Traditionally, if a company needed to undertake a CNC project, they would have got their in-house specialist department to complete these and this would have been done through manually cutting processes. CNC projects are now more commonly undertaken by outsourcing to specialist CNC companies who have the expertise for offering CNC cutting and engraving services using automated machines. This has significantly increased the efficiency and accuracy of CNC projects, limiting the human error that’s involved.
CNC services can now be accessed by a wide variety of companies, including those in the design and construction industries, as well as individual designers and makers. CNC services were previously harder to access by individuals and smaller companies who did not have the financial capabilities do undertake the CNC project in-house. The reduced labour time of the automated process has reduced the costs, which has also increased accessibility for companies and also meant that larger companies now outsource their material cutting. This is the most cost effective way to complete your cutting project.
Let’s take a more in depth look at what CNC cutting is and the types of CNC projects that can be undertaken.
CNC Cutting – the Basics
CNC means ‘computer numerical control’. A computerised design file is loaded and read by the CNC machines. The machine converts the design into a set of coordinates and then starts the cutting process. This is largely automated and several jobs can be loaded so that the machine works in a continuous flow on various jobs, requiring minimal human involvement with the cutting process.
CNC projects require a design file to be in a particular format. Files will need to be in .dxf, .dwg, .ai, and .eps. format and also PDFs, if a vector is able to be exported. CNC machines can they take any project and cut a wide range of materials into the desired shapes and sizes.
Having the process almost completely automated allows CNC projects to be done with a reduced turnaround time and cost. CNC machines are also fitted with various tools as often the project needs to be completed using several tools. The tool changes are also automated, ensuring the process is as efficient as possible.
What Types of CNC Projects Can Be Done?
Now that technology has advanced, the flexibility and versatility of projects has been greatly enhanced, with many options available for CNC projects. Outsourcing to specialist CNC project companies is now popular and small companies and individuals are able to finally access these services. The two main CNC projects types are cutting and engraving of various materials.
Cutting:
CNC cutting projects can use a variety of materials of differing thicknesses to cut shapes and components. The types of material commonly used for CNC projects includes:
- Timber and sheet material – This includes materials such as plywood, MDF, specialist laminates and veneered boards
- Plastics, acrylics and polycarbonates
- Foam
- Polystyrene
- PVC
- Solid surface materials e.g. Corian and HI-MACS
- Laminate veneers – Super thin, before being pressed for inlaid wood veneers
- Modelling board (known as cibatool, chemi-wood, or tooling board)
- Acetal
- Dibond and Mirrored sheeting
Plywood is probably the most popular material to cut. It’s strong but lightweight in nature and cheaper than solid timber. As a general rule, the thicker the material, the higher the cost of cutting.
Engraving:
Engraving is also a popular CNC service as it can be done on more solid materials such as:
- Solid timber
- Stone
- Concrete
- Wood
These are popular CNC projects undertaken by CNC companies due to the accuracy and quality of finish they produce, as well as the great prices. Production is high, with the same shape or object being cut or engraved hundreds and hundreds of times, with an accuracy to the design file to the nearest 0.1mm.
The popularity of CNC projects is growing steadily, due to the many benefits of choosing this method of cutting and fabrication.
Benefits of CNC Projects
CNC projects have many benefits, which is why the popularity of them is increasing. This is largely due to the cost effective methods used and the quick turnaround of project completion. Here are some of the main benefits in full.
FLEXIBILITY
- CNC projects can now be incredibly versatile, with almost any project possible at just the click of a few buttons. We earlier listed the types of material that can be cut or engraved and this has opened up the options for CNC projects significantly. The flexibility of CNC projects compared with those completed manually is also higher. Any required changes can be made at the click of a button and there is much more control over the process, despite it being automated. CNC machines can also be fitted with several tools as often more than one tool is needed to complete the project. This tool changing process is also automated.
- The existence of specialist companies in this industry means that advice and help with CNC projects are available more than ever before. This has led to reliable services available that limit any errors involved. You can make your CNC project a success, first time.
QUALITY
- The quality of the finished products is second to none. This is partly due to the reliability and precision of the CNC machines. The CNC machines produce the finished component or object to the closest 0.1mm of the design file and this can be replicated time and time again. This produces accurate and professional finishes which is especially important if you are producing multiples of the same item.
- Components can also be added to the machines to increase the quality of finish. For example, a water bed can be fitted to machines when engraving materials such as concrete or stone. This means the CNC machine operates in a wet environment producing little dust – perfect for high quality engraving!
TURNAROUND TIMES
- CNC projects can now be completed faster than ever before. Once the design file is loaded correctly, the process is completely automated. Several projects can also be loaded at any one time meaning that once one job is completed, the machines can automatically start on the next job, like an automated factory line. This is especially useful if you are replicating the same component or object several times as they will be produced efficiently and reliably. CNC machines can operate 24/7, so the production process is highly efficient. This ensures CNC projects have the quickest turnaround time possible.
REDUCED COSTS
- As previously mentioned, the process is largely automated, resulting in little human interaction with the actual CNC cutting or engraving process. The machine is automated to do the job as quickly and as efficiently as possible, reducing turnaround times for projects and therefore lowering the costs significantly. This has led to CNC projects becoming more affordable than ever before. Larger companies are now outsourcing their CNC work to specialist companies and smaller companies and independents finally have access to such services at affordable rates.
IMPROVED SAFETY
- Traditional manual methods of cutting and engraving materials carried health and safety risks, especially when using hand held tools. Now CNC projects can be carried out in the safest environment possible. There is little human interaction with the machines, so if something goes wrong, the damage occurs to the machine or material. CNC machines are also fitted with safety controls such as guards, protectors and machine stoppers. The manual labour involved in CNC projects is now kept to a minimum.
We Can Help You with Your CNC Project
Here at Aldworth James & Bond, we specialise in undertaking CNC projects. We have an expert team on hand to help and advise and we accept any type and size of job. We offer CNC cutting and routing services for a range of materials of any thickness. We have several high quality machines which have a range of cutters and our machines can run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can cut a high turnover of material and our attention to detail is second to none.
Our Successful Projects:
With all our years of experience, we always deliver products of the highest quality. We will take on any size or type of project. Examples of some of our successful projects include:
- Kitchen carcasses
- Architectural models
- Furniture concepts
- Signage
- Artwork
- Feature walls
These are just some examples of the types of successful CNC projects we have completed. The versatility of CNC cutting means that the possibilities are endless. We also deal with the labelling, packing and delivery of your completed items (collection is also available) to make the process as smooth as possible. With our fleet of vehicles, we can deliver to any location.
Collaborative Working:
Whatever stage of the project you are at, we can help you in whatever way you require us to. We understand that requirement levels differ between customers and we are very open to collaborative working. This may help create a more efficient process and avoid any mistakes happening due to the expert advice we can offer you. We can offer help by:
- Ensuring the CNC machines do exactly what is needed for your project to be a success
- Providing advice and help with the development of any design files before the cutting process begins
- Giving you advice about the best methods for your project to be completed. We provide laser cutting services as well so we can advise if there is a crossover between methods or the correct one for your project
- Explaining the process in detail if required. This can include laying up designs on the material which will minimal wastage by using the material to its maximum capacity
- Giving you a fast turnaround of costings
Our Expert Team:
Our specialist team are the experts in their field, all coming from design and manufacturing backgrounds. Between them, they have years and years of experience which means that you can feel sure your project is in safe hands. Customer service is at the heart of what we do, with our team happy to help you, whatever your project requirements. Our methods are always cost efficient meaning that you get excellent value for money and we can offer great turnaround times for your project.
We are easily accessible, based in Deptford, South East London within easy reach of the Overground at New Cross and mainline station at Deptford. We offer a collection service but also can deliver to any location, packing, labelling and delivering your goods. Our team at Aldworth James & Bond would love to hear from you.
Summary
CNC projects have come a long way, with the advances in technology meaning that CNC cutting and engraving is more efficient than ever before. This mostly automated technique delivers products of the highest quality and accuracy. Producing precise replicate items hundreds of times, CNC cutting is one of the most reliable methods for your CNC project. The flexibility and cost effective methods mean that large companies are now choosing to outsource their CNC projects. Independent and small companies now have more choice than ever before, finally having a cost effective solution for their CNC project needs.
Aldworth James & Bond are a specialist CNC cutting company who will happily take on any project, whatever its type or size. We are in a great London location and can deliver goods to any location. Contact us today to get any advice you need or book your project in with us.
CNC Projects – Next Steps
If you have a CNC project, we want to hear from you. Whether you need a quote, specialist advice or want to use our CNC machines, please get in contact today. One of our experts can have an informal discussion with you about your CNC project and what your requirements are.
We have several contact methods for you to choose from:
