CNC Routers and their Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide

CNC machines can be advantageous for your small business, but are there any CNC router benefits? Yes, there are! Thanks to the diverse array of CNC router uses, these machines offer a myriad of benefits.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the CNC router benefits, and answer questions like:

• Are CNC routers worth it?
• What does a CNC router do?
• How does a CNC router work?

Let’s get into it

What Does a CNC Router Do?

The CNC router uses are versatile, but let’s take a brief look at the question, “What is a CNC router used for?”

The main applications of these devices include:

1. Cutting - From basic cuts and trims to intricate designs and outlines, CNC routers do a great job.
2. Shaping - Once you’ve made your basic cuts, you can use your CNC router to shape the workpiece into the exact form that you want.
3. Engraving and Routing - CNC routers are brilliant for engraving brands and other designs into workpieces. As a router, it can also manage detailed scrollwork and other work that involves fine cutting.

How Does a CNC Router Work?

A Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) router works by feeding instructions into a machine from a computer. The machine has a blade or routing bit that rotates at high speeds to produce the cuts and engravings needed.

CNC routers consist of four parts:

• The worktable holds the workpiece in place while you’re cutting and shaping it
• The spindle holds the tool that the machine is using. It also moves it along the workpiece to make the desired cuts.
• The drive system is responsible for moving the spindle along the machine's different axes (moving paths).
• The controller interprets the instructions that come from the computer. It then directs the drive system to ensure that the spindle travels to the correct locations.

In essence, the process is as follows:

1. You upload or create a design in the CAM software that goes with the machine.
2. Then, you ensure that the spindle is holding the correct bit for the application.
3. When you press the ‘run’ or ‘start’ function on the software, the computer converts your design into G-code. G-code is the coding that your CNC machine understands.
4. The controller interprets the G-code and sends signals to the drive system.
5. As it receives signals, the drive system starts moving the spindle along the axes.
6. The spindle spins the bit or cutting tool and applies it to the workpiece to make cuts, engravings, or other needed work.

While the process is fairly simple, it’s also undoubtedly complex. This level of complexity is precisely why the CNC router uses are so diverse.

CNC Router Benefits

Now that we’ve answered the question, “What can you do with a CNC router?” let’s take a closer look at the CNC router benefits. The advantages are innumerable, but below we’ll discuss some of the main ones.

Efficiency

While handmade items are beautiful, they take a long time to make. One of the CNC router benefits is that it can make high-quality items in less than half the time.

Because these machines are so efficient, you can:

• Do more work with less staff
• Create more items in less time
• Speed up your manufacturing system
• Make more detailed products without increasing the time spent

Accuracy

Another of the CNC router uses is that these machines are extremely accurate. They can do anything from fine scrollwork to machine parts that require careful attention to detail.

Since they have such a high degree of accuracy, they make it easy for you to expand your product lines. Whether it’s decorative boxes with fine scrollwork or furniture that requires minute joinery, CNC routers open doors.

Versatility

CNC routers’, especially three-axis CNC routers’, uses are a lot more diverse than many other tools.

You can use them to make cuts that would traditionally be the purview of:

• Planers
• Joiners
• Jigsaws
• Mitre saws
• Table saws
• Scroll saws
• Router tables
• Circular saws

You can also use them to do the shaping and decorative elements that one would traditionally need to do by hand.

This versatility, and the fact that CNC machines can replace so many others, makes them a worthwhile investment. Here are some of the advantages you gain from the CNC router’s flexibility:

• Space savings - Depending on the brand and type of CNC machine you buy, these machines can be relatively compact. Having a router table, table saw, joiner, planer, and other machines can clutter your workshop. One of the CNC router benefits is that it can do all these jobs while taking up less space.
• Money savings - Since you can buy less other machinery when you buy a CNC router, you’ll also spend less.
• Greater flexibility - With a CNC machine, you’ll probably be able to do more types of work than you typically would. Their flexibility allows you to make forays into other lines of work.

Cost Effectiveness

As we mentioned above, CNC routers save you money by filling the roles of many other machine types. However, there are other ways it saves you money.

1. The CNC machines themselves are inexpensive, which makes them extremely affordable considering their uses.
2. Because you require fewer types of machinery, you don’t need as many employees to run them.
3. You won’t need to pay specialists to do fine scrollwork or hand carve elaborate pieces.
4. The machines run with greater accuracy, which reduces the amount of wasted materials.
5. You can potentially rent out your machine when not using it, to cover its operating costs.

Are CNC Routers Worth It?

CNC routers are absolutely worth it. Thanks to their great flexibility and versatility, they can do the jobs of many specialist machines.

Since they can manufacture parts, make cuts, or engrave at extreme speeds, they’ll also save you time and improve profit margins. Their flexibility will save you time and money while allowing you to enlarge your portfolio.

Finally, they’re extremely efficient at the tasks that they do, without being unaffordably expensive. When considered correctly, these devices cost less since they can also do the job of a myriad of other workshop staples.

You’ll also waste less unnecessary materials, thanks to the accuracy and efficiency of these routers.

If you want a machine that can do many different things, is relatively affordable and operates efficiently without compromising accuracy, the CNC router is for you.

Is a CNC Router Right for You?

Despite their many advantages and the manifold CNC router uses, the question you should be asking yourself is, “Is a CNC router right for my business and me?”

These machines truly have many wonderful benefits, but for some businesses, they can be a bit of a white elephant.

Some of the things to consider before buying a CNC router include:

• Budget - If you’re just starting with a business, you may not have the budget for a CNC router. They’re relatively inexpensive, but you may want to consider renting a machine till you’re sure you’ll use it.
• Intended Use - The manifold CNC router uses are versatile but ensure that the machine you buy can do what you want. Not all CNCs are equal, though 3-axis CNC machines are some of the most flexible.
• Frequency of Use - Even with all the CNC router benefits, buying one isn’t practical if you’re only going to use it once monthly. Ensure that you’re going to use it regularly enough to warrant buying a machine.
• Space constraints - CNC routers can fulfill the role of many different machines, and take up less space in the bargain. However, depending on the model in question, these machines may be massive.
• Materials in Use - Depending on what you’re working with, CNC routers may not be ideal. In some cases, a CNC mill or laser cutter will be the best choice. If you’re working with extremely hard metals or tough hardwoods, you may want to consider buying a mill.

These are the main considerations to bear in mind before buying a CNC. If you’re sure you can afford it, will use it, and that it can do what you need, it will serve you well.

Are you unsure whether a CNC router is right for you and your business? Please feel free to contact us at Tork CNC. We’ll be happy to discuss the potential and limitations of these wonderful machines.

We’d also love to help you develop a package that will meet your business’s needs.