CNC Routing

As demands for higher quality, tighter tolerances, and increased cost efficiency continue to grow in the composites industry, many manufacturers have turned to computer numerical control (CNC) equipment for the bulk of their production requirements. CNC equipment like routers, mills, and lathes offer fast setup times and increased accuracy over conventional methods that typically require specialized molds or tooling.

At Atlas Fibre, we feature a comprehensive selection of CNC equipment to meet your fabrication needs, including CNC router machines. Whether you need us to finish a workpiece or create a product from start to finish, we have all your requirements covered. Our team has years of experience helping customers develop practical designs with lighter weights, higher reliability, and longer service lives.

What Is a CNC Router, and How Does It Work?

CNC routing is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses a computer-controlled routing machine with numerous tools across multiple axes. These machines use beds to mount the workpiece, making the equipment ideal for producing flat parts.

Despite the fast setup times, CNC routers are less beneficial for large-volume production runs than other types of CNC equipment we feature, such as mills, lathes, and Swiss CNC machines. However, routers outshine other machines for prototyping, small-batch lots, and product development runs. CNC router machines are ideal for small-lot drilling, cutting blanks, finishing injection molded parts, and trimming pressure-formed components.

Advantages of Using a CNC Router for Plastic Products

CNC routing offers numerous benefits, including:

• Cost savings: Few equipment options are better than a CNC router for fast setup times and efficiency in smaller production runs. CNC routing also eliminates the expensive tooling costs often associated with molding manufacturing methods. All these benefits also translate into faster lead times than traditional thermoplastic production.
• Accuracy: CNC routers deliver high repeatability and precision when shaping materials with various angles, surface levels, and cavities. CNC routing can achieve tight tolerances, ensuring consistent, accurate dimensions during production.
• Flexibility: CNC routers offer high flexibility in design changes and modifications. The computer-controlled nature of the machines enables quick alterations of the cutting paths and designs, making them suitable for prototyping and customization.
• Versatility: CNC routing works well with various materials, including phenolics and thermosets. CNC routers also help minimize production waste and spoilage by optimizing material usage.

Contact Atlas Fibre Today to Learn More

For decades, Atlas Fibre has helped customers improve cost efficiency and increase product quality by recommending the most practical and effective composite materials and production methods. If you want to learn more about how our CNC routers and other advanced equipment can benefit your operation, our professionals can guide you. Contact us today with questions or to obtain a free quote.