Computer Number Controlled or CNC Routing is the process by which a computer uses a digital design program to control the cuts of a milling machine. CNC routing is common for metal and wood working applications but here we shall be restricting our review of its application to wood, plastic and nonferrous metals.
CNC routing is ideal for large production volumes where a very high degree of identical replication is required as well as cost effective production at speed. In addition, CNC routing is ideal for one off or small run customization jobs because the computer can take an intricate design and reproduce it on the raw material much faster than a human operator is able to do and with less risk of error leading to wastage of valuable raw materials. As the process requires a computer program to operate, the program can be saved and utilized at any time in the future and the customer is guaranteed that they will receive an identical finished article no matter which production run it comes from.
There are three distinct stages in producing CNC routed signage.
Step One – the customer produces a design, or has a designer do it for them and this is converted into a computer file known as a vector file – it is called a vector file as it holds the information which tells the computer where to apply cuts and in what dimension – up/down, side to side, forwards or backwards.
Step Two using the design program, a blank is created by cutting the mounted raw material to exact size using the CNC router. A priming and sanding process is then applied before the background color is added and a mask also added to the blank facing – this is left to cure or set.
Step Three – the CNC router is then used to make channel cuts (also referred to as hog out by operators) which expose the underlying design in raised relief. While this is done, the blank is held firmly in place and cannot be moved with even vacuuming of scraps and cut waste performed in situ to ensure exceptional accuracy in the fine detail. Additional color elements are added as required which will leave a finished graphical design once the protective covering is finally removed.
The result is a three dimensional sign which will be visually striking and finished to an exceptionally high quality.
CNC routed signage is of such exceptional finish quality but still cost effective due to the computer control element, that signage is used for:
Signs in recreational and National Parks;
Memorials and monuments;
Military emblems and shields;
Dedication plaques;
Markers for residential developments and business parks;
In addition, CNC routed signage is used both internally and externally with many signs being produced using raw materials, such as plastics, which are necessary for marine or water environments or indeed, for any environment where wood is precluded from being used. CNC routed signage is also well suited where a long lasting and durable finish is required because it is an integral piece of raw material which is being used and there is no textured surfaces to attract grime as no fixings to corrode or individual elements to work loose.
Author Resource:
Lawrence Reaves is a freelance writer. Agee Woodworks handcrafts fireplace mantels and does custom CNC routing work. Find them online at http://www.ageewoodworks.com/
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