In the past, companies would’ve managed their cutting needs in-house, employing a team who would be responsible for the cutting, engraving and manipulation of materials into products/designs required.
However, now computers have got the functionality to manage the cutting process, this is changing with many companies now preferring to use specialised companies instead. The outsourced CNC cutting industry is booming as a result. Outsourced companies sole focus is on providing high quality, cost-effective cutting services to various different industries. These companies have highly experienced and qualified staff, modern equipment and years of experience in successfully delivering projects.
These cost effective services have had the additional impact of now opening the door to other industries and smaller companies who had previously found themselves priced out of the market.
Let’s have a look at what CNC cutting is exactly.
What is CNC Cutting?
CNC stands for computer numerical control, and this basically means that a computer has the ability to control the cutting machine and instruct it as to how to perform the jobs. This works by a computer program taking information from a design file, extracting the vectors and translating them into coordinates that the CNC cutting machine can then use to perform the job.
This process means that CNC machines can now be controlled by computers rather than human beings. This doesn’t just apply to the job itself but also to the whole production process. A computer can load multiple jobs and manage them all at one time.
For this process to work, the files need to be submitted in the correct format. Typically CNC cutting machines accept files in .dxf, .ai, .dwg and .eps formats. However, PDF’s can be accepted as long as the vectors are able to be extracted from them to provide the information for the coordinates. The same applies to any 3D design files.
Jobs rarely only require one type of tool so modern machines, such as the ones we have at Aldworth James & Bond also come fitted with multiple tools. These machines include fully automated tool change meaning that whereas previously human intervention would’ve been required to change the tool, the computer program can now simply instruct the machine to change the tool, and the process continues.
What Can CNC Cutting Machines Do?
CNC cutting machines have grown in popularity over the years due to the lower cost of cutting projects, increased flexibility and higher quality output when compared to traditional methods. CNC cutting machines can cut various different materials including:
- Timber and sheet material such as CNC plywood, boarding, MDF and specialist laminated
- Plastics
- Acrylics
- Foam
- Polycarbonates
- Acetal
- Solid surface materials
- PVC
- Tooling board
- Dibond and mirrored sheeting
- Laminate veeners
- CNC Plywood
Plywood is one of the most popular and frequently used materials when it comes to cutting. The reason for this is that it is lightweight, strong and more cost effective when it comes to comparisons with the alternatives such as solid timber.
Plywood comes in various levels of thickness, and the general rule of thumb is that the thicker the material, the higher the cost. This is because it takes longer to cut the thicker materials. Our CNC plywood cutting machines are able to cut any thickness of plywood.
There are several different variations of plywood; this includes softwood face, hardwood face and marine grade. An extremely popular type of softwood is the brand WISA, and this comes in either a birch or spruce finish. The most popular sizes of plywood are 2440 x 1220mm, 3050 x1220mm and 3050 x 1530mm.
What Else Can a CNC Cutting Machine Do?
While cutting is seen as the primary purpose of a CNC cutting machine, they are also hugely popular when it comes to being used for engraving materials such as stone, wood, concrete and solid timber.
Further to this, CNC cutting machines are now able to be used for a far more diverse range of projects than traditional methods of cutting.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of using a CNC cutting machine.
What Are the Benefits of CNC Cutting?
As a CNC cutting machine is operated by a computer and the process automated, several different benefits occur. Here are some of the main benefits:
- CNC plywood cutting machines complete jobs quicker so customers get their products sooner. As computers control CNC machines, there is a lower requirement of human input than that of traditional methods. All the computer needs is to have the design in the correct format so it can derive the coordinates and send to the cutting machine. The cutting machine can then be automated to process the job as many times as is required. The CNC cutting machine can also be loaded with more than one job at a time and can process them without any human input. This means that whereas a human would need breaks and only work contracted hours, a machine can be run for twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week thus generating higher productivity levels.
- Due to the significant reduction in human input, the precision and accuracy of the cut is largely improved as the machine performs the role instead. As long as the files are loaded into the machine correctly and they are accurate, the CNC plywood-cutting machine is able to produce as many identical copies as is required. In fact, the machine is so accurate that tests have shown that copies can be guaranteed to the nearest 0.1mm! When compared to traditional methods, this is a massive improvement as even the most skilled of workers would be unable to get the precision levels that CNC machines can.
- CNC cutting machines mean more cost-effective products for customers. This is because the reduction of labour required combined with the automation of the process means lower production costs. This is then passed onto customers in the form of cheaper unit rates. Basically, the fewer people involved in the process, the more cost effective the final product will be.
- Historically, cutting was a niche service and provided in-house by many companies. This means that the range of products created and industries worked in were restricted to a few. Other industries and smaller companies were excluded from the process by default. However, the introduction of technology and the flexibility it brings with it have completely changed this, and now smaller companies and a wider range of industries have access to the technology. Alterations and changes to products can be made at a click of a button, and the limitation of what can be cut is now the same as the limitation as to what can be programmed. Simply put, if you can program it, you can cut it.
- While one more for the cutting industry than the customer, safety levels have been significantly improved since the introduction of computers. All machines have the safety features you’d expect such as hand guards and protectors but the main aspect that has improved safety is the reduction of human input. Invariably, if you remove humans from a process, then the chance of harm to them reduces! As a computer controls the process, it’s more likely that if any malfunction occurs, the only damage will be to the machine itself rather than a person.
How Can Aldworth James & Bond Help?
If you have a fabrication project, and you want to get the best results, you need to use the right company. The right company is one that can offer you an experienced, specialised team with the right equipment.
Our team at Aldworth James & Bond have years of experience in successfully delivering CNC plywood-cutting projects. With us, we offer a flexible service where we can take the lead, collaborate or do exactly as instructed. Our cost effective CNC plywood service gives you access to the best machinery around, a highly experienced expert team and great customer service.
We have several CNC machines in our workshop, and these can cut both a standard size (8ft x 4ft) and a larger oversized (10 x 5ft) sheet. All our machines have fully automated tool change and come ready with a variety of different cutters. These cutters include up cutters, down cutters as well as a compression cutter, which gives you the best of both worlds. Therefore, no matter what your CNC plywood project is, we have the equipment to successfully deliver it for you.
We love what we do and know that customers make it possible for us to do what we do. Therefore, customer service is at the heart of our business. Good communication and passion makes good customer service and with us, this is what you’ll experience. We are approachable, and always willing to help our customers. Before cutting, we’re happy to advise and help with the design process to ensure that mistakes, which can be costly, are eliminated. Our desire is to deliver the perfect project for you.
For the perfect project to be possible, it’s vital to have the right team in place. Here, at Aldworth James & Bond we have a highly experienced team who all come with backgrounds in either design or manufacturing. This means they know exactly what’s required to make your project a success and you’re in safe hands with us.
Our team’s wide range of experience means that we’re able to do things as efficiently and effectively as possible. This means you get a top quality product at the best possible price. Our team will ensure materials usage are maximised, waste is minimised as well as providing advice on the best course of action where decisions are required. For example, if a customer wanted to undergo a laser-cutting project, our team would be able to advise on the fact that burnt edges would be left on certain materials but that they may get the level of detail required. In these instances, a CNC cutter might be preferable, or not! As we have both these machines, our team can advise without bias. We’re also happy to offer other more traditional joinery options.
Over the years, we’ve worked on many different types of projects and have successfully delivered each and every one of them. This wide range of experience means that no matter what project you have in mind, we’ll be able to deliver it for you. Examples of past projects include complex furniture projects, art fabrication, construction items and intricate architectural models.
Our workshops are based in Deptford, south east London, just a couple of minutes walk from both the New Cross Overground and mainline rail station. However, while we’re based in London, we have a fleet of vehicles and can deliver to any location across the UK.
Summary
A CNC plywood-cutting machine is a cost effective, efficient way of cutting quality ply products. The introduction of technology into the industry has improved the quality, precision and delivered great value for money to customers. Projects now have increased flexibility and increasing numbers of businesses can benefit from the technology.
Using a CNC plywood cutting company such as Aldworth James & Bond can take the hassle out of the process and guarantee you a successful, quality project. Our equipment is state of the art, our team are highly qualified and experienced, and we have a real passion for what we do. Using one of our machines, we can deliver any type of CNC plywood-cutting project to the best quality at a cost effective price.
Next Steps?
If you have a CNC plywood-cutting project that needs doing, and you’d like some more information, then get in touch today. You can have a chat with one of our experienced designers who’ll be able to advise as to how best we can help. We’ll even be able to give you a quick costing so you have an idea of where you stand with the project. We truly love what we do and would take great pleasure in being able to provide you with a great product.
There are three ways to get in touch with us. You can do so by either:
We look forward to discussing your project requirements with you!
