A CNC router machine is a Computer Numerical Controlled machine that uses computer programming to control a high speed rotating cutter to perform cutting and shaping operations. A broad variety of materials can be cut by these machines, including but not limited to; plastics, woods, carbon fibre and light metals such as aluminium.
They are most frequently used for 2D cutting on flat materials. Using programmed tool paths which are derived from a vector drawing, a controller instructs the machine to move the toolhead along its X and Y axis. However, with a fully programmable Z-axis and suitable design file and controller they are equally capable of machining elaborate 3D profiles and designs into the same wide range of materials.
