AJ&B Works – CNC routing London

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The usage of technology in the design and fabrication industry has completely changed the way things are done, and items made. Like most industries, the impact had by technology is large and within design and fabrication, this has led to the increased uptake of CNC (computer numerical control) routing machines.

This uptake of CNC routing has led to production becoming far more automated and as a result lowering costs, quickening turnarounds, increasing precision and improving the overall quality of the product.

Here at Aldworth James & Bond, we offer CNC routing London services. We’re London based but deliver across the UK and have an experienced team at hand to help make your project a success. Our facilities are second to none, and we have top of the range routing machines at our disposal to make your project a success. If you want to discuss how we can help you with your project/product get in touch with us today. You can do so by either completing our easy to use online contact form, calling us on +44 (0)20 8269 0883 or emailing us at hello@aldworthjamesandbond.co.uk.

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In the past, companies requiring routing services would be responsible for providing them themselves, with an in-house team employed to do exactly that. However, since the introduction of technology into the industry and the rise of high-tech equipment such as CNC routing machines, there has been an increase in companies whose sole purpose is to provide routing services to various different customers.

These companies are outsourcing companies and employ their own highly specialised and experienced staff, provide niche equipment and have a successful track record in delivering on numerous CNC routing London projects. As a result, many designers and makers now find that it’s cheaper to outsource their CNC routing requirements to these companies.

The rise of specialised CNC companies has also led to increased accessibility to the market for small firms and individuals who previously were unable to benefit from the technology due to the high costs of employing staff to perform the work. Now, the fact that these smaller companies and individuals don’t have to worry about the initial outlay on equipment and the ongoing cost of employing staff means that they can benefit from the technology without the risk.

Technology has also led to increased flexibility in the industry. Previously, the functions routers could perform were limited and only of real use to certain industries. Now, the flexibility of computers means that if you can program a design, you can cut it also. This means that far more industries are able to benefit from routing.

What Is CNC Routing?

CNC stands for computer numerical control and what this means for routing is that a computer is able to control and automate the routing machine and its various tools. This works in practice by linking the routing machine to software, which is able to take a design file and translate it into a language (coordinates) understood by the router. The software can then send the router the coordinates and the router uses these coordinates to undertake the work.

This process means that the routing machine can be controlled by a computer rather than the manual input and intervention of a human. This is the case for both the job and the production line in general. Computers can have all jobs loaded onto them, and they will then automate the production line.

Various design files can be understood by CNC routing machines, but the most common file types are .eps, .dwg, .ai and .dxf. All these files are vector based, and it is these vectors that enable the CNC routing machine to be able to derive the coordinates required to perform the job.

It is quite rare these days that one job requires only one tool type. Traditionally, this means that a human would have to change the tools when required. However, the new CNC routing London machines, such as the ones we have at Aldworth James & Bond have various tools in-built and automated meaning that the computer program can instruct and manage the process with very little, if any intervention.

What Do CNC Routing Machines Do?

CNC routing machines are increasingly versatile and flexible and can perform a wide array of tasks. The automation of the machines has led to an increase in demand due to the lower cost and higher quality of output. CNC routing machines can cut materials such as:

  • Timber and sheet material such as MDF, veneered boards and plywood
  • Foam
  • Plastics, polycarbonates and acrylics
  • Acetal
  • Polystyrene
  • Solid surface materials (e.g. HI-MACS and Corian)
  • PVC
  • Modelling board
  • Mirrored sheeting and dibond
  • Laminate veneers- a good option for inlaid wood veneers

Of the above, one of the most popular materials to be cut tends to be plywood. This is because it is strong, lightweight and cost effective when compared to alternatives such as solid timber. Like most materials, plywood comes in a range of shapes, sizes and thickness. Typically, when it comes to cost, like most materials, the thicker the plywood is, the more expensive it is. This is because the thicker a material, the longer the job takes.

While the above indicates that a CNC router is used for cutting, this isn’t where it finishes. A CNC router is increasingly being used for engraving materials such as stone, timber and concrete. The precision in which it can do this is amazing, and the results can be stunning.

In short, CNC routers can be used for multiple purposes and the flexibility they offer is a key reason why their popularity is ever increasing. If you’re wondering what the benefits of CNC routing are, have a look at the section below.

Benefits of CNC Routing?

CNC routing has certainly become popular, so this alone suggest there are several benefits on offer. Here’s a list of the key ones:

Modern CNC routing machines require significantly lower levels of human input. What this means is that to perform a project successfully, all you now need is a design in the correct format to be loaded into a computer. The computer can then automate the process producing hundreds or thousands of a product/item without manual intervention. Equally, whereas a human would require a break and sleep, a machine doesn’t, meaning it can be put to work 24/7 if necessary. Higher productivity is therefore delivered meaning shorter turnaround times for customers.

As long as you have design files that are accurate and in the correct format, the precision and accuracy of a product can be guaranteed to the nearest 0.1mm! Humans are not machines and therefore, no matter what level of skill an individual has, there are likely to be some differences between products of an identical specification. With a machine this isn’t a problem and the same product can be produced as many times as necessary with precision and accuracy guaranteed.

As lower levels of human input are required, it is inevitable that the process will be cheaper. Computers can now automate the manufacturing process meaning that there is less requirement for staffing. This, coupled with the productivity gains outlined above means lower costs for the company and ultimately cheaper products for the customer.

While you’d think humans would be more flexible, the introduction of CNC to routing has actually increased the flexibility. This is because machines are now controlled by computers so if you can program a concept or design, then the machine will be able to make it. It also means that you can make alterations to products with ease. The new CNC routing London technology also allows new industries to benefit from the technology whereas previously they were far more limited.

This is a benefit more for the business than customers. Lower involvement of humans in the routing process means less chance of injury occurring and increased overall safety. While all modern CNC routing machines come fully equipped with the safeguards necessary such as power lock off, guards and hand protectors, the lack of human is the main safety measure. Therefore, if a machine was to have an issue or to malfunction the only damage done would be to the machine itself rather than a person.

How Can We Help?

To guarantee a great CNC routing product, you need to use a reliable, specialised and experienced company. Aldworth James & Bond can offer you that and more. Using our modern equipment, experience and skills, we offer our customers a cost effective CNC routing solution which is guaranteed to exceed expectations.

We have several CNC machines at our disposal, and these are capable of accommodating both standard (8 x 4ft) as well as oversized (10 x 5ft) jobs. All our CNC machines have fully automated tool changes meaning we achieve that clean, efficient cut you are looking for every time. We also have various cutters so no matter what your need is, we have the right tool for the job.

Customer service is key to what we do, and we believe all customers should get the very best service. We go above and beyond for all our customers and are more than willing to help out before the cutting begins. This can include advising you on design files so mistakes or issues are eliminated before the routing begins. We know our job is to make the product to the specification required and to the best quality and our highly skilled team and high tech equipment ensure this is always the case.

Collaboration on projects is also something we’re also able to do so if you aren’t quite sure what your project needs or what the best process might be, then get in touch and we can provide advice on that. This always includes laying up (nesting designs on a sheet), and we can ensure that you get the maximum from your materials so you don’t unnecessarily waste money.

Of course, to give you all this is only possible if we have the right team in place. The good news is we do; our team are made up of highly experienced and qualified individuals all with backgrounds in either manufacturing and design. This experience puts them in the best possible place to be able to complete your project efficiently and effectively for you. It also means they can ensure you receive a high-quality, value for money product. Our fabrication team are more than happy to help with other elements such as the labelling, packaging and delivery of products to ensure that your project runs successfully and smoothly from the beginning right through to the end.

This experience can prove invaluable when it comes to gaining the best quality from your project. An example of this is that our experience means we can provide advice on the best cutting process for your needs. Some materials may not be suitable for laser cutting as it may leave a burnt edge on them so our team can advise in advance that this may be the case and recommend an alternative such as CNC routing instead. We have both laser and CNC routing machines so we can recommend the best one for you with absolutely no bias!

We have worked on a vast array of projects over the years ranging from complex furniture and fabrication projects to producing those all important architectural models for the architecture industry. This means that we have a wide skill range and are able to adapt to almost any project, no matter how big or small.

We have also developed our processes over several years to ensure we are slick as possible from a customer experience point of view. This includes providing speedy costings and should you choose to go ahead, an easy payment system which even accepts credit cards!

We are placed in a convenient location in London within a couple of minutes walk from both the Overground and mainline station. However, if you are further away, that’s not a problem either. We have a fleet of delivery vans which are able to deliver all over the UK.

Summary

CNC routing London machines offer increased productivity, lower costs and a more accurate routing solution. The quality is second to none and automation of the process means there is significantly less reliance on humans in the process. Increased flexibility has been added to projects with changes easier to make, and more industries now have access to the technology.

Using an outsourced CNC routing London solution is becoming more popular due to the expertise, experience and value for money they can provide. Here at Aldworth James & Bond, we can provide the service you require.

What Are the Next Steps?

If you require a CNC routing London service, and want more information, then the best thing to do is get in touch. We can then discuss your project in more detail and advise you as to how best we can help. We love working on all types of projects and know that we could provide you with the service and quality you require.

To get in touch with us, there are three main methods. You can either:

We look forward to speaking to you and getting started!

Find us

Unit 305 
34-37 Parkside Business Estate
Rolt Street
London SE8 5JB

Thanks to Andrew and AJ&B Works for all their help… they guided me through the process brilliantly and delivered excellent quality, ahead of schedule and at a great price.

James
Chickenshed Theatre

Aldworth James & Bond are well organised, respond quickly and are pro-active. We are happy to have them as a UK partner.

Grégoire Comby
Texaa

Just wanted to say thank your for your help with the yellow plinths! They look amazing!!

Sara Polonghini
Aspinal of London

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