CNC ROUTER VIDEOS

CNC ROUTER, MILL OR PLASMA?

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Three types of CNC machines have become increasingly popular over the last decade. These are CNC Router Tables, CNC Milling Machines, and CNC Plasma Tables.

Today we will take a quick look at the differences between these machines, to help you determine what type is best for your shop.

Lets start by looking at what the three have in common.

CNC Mills, Plasma Tables and Router Tables perform the same basic functions of using a cutting tool to remove material.

What is CNC?

CNC is an acronym, which stands for Computer Numeric Control.

All that means is CNC machines are given commands from a computer, which reads information from a “g-code” or “numeric language” file. The machine cutting is controlled through automation, rather than traditional methods of cutting with table saw or other hand tools.

The computer commands the machine to move a cutting tool on a set axis or directional plane, (front to back, left to right, up and down) for a determined distance which enables precise cuts.

First lets take a quick look at traditional CNC Milling Machines

CNC Milling Machines

CNC Milling machines are specifically focused on cutting or milling block metal materials that are not easily processed with other methods.

CNC Mills are better optimized for performing metal milling and sculpting than their counterparts as typically cuts are made using higher levels of torque at slower cutting speeds.

CNC Plasma Tables

Plasma tables are typically used for cutting ferrous sheet or plate metals using a mechanized plasma torch instead of a rotating bit. Plasma Tables can also be used for back gouging weld joints to remove defects.

CNC Plasma tables are most commonly used in shops that focus exclusively on sheet steel and metal work and are not suitable for woods, plastics, aluminum etc..

CNC Routers Tables

Of the three, the CNC Router is the most versatile price of production equipment. CNC Routers are able to cut a wider variety of materials such as woods, plastic, metals, foams, solid surface materials etc.

For most shops CNC Routers are the tool of choice for an all-in-one solution.

CNC routers operate on three or four axes and use a mechanical spindle with a cutting bit to make flat profile cut outs, mill pockets and perform 3D sculpting at higher speed.

CNC Routers are the tool of choice for Cabinet Making, Sign Manufacturing, Woodworking, Furniture production, Aero Space industry, Guitar builders etc..

We hope that helps distinguish the similarities and differences between the three most common CNC Machines.

At Industrial CNC we offer a full line of CNC Router and CNC plasma tables so feel free to reach out if you have any questions. We’d love to help!