Traditionally, companies would be responsible for doing the cutting work themselves, taking on staff to perform manual roles such as cutting and engraving to turn materials into the products required.
However, the introduction of computers into the industry has led to an increase in companies who solely focus on offering CNC cutting services. These companies employ specialised staff, own advanced equipment and have experience in the field so they can offer their services to a wide range of companies. This means that many companies have moved from an in-house model to an outsourcing one as often these companies are cheaper, more reliable and produce a better quality product.
This also means that fabrication and design services are now more accessible to smaller companies and individuals who have previously been priced out of the market. The flexibility of the new modern technology also means that industries which couldn’t previously benefit from cutting services are now able to. Added to this, the versatility of the CNC cutting machine offers customers the flexibility to try different things with designs whereas previously that wouldn’t have been possible.
Let’s find out a bit more about CNC cutting, what it is and how it can be used.
CNC Cutting - What is It?
CNC is an acronym for computer numerical control and what this means in practice is that a computer is now able to control and automate a machine and its tools. The way this works is that a cutting machine is linked to a programme which is able to convert a design file into numbers which can then be used as coordinates for any works. This programme then talks to the machine and controls the cutting shape, size and type of any material.
This allows machines to be controlled by a computer rather than manually by an individual. This applies to both the job itself and also all the production line; computers can have all jobs uploaded onto them and then can be left to automatically manage the production line.
Typically, CNC cutting machines accept files in various formats but the most common are .dxf, .ai, .dwg and .eps. These are vector based files and enable the machines to derive the coordinates required for the cutting process. However, other files such as PDF can be accepted by the machine as long as they are able to export the vectors from them.
In recent years, the most modern machines, such as the ones we have here at Aldworth James & Bond are designed to incorporate a complete end to end solution from the very start of the project right through to the end. The way this works is that a computer aided design (CAD) programme takes the design, converts it to a language the cutting machine will understand and then the job is loaded into the machine for production.
Many modern machines also come fitted with more than one tool meaning that where previously if different tools were required, a human would be required to manually intervene and change the tool, this is no longer the case. CNC cutting technology allows jobs to be completed with very little, if any manual intervention.
What Do CNC Cutting Machines Do?
CNC cutting machines are in demand and usage has increased in recent years. This is due to the flexibility and versatility of the machine coupled with the quality and lower cost when compared to traditional methods. CNC cutting machines can cut a vast range of materials including:
- Timber and sheet material such as plywood, MDF, veneered boards and any specialist laminated also
- Plastics, polycarbonates and acrylics
- Foam
- Polystyrene
- Acetal
- PVC
- Solid surface materials including Corian and HI-MACS
- Modelling board (also known as chemi-wood, cibatool or tooling board)
- Mirrored sheeting and dibond
- Laminate veneers- this is a great option for inlaid wood veneers
One of the most popular materials used for cutting and manufacture use is plywood. The reason behind this is that it is lightweight, strong and cheaper than alternatives such as solid timber. Plywood comes in different sizes including various different levels of thickness. The thickness of plywood is what determines the cost as the higher level of thickness, the longer time the job will take to complete. As a general rule of thumb, this applies to all materials.
While CNC cutting machines may primarily be used for cutting materials, it is not restricted to that. There is growing usage of machines for engraving purposes. For example, a CNC machine can engrave stone, concrete, wood and solid timber.
CNC machines can be used for many different tasks and projects and are far more diverse in nature than the manual traditional methods used. Let’s have a look at some of the benefits of using a CNC cutting machine.
Benefits of CNC Cutting?
A CNC cutting machine is instructed by a computer programme as to how to cut the materials rather than a manually operated traditional machine. This difference leads to several main benefits:
With a CNC machine, jobs get completed and returned to customer’s sooner. A CNC machine has a far lower requirement of human input that the traditional methods previously used. As long as the design is in the correct format, this can be imported to the machine, and the machine can then be automated to produce this design as many times as is required. Adding to this, a CNC machine can actually be loaded with multiple jobs in one go and then work its way through them regardless of whether a human is present or not. This means that a machine can be running continuously generating higher productivity levels than machines requiring human input would.
Precision and accuracy is improved massively due to the automation of CNC machines. If the design files are accurate and loaded correctly, the machine will be able to produce the product correctly hundred and thousands of times. In fact, tests show that accuracy can be gained to the nearest 0.1mm. This is in contrast to traditional methods where even the most skilled individual wouldn’t be able to achieve those precision rates. Equally, mistakes are less likely when using CNC machines as human interpretation is not required.
A reduction of man hours due to increased automation leads to lower costs of operating and therefore providing cutting services. Both the requirement in terms of numbers of people required to operate the service and the requirement of those operating the service is now lower. In short, less people are needed. Therefore, the unit cost will be significantly lower saving companies using the service money.
The technology involved with CNC cutting means that projects and works are now far more flexible. The fact that computers are automating the process means that the machines can adapt to any project with just a click of a button. This technology means that customers and operators can make changes to the process or product with ease. It also allows entry to the market from other companies who previously haven’t been able to use the technology for their gain. Essentially, the limit for the machine is the limit of the programmer. If something can be programmed, then it can be loaded into the machine and it can be cut.
Reduced human input into the process doesn’t just lead to increased productivity and cheaper costs but also improved safety. CNC cutters have all the required safety features of a manual machines such as stoppers, protectors and guards but also the fact that a computer controls the process means that if anything goes wrong, it’s likely the only damage to occur will be to a machine, not a person.
How Can Aldworth James & Bond Help?
If you are considering undertaking a cutting/fabrication project, it’s important that you use a company who know exactly what’s required and have experience in successfully delivering projects. A product will only ever be as great as the company helping produce it.
Here at Aldworth James & Bond, we have years of experience in successfully delivering CNC cutting London projects. We offer our customers a flexible project approach and as well as delivering cost effective solutions you can also be ensured that going with us means you have the right people using the right machines, providing the right service to produce the best possible product for you.
Cutting and fabrication is our business so we only use the best machines around. We have CNC machines in our workshop, and these machines are able to cut either standard size (8 x 4ft) sheets or larger oversize sheets (10 x 5ft). Our machines are all fully automated in terms of tool change, and we also have various cutter types available. These include down cutters, up cutters and a compression cutter which is a blend of the two. Whatever your project, you can be assured that we have the equipment to deliver it for you.
Customer service is right at the very heart of our business, and we know that good communication is the key to a great relationship. We are approachable, helpful and always willing to go the extra mile for our customers. We are happy to provide advice on projects and help you with the design process to ensure costly mistakes are avoided. We only have one aim; to create the perfect product for you in the most efficient way. We’re also more than willing to collaborate with clients on projects so we can help advise you on what the best process might be for your needs.
To ensure that the product is as you wish and the project is as successful as it can be, it’s important to use a team who know what they’re doing. All of our team have years of experience in the field and come from either a design or manufacturing background. Therefore, you can rest assured that with us, your project is in safe hands.
Having a team with the breadth and depth of experience that ours have also means that if we can save money or increase quality we always will. This includes maximising the usage of materials to reduce waste and save money as well as advising on the best possible method. For example, quite often we get enquiries for laser cutting. However, using a laser cutter can leave burnt edges on certain materials and therefore not provide the quality finish required. In this case, a CNC cutter may be more appropriate, and our team can advise on this.
We have worked on many different types of projects over the years and have successfully delivered time and time again. These projects range from complex furniture projects to producing architectural models. This range of experience means you can be sure that no matter what type of product or project you have in mind, we are able to deliver.
We’re conveniently located in Deptford, South East London, and you can find us within a few minutes walk of public transport from London Bridge or the Overground. However, while we are a CNC cutting London located company, we’re truly national and have a fleet of vans available to deliver to any location across the country.
Summary
A CNC cutting machine is a far more efficient and effective way of producing quality products. The precision, accuracy and value for money is exceptional when compared to traditional cutting methods. Projects are more flexible and if something can be programmed, it can be cut.
Using a CNC cutting London company such as us can save you time, money and enable you to achieve a far better quality output than if you produced it in house. We have specialist equipment, highly trained and experienced staff and love what we do. Using one of our CNC machines, we can provide you with a great product at an affordable price with a quick turnaround.
Next Steps?
If you have a project or product you would like to discuss, get in touch with us. We can have an informal discussion and let you know how we think we can help as well as providing you with an estimate of cost so you know exactly where you are at. We love what we do and take great pride in providing you with a great CNC cutting service and product.
Get in touch with us by emailing us at hello@aldworthjamesandbond.co.uk, completing our simple online contact form or calling us on 020 8269 0883. We look forward to hearing from you!
