CNC Routing

As well as the Water jet Profiling and Composite Panels, Fibrefusion can also offer CNC Routing. To summarise, a CNC Router is a precision profiling machine that has three Axes (X, Y and Z) , controlled via a computer to quickly and accurately manufacture parts and products. Here at Fibrefusion, we have a 3m x 2m Tekcel EXR This is a top of the range, 3 axis CNC profiling machine with the power and capability to process 2D or 3D shapes in a huge range of materials including; plastic, foam, wood and even softer metals like aluminium and brass. With the addition of some specialised tooling we can cut glass fibre reinforced or carbon fibre reinforced composites too. A router is extremely versatile and has many advantages over other profiling machines such as Laser cutters, Plasma cutters and Water jet cutters. A CNC Router, when operated properly, will give a very clean cut. The edges are smooth, with few cut lines or machining marks meaning that only minimal (if any) finishing is needed after cutting. The biggest advantage is that the cutting depth is fully controlled in the Z-Axis to micron precision thus controlling the cut depth into the material. It is so accurate that we can cut through the back of a plastic sheet but leave its protective film intact. Not only does this allow clearance of materials to set heights – (2D cutting), but it allows a relief to be carved in full 3 Dimensions. This can be artistic or geometric and accurate to 0.1mm We have accurately cut precision keels and rudders for racing yachts, 3-dimensional plugs and moulds for laying up composites into and even modelled aircraft parts up to full size! We have made house names, pub signs and undertaken very fine engraving work using this machine. Cutting tools are interchangeable and so are all the cutting parameters. Each tool can be selected automatically by the machine allowing complex programs to be written for say roughing with large tools and finishing with smaller tools. Cutting tools can be purchased for specific jobs in all manner of shapes, angles, cutting directions, lengths, speeds and sharpness. We can accept client’s data in several ways. We can use .dxf and .dwg for vector cutting (2D) and we can also receive .3dm, .stp files or .igs files for (3D) Files. Plus many more…in fact, you can email us almost any standard file type and we can cut the program. We use Delcam Artcam, Draftsight and Rhinoceros to process files before taking them to cutting. We also have access to 3D modelling and design software so we can really deliver your product from your data. Call us to talk through your requirements, we have skilled and professional staff and we look forward to hearing from you.

For more information on CNC Routing talk to Fibrefusion Ltd