CNC Machines & Machining Services
Professional CNC routers, mills, and engravers for wood, metal, and plastic machining. Desktop machines for makers, industrial systems for production. Custom CNC machining service for prototypes and production parts.
CNC Machine Selection
Complete CNC Guide
What is CNC Machining?
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines use motors and controllers to move cutting tools in precise paths, removing material to create parts. Unlike 3D printing which adds material layer-by-layer, CNC subtracts from solid blocks. This enables working with metals, hardwoods, and engineering plastics impossible to 3D print. Tolerances reach ±0.01mm with proper machines and tooling.
Three main types: CNC routers (large cutting area, primarily wood/plastic), CNC mills (metal-capable, rigid construction), and CNC engravers (fine detail, PCBs, jewelry). Desktop machines (€500-3000) suit hobbyists and small shops; industrial systems (€10,000+) handle production volume. Our range covers entry-level to professional machines.
Desktop CNC Routers
Perfect for woodworking, sign making, and prototype development. Working areas typically 300x400mm to 600x900mm. Aluminum extrusion frames with linear rails provide rigidity while remaining affordable. Spindles 300-800W handle wood, MDF, acrylic, and soft aluminum. Popular models: Shapeoko, X-Carve, and our own assembled systems starting at €899.
Applications include furniture components, decorative panels, inlays, 3D relief carving, sign making, and jigs/fixtures. V-carving creates elegant lettering and designs. Toolpaths generated in Vectric VCarve or Fusion 360, executed via GRBL controller. Expect 10-60 minutes per part depending on complexity and material. Dust collection essential for clean shop and machine longevity.
CNC Mills for Metal
Metal machining requires rigid machines resisting cutting forces. Cast iron or welded steel frames, ballscrew drives for accuracy, powerful spindles (1-3kW). Working envelope 300x400mm to 600x800mm for desktop mills. Machines like Tormach PCNC 440 (€7,500) or Syil X5 (€12,000) enable professional work in home shop.
Materials: Aluminum (most common, machines easily), brass and bronze (excellent surface finish), steel (slower cutting, requires carbide tools), stainless steel (difficult, professional skills needed). Proper speeds/feeds crucial - too fast breaks tools, too slow work-hardens material. Flood coolant extends tool life and improves finish. Typical project time: 30min-4 hours per part.
Tooling and Accessories
End mills (cutting tools) vary by material and operation. HSS (High-Speed Steel) for wood/plastic, carbide for metal and long production runs. Flute count: 2-flute for aluminum (chip clearance), 4-flute for steel (better finish). Coatings (TiN, TiAlN) reduce friction and heat. Stock essential sizes: 3mm, 6mm, 8mm, plus specialized tools like ball-nose (3D), V-bits (engraving), and drill bits.
Work holding critical for safety and accuracy. Vises for rectangular stock, clamps for odd shapes, vacuum tables for thin materials. Touch probes automate tool measurement and workpiece zeroing. Dust collection (routers) or mist coolant systems (mills) improve results and machine life. We stock complete accessory range with expert selection advice.
CAM Software
CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) converts 3D models to toolpaths. Fusion 360 (free for hobbyists, €500/year professional) offers integrated CAD/CAM. Vectric VCarve (€700) excels at 2D/2.5D work with intuitive interface. EstlCAM (€60) budget-friendly for beginners. Professional options: Mastercam, HSMWorks for advanced strategies.
Toolpath strategies: pocketing (clearing material), contouring (cutting outlines), drilling (holes), 3D surfacing (complex shapes), adaptive clearing (efficient roughing). Simulation prevents crashes and wasted material. Post-processors generate G-code for specific machines. Learning curve steep but tutorials abundant. We offer training workshops quarterly.
CNC Machining Service
Don't have CNC machine? Our machining service produces parts from your CAD files. Upload 3D model (STEP, STL) for instant quote. Materials: aluminum 6061, aluminum 7075, brass, stainless steel 304/316, steel 1018/4140, plastics (acrylic, Delrin, polycarbonate). Standard tolerances ±0.1mm, precision ±0.02mm available.
Pricing based on machine time and material. Typical small parts (100x100mm): €50-150. Setup fee €50 for first piece, then reduced cost for quantities. Finishing options: as-machined, bead blast, anodize (aluminum), powder coat, chrome plate. Turnaround 5-10 business days standard, rush 2-3 days for surcharge. Upload drawings today for quote within 24 hours.
Learning CNC
Start with 2D projects (signs, coasters) before attempting 3D. Learn CAM software with simple shapes, gradually increasing complexity. Safety critical: spindle won't stop instantly, bits sharp, metal chips hot. Always wear safety glasses, secure loose clothing/hair, never reach into cutting area while machine running.
Common beginner mistakes: inadequate work holding (part moves, ruins project or breaks tool), wrong speeds/feeds (breaks bits or produces poor finish), ignoring material properties (trying to cut hardened steel with HSS bit). Our included tutorials cover basics to advanced techniques. YouTube channels like NYC CNC and Makers Muse provide excellent free education. Practice on cheap material before expensive aluminum or brass.
Precision Machining Solutions
Buy your own CNC machine or use our professional machining service.