CNC router

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.

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.

CNC routers can help ensure part repeatability and sufficiently efficient output for production, or allow one-off designs to be made.

CNC routers are used in sign shops, cabinet making, aerospace and boat-making.

The machine sits on a track and is not capable of making round or spherical cuts.

Milling is the machining process of using rotary cutters to remove material[2] from a workpiece advancing (or feeding) in a direction at an angle with the axis of the tool.

A stone CNC router is a type of CNC router machine designed for marble, granite, artificial stone, tombstone, ceramic tiles, glass machining, polishing for arts and crafts, etc.

Because stone dust is very abrasive, these routers also have much better protection for the guide rails (below cover).

Polyurethane foam can also be cut using a CNC router in order to produce complex shapes which would otherwise be difficult or impossible to replicate by hand.

Depending on the type of foam being converted, a CNC router would be able to cut through up to an 8lb density.

Styrofoam[5] can also be cut using a CNC router, making it an ideal material for creating detailed prototypes, signage, and architectural models.