Traditionally, companies would manage their CNC MDF cutting needs themselves, employing a team to provide an in-house service. This in-house team would be responsible for cutting and engraving material into the shapes and objects required.
However, with the rise of CNC MDF machines, the in-house model has been steadily declining with the outsourcing model increasing. Outsourcing companies focus solely on providing cutting services to customers and provide state of the art equipment, specialist staff and have experience in delivering a wide range of products. This also means that often the quality and value for money is far better than going it alone.
Cutting has historically also been limited to large companies (as they could afford in-house provision) and specific industries as there were several limitations of what could and couldn’t be done. The rise of outsourcing and CNC now means that cutting services are far more accessible for both smaller companies and different industries.
Let’s find out a bit more about what CNC cutting is.
What Is CNC Cutting?
CNC stands for computer numerical control and what this means is that computers are now able to take control of the cutting machines and direct their operations. The way this works is that a computer program will take the design file and extract the information (vectors) from it. It will then translate this into coordinates, which will be used by the CNC cutting machine to perform the job.
Essentially, what this means is that computers rather than humans can now control CNC cutting machines. This doesn’t just apply to a one-off job either; computers can control whole production lines.
Of course, for this to be possible, there are some specific requirements. The main one is that design files are in a format that can be understood and used by the computer program to derive the coordinates. The most common file types that are accepted by the computer program are .ai, .dwf, .dxf and .eps. However, other file types such as 3D and PDF’s can be accepted as long as the program is able to export vectors from them. It’s always best to check with the cutting team about your file type if you are unsure.
With the flexibility provided by design files and CNC cutting comes the fact that it is likely that more than one tool will be required to complete a job. Therefore, most modern CNC MDF machines come with multiple tools. These are also fully automated meaning that the computer can instruct which tool to use and when and the machine responds, changing the tool without any human intervention required.
What Can a CNC Cutting Machine Do?
CNC cutting machines can do an awful lot, and this is part of the reason why they have grown so much in popularity in recent years. Here’re some examples of what they can cut:
- Timber and sheet material including plywood, CNC MDF, boarding and specialist laminates
- Foam
- Polycarbonates
- PVC
- Acetal
- Solid surface metals
- Plastics
- Laminate veneers
- Dibond and mirrored sheeting
- Tooling board
CNC MDF
MDF is an extremely popular material for cutting, second only to plywood. It’s a versatile type of board, and you can get it in various different levels of thickness. Thickness ranges from 3 to 25mm, and MDF normally comes in a standard size of 8 x 4ft but is also available in an oversize sheet of 10 x 5ft.
The benefits of using MDF are that it’s typically cheaper than plywood, smooth (so great for painting) and consistent throughout.
MDF can also be purchased in a bendy form, which can then be cut and pressed. Popular common brands of MDF are Medite and Valchromat. A downside to note is that when MDF is cut it does tend to expose a slight “furry” inner so that’s worth noting.
Does a CNC Cutting Machine Just Cut?
In short, no. While that may be seen by many as the primary purpose of the machine, the machines are also popular when it comes to engraving materials. The CNC machines are able to engrave materials such as stone, concrete, wood and solid timber.
Now, let’s have a look at what benefits a CNC cutting machine offers.
Benefits of CNC Cutting
There are many benefits offered by CNC cutting. Here’re some of the main ones:
CNC MDF machines are able to complete jobs quicker than the more traditional manual methods used. As computers are the controller here rather than humans, productivity is largely increased. This means that customers get their projects completed quicker. For example, a human would be entitled to breaks and have to sleep at some point whereas a machine can be continuously run, twenty-four seven if necessary. To make this possible, all the computer needs is the design file to be in the correct format and accurate and it can then automate the job. The computer can also be loaded with more than one job at a time meaning that it can automate the entire production process if required.
The precision and accuracy of a CNC MDF cutting machine is far higher than the precision and accuracy achieved by a human. Tests have shown that as long as files are uploaded in the correct format and are accurate, then precision of copies can be guaranteed to the nearest 0.1mm! When compared to the levels of precision achieved by humans, this is a massive improvement. Even the most skilled worker would be unable to achieve an accuracy level anywhere near the level a CNC machine can.
As computers control the process, there is a lower requirement of staff and also time per job. This leads to lower unit costs, which can be passed onto the customers in the form of lower prices.
Cutting used to be a niche service provided in-house by many companies and with a relatively narrow scope. However, the introduction of technology has meant that this scope has widened significantly. Furthermore, as in-house provision was the order of the day traditionally, smaller companies were priced out of the market. However, now outsourcing is becoming more popular it means that smaller companies can gain access to the technology and use if for their own products. Not only has technology made the market more accessible but it has also made projects far more flexible. Whereas before, they were limited to the skills of those doing them, the only limitations are now that of the computer program. If you can program it, you can cut it.
While this doesn’t directly benefit the customer, safety has improved since the introduction of computer numerical control. All modern machines come with the relevant safety protection such as power cut-off, hand guards and protectors, but that’s not where the main safety increase has been seen. By taking humans out of the process and reducing the manual input required, inevitably mistakes and accidents will decrease also. Now, if the machine malfunctions or goes wrong, it’s unlikely that harm will come to a human. It’s far more likely that the machine will simply damage itself.
How Can Aldworth James & Bond Help?
If you have a CNC MDF project that needs doing, and you want to get it right, then you may wish to consider using a specialist company who have the right equipment, specialised staff and a track record of delivering CNC MDF projects.
Here at Aldworth James & Bond we have years of experience in the industry and have delivered many successful CNC MDF projects. Using us as your outsourced expert will ensure that you get the right staff using the right equipment to deliver the best possible quality product to you. We can offer you a cost-effective CNC MDF solution.
Our business is cutting and fabrication so we use the best machinery possible. Our state of the art CNC machines are located in our workshop and have the capability to cut both standard size (8 x 4ft) sheets as well as oversize sheets (10 x 5ft). All our machines are fully tool change automated meaning less human input is required into the process, thus speeding it up. Our machines also have a selection of cutters included a down cutter, an up cutter and a compression cutter which offers a combination of the two. With us, you can be sure that no matter what size or type of project you have, our equipment is able to deliver it.
We know that customer service is important, and that’s why we put it at the core of our business. We focus on providing good communication so we know exactly what you want, and you know exactly where you stand at all times. Our team are helpful and approachable and always willing to go above and beyond for our customers. We can provide advice on the best process or method and even get involved at the design phase to ensure that costly mistakes are avoided. Our aim is simply to help you create the best product/item possible, and we will do everything to make that happen. Should clients wish, we’re also able to collaborate on projects, offering advice on best practice, how to maximise materials and how to minimise waste.
Of course, all of this is only possible if we have a great team in place. The good news is that we do. We have a team full of experience and qualifications, and all have backgrounds in either design or manufacturing. Therefore, they have been around the block and know exactly what’s required to make a project a real success. With us, you really are in safe hands.
We’ve worked on many projects over the years, both complex and simple and have always delivered. This should give you the peace of mind that no matter what type of project you have in mind, we will be able to deliver it for you.
Our years of working in the industry have also enabled us to streamline our systems and processes meaning that the customer experience is heightened for you. We’re able to give quick turnarounds on quotes and also have an easy payment facility should you wish to proceed (even accepting credit card payments!).
Our offices and workshops are located in Deptford (zone 2 of south east London). It’s easily accessible within a few minutes' walk from both the rail station and Overground at New Cross. However, while you’re more than free to pop down and visit us, we are a truly national company so no matter where you are based in the country, we’re able to deliver. We have our own fleet of vehicles at our disposal, and these can deliver products across all of the UK.
Summary
A CNC MDF machine is a way of making great products, efficiently and effectively. Technology has completely changed the industry and as a result precision, accuracy, value for money and quality have increased. The technology makes cutting projects far more accessible to smaller companies and the flexibility offered by computer aided design means alterations can be made easily.
Here, at Aldworth James & Bond, we offer outsourcing solutions, which make customers lives easier while guaranteeing a successful project. Our equipment is modern, our team are qualified and experienced, and our customer service is excellent. We have a history of successfully completing a wide range of projects and can deliver to any location within the UK.
Next Steps
If you have a CNC MDF project that needs completing, and you’d like to find out some more information, get in touch today. One of our experienced team can discuss your requirements with you and let you know where you stand and what we could do to help. If you’d like, we’re also able to provide a quick costing so you have a rough idea of what the project may cost. We love what we do and believe we could complete the project successfully for you.
Get in touch with us by either emailing at hello@aldworthjamesandbond.co.uk, calling on +44 (0)20 8269 0883 or completing our simple online contact form. We look forward to hearing about your project.
