Precision CNC Cutting Services Across London, Kent, and the South East

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. It’s a manufacturing process in which a machine is controlled by a computer to precisely cut and shape material.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Computers in Control: Instead of a person manually guiding tools, a computer with pre-programmed instructions directs the machine.
• Precision and Automation: This allows for very accurate and consistent production of parts, often with complex designs.
• Versatile Applications: CNC routing is used across industries to create everything from metal parts and plastic components to intricate wood carvings, kitchens and more.

Think of it like a highly skilled robot craftsman, taking digital designs and turning them into physical objects with incredible precision!

You’re right to ask about the difference! It’s a key distinction in CNC routing. Here’s a breakdown of 2D and 3D CNC routing:

2D CNC Routing:

• Movement: The cutting tool primarily moves in two axes (X and Y), like drawing on a flat surface. The Z-axis (up and down) is mainly used to set the depth of the cut.
• Applications: Ideal for flat designs with consistent depth, like signs, panels, engraving, and cutting out shapes from sheet materials. Think of it like a cookie cutter for wood or plastic.
• Simpler Programming: 2D routing generally involves simpler programming and less complex tool paths.

3D CNC Routing:

• Movement: The cutting tool moves in all three axes (X, Y, and Z) simultaneously. This allows intricate carving and shaping in three dimensions.
• Applications: Used for creating complex shapes with varying depths, such as sculptures, molds, furniture parts with curved surfaces, and detailed carvings. Imagine sculpting a bowl or a statue.
• More Complex Programming: 3D routing requires more sophisticated programming to control the tool’s movement in all three dimensions.

Here’s a simple analogy:

• 2D: Imagine drawing a design on a piece of paper and then cutting along those lines with scissors.
• 3D: Imagine sculpting a clay figure, where you’re shaping the material in all directions

3, 4, and 5 axis machining refer to the number of axes along which a CNC cutting tool can move simultaneously.

3 Axis Machining: The cutting tool moves in three linear axes (X, Y, and Z), like up-down, left-right, and front-back. Imagine a drill pressing down to make a hole, but also able to move sideways to create a slot.

4 Axis Machining: Adds a rotational axis (typically A-axis) to the three linear axes. This allows the workpiece or tool to rotate, enabling machining on multiple sides of a part without repositioning. Think of a milling machine cutting a curved shape on the side of a cylinder.

5 Axis Machining: Adds another rotational axis (typically B or C-axis) to the four axes. This allows for even more complex movements and angles, enabling machining of highly intricate parts. Imagine a robotic arm carving a complex sculpture with the tool moving in all directions.

The Felder Format-4 profit H80 is a really versatile CNC machining center, primarily designed for woodworking. However, it’s capable of handling a range of other materials:

• Wood: This is the machine’s forte. It excels at processing various types of wood, including:
  • Solid wood (hardwood and softwood)
  • Plywood
  • MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)
  • Particleboard
  • Veneered boards
• Plastics: The H80 can also cut and shape various plastics:
  • Acrylics
  • PVC
  • ABS
  • Foams
• Soft Metals: The H80 can also cut and shape various soft metals:
  • Aluminium
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Zinc

It’s worth mentioning that specific cutting tools used play a crucial role in determining which materials can be processed effectively. Different materials require different tool geometries and cutting parameters.  If you have a specific material in mind and you’re not sure if it’s suitable, please get in touch with us. We’re happy to advise and ensure our CNC machine can achieve the results you need.

The bed size of the CNC is 3090 x 2100mm meaning our CNC can easily cut all sizes of sheet material –

2440 x 1220m (8 x 4)
3050 x 1220mm (10 x 4)
3050 x 1525mm (10 x 5)
2800 x 2070mm – as well as being able to handle jumbo Egger decorative boards

Our CNC machine has a clearance height of 85mm. This means it can accommodate thicker materials, allowing us to work on a wide range of projects, from thin sheets to thicker components.

The Felder profit H80 CNC machine is known for its precision. While exact tolerances can vary based on factors like tooling and material, it generally achieves accuracy within a few hundredths of a millimeter. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications where precision is crucial.

Our CNC machine has a 15 position tool holder meaning it can physically hold up to 15 different cutting tools at once. The CNC also has a vertical drilling aggregate with 12 spindles and a horizontal drilling aggregate with 4 spindles; 2 groove saws. Our machine also has a 4th Axis (known as the C Axis) with a low level aggregate meaning we can cut pocket holes with ease on the CNC machine.

Yes, you’re welcome to supply your own materials. However, we cannot be responsible for their condition upon arrival, any damage during transit, or the material’s inherent quality.

Due to ever fluctuating material costs, we don’t publish a price list. We’ll source the most current pricing and secure the best possible rate for your chosen materials at the time of providing you with a quote.

Yes, the type of material can influence the cost of CNC cutting. Different materials have different properties that affect how they are cut, such as hardness, density, and thickness. These factors can affect the tooling required, cutting speeds, and overall processing time, which can influence the final cost.
For example, cutting hardwoods might take longer and require more durable tooling compared to softer woods. Similarly, cutting metals will generally be more expensive than cutting plastics or wood due to the increased wear and tear on the tooling and the slower cutting speeds required.

When requesting a quote for CNC cutting, please specify the type of material you need to ensure an accurate cost estimate.

Unfortunately, we can’t give you exact costs or timelines without more information about your project. Here’s why:

• Cost depends on complexity: The more complex your design, the more time it will take to create the drawings, and the higher the design fee will be. Simple projects will naturally cost less.
• Timelines vary: The time it takes to complete the design also depends on its complexity, our current workload, and the number of revisions required. A simple design might be turned around quickly, while a more intricate one will take longer.

To get a price and timeline:

Contact us with your project details: The best way to get an accurate estimate is to contact us directly with as much information as possible about your project. This includes:

• A description of what you want to create
• Dimensions (length, width, height, etc.)
• Materials you’d like to use
• Any sketches, images, or examples you have
• Your desired timeline (if you have one)

We’ll provide a quote: Once we have this information, we can assess the project’s scope and provide you with a personalised quote for the design work and an estimated timeline for completion.

Don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re happy to discuss your project and answer any questions you have.

Absolutely! If you want to keep the usable offcuts from your project, just let us know before we start working on it. We’re happy to set them aside for you.

We use a powerful combination of 3D software tools to design and manufacture your projects:

• SolidWorks: This industry-leading 3D CAD software allows us to create detailed and accurate designs for even the most complex of projects. 
• SWOOD: This specialist software is designed for woodworking and helps us optimise designs for CNC machining and manufacturing processes. 

Using advanced 3D software means we can;

• Visualise your project in 3D: See your project come to life before it’s even built.
• Ensure accurate designs: Creating precise designs that meet your exact specifications.
• Optimise for manufacturing: Streamline the manufacturing process for efficiency and precision, saving you time and money. 
• Reduce errors and rework: Minimising costly mistakes and ensuring a smooth production process.

By using these advanced software tools, we can deliver high-quality results that meet your expectations and bring your project to life.

SolidWorks and SWOOD are capable of accepting a wide range of drawing files, making it easy for you to share your designs with us. Here are some of the common file types they can handle: 

• Native SolidWorks files: (.sldprt,.sldasm,.slddrw) 
• DXF: (.dxf)
• DWG: (.dwg)
• Other CAD formats: (.stp,.igs,.step) 
• Image files: (.jpg,.png,.bmp,.tiff) 
• Adobe Acrobat files: (.pdf) 

If you have a drawing file in a different format, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to check if our software can accept it or discuss alternative ways to share your design.

Yes, we can design and draw your project for you. Please contact us with as much detail as possible about your requirements, including dimensions, materials, and any sketches or inspiration images you might have. We can then discuss design fees and create the necessary drawings for your project.

Yes, absolutely! We can provide design assistance on any project. We have a skilled team with expertise in design and manufacturing, and we’re happy to collaborate with you to bring your vision to life. Here’s how we can help:

• Understanding your needs: We’ll take the time to thoroughly understand your project requirements, design goals, and any specific challenges involved.
• Concept development: We can help you develop and refine your design concept, offering suggestions and solutions to optimise it for both aesthetics and functionality.
• Technical drawings and specifications: We can create detailed technical drawings and specifications to ensure your project is manufactured accurately and to your exact requirements.
• Material selection: We can advise on the best materials for your project, considering factors like strength, durability, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manufacturing feasibility: We’ll assess the manufacturing feasibility of your design and offer suggestions for any modifications needed to ensure it can be produced efficiently and to a high standard.

Our design assistance is tailored to your specific needs and can range from minor consultations to full design development and project management. We’re committed to working collaboratively with you to achieve the best possible outcome for your project – whether complex or not.

This depends on a number of factors including the complexity and size of your project, what lead time the material you want to use has (if any!) and what current lead times/work flow we are operating to.  Once we understand your CNC requirements we can quickly give you an accurate timeframe.