A CNC Router is suitable for milling, boring, engraving the following materials:

  • Wood – Soft and hard solid wood, Plywood, MDF, Melamine etc.
  • Plastics – Acrylic, Polycarbonate, PVC, HDPE etc.
  • Aluminum and other non ferrous soft metals (under certain very specific conditions)
  • Fibre composites e.g. GFK or CFK (with specific attention to the dust generated from cutting)
  • Composites such as Corian and Alucobond
  • Foam (with specific attention to the dust generated from cutting)

The above list of materials is appropriate if the following conditions are met

  • Appropriate tooling is used for the job requirement
  • The tools have been installed correctly in the collet mounting system in the provided spindle. Never use a tool outside of its operating parameters.
  • The spindle speed and feed rate are appropriate for the job
  • In the case where you are machining aluminum some extra care is required to maintain good chip development. If necessary, a cold airline will improve chip generation.
  • Coolant may be required in some cases where aluminum is the main application. In the case where coolant is used the operator must pay close attention to manage the coolant run off.
  • In all cases – especially where foam or composites are machined – provision of adequate extraction systems to eliminate hazardous swarf, dust and particulates must be implemented. There must be systems in place to stop dust ingress into the machine’s running gear and spindle bearings.