what is CNC
What is CNC Routing?
CNC Routing is highly accurate routing. The CNC stands for Computer Numerically Controlled. The routing is similar to hand routing using a hand router. However, CNC routers are usually much larger and more powerful. When you add CNC to the equation, you get better accuracy and precision coupled with the ability to make many accurate parts quickly.
CNC routing machines work by translating programmed instruction coordinates into precision motion along the path specified. The CNC router uses a tool to machine that path to produce the desired profile. This allows a programmer to write a part program and route many identical parts today, and then run that same program weeks or months from now and get identical parts that will fit just as well as those made today.
Today’s production CNC routers are incredibly fast and have powerful spindles capable of routing and machining very thick sections of solid wood and other materials. CNC routers are even used in manufacturing parts from non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, brass, and copper. There are many other materials that can be cut with a CNC router such as plastic, foam (e.g. Styrofoam), fiberglass, signboard, particleboard, oriented strand board, phenolics, and composites.
Just about anything that can be drawn on a computer.