.

Aluminum Sheet Stack

Please inquire about available metal options.

Get Started.

Submit Your cnc routing project today

HOW DOES IT WORK?

  • If you have prepared files you would like to submit for quote, you can upload them for us to take a look at and give you feedback. Laser Cutting and CNC routing requires a drawing (vector file) for processing through the machine. If you're unable to provide a vector file for cutting, we can likely assist you for an additional fee.

  • We are able to source and provide materials as necessary for most projects, however projects requiring special materials may require you to supply the material yourself. Please see our materials pages for a sample list of available materials.

  • We'll evaluate your files and provide you with a quote based on the material and amount of time required to cut your project.

  • After approval, we'll run the job and send you notification when they're ready. You can then pay your invoice online and pick up at your convenience!

If you have an idea in mind and would like help creating your design, please email us your thoughts and we will help get you going. Email us.

Have your files ready to go?

Rhino

AUTOCAD

ILLUSTRATOR

We've put together simple templates that you can download to help you setup your file by organizing the cuts and work within the maximum sheet size.