CNC Router Veteran Shares Practical Knowledge Part 1

CNC Router Veteran Shares Practical Knowledge Part 1

Higgins came to the sign world in 1993 from the CNC manufacturing industry. With more than 20 years of CNC machining to his credit, he is uniquely positioned with a broad understanding of CNC tools, hardware and software. Higgins is currently the general manager of Capital Letters in Brooklen Center, Minn. and a respected CNC routing consultant.

SignIndustry asked Jay some questions that will help you reach new heights in CNC routing.

Q: In your mind, what are the biggest advantages for sign makers using routers?

A:

The biggest advantages of CNCs in the sign industry are speed, accuracy and repeatability. CNC's also allow you to custom rout metal forms to help aid your fabricators in the creation of custom shaped aluminum constructed signs. This is a great advantage for modern sign companies. What was a tedious and manual chore of laying out patterns on aluminum and then jig saw cutting to get your custom shape, is now simply a matter of sending them to the CNC router to be cut.

Q: What are the most common mistakes sign makers are struggling with today?

A:

The most common mistake is a lack of knowledge of basic machine principals. Also, the lack of knowledge of how to properly fixture your material to the table, as well as the availability of tools you can use to get the job done.

Q: Would you recommend that sign makers who have never used a router seek more formal training and education beyond what the manufacturer offers?

A:

All people interested in utilizing CNC routing in sign manufacturing should take some sort of course at a nearby community college to better familiarize themselves with some basic machining skills. Unfortunately, very few schools offer this kind of training. I have worked with the Minnesota Sign Association in regard to this matter to bring it to the attention of local technical schools so that hopefully it can be a course that is offered to people in the graphics industry.

Q: How about sharing some practical tips for preparation? For example, which router bits works best with which materials?

A:

Tools and materials are very important things to experiment with. A good rule of thumb: always use the largest diameter tool to rout the job that is allowable, and, always use the shortest flute length for maximum rigidity.

Q: What about router speeds? What speeds work best with various materials, like aluminum, high-density urethane, sign foam, etc.?

A:

Speeds and feeds are directly related to the horsepower motor that you are using, as well as the type coolant system, and the coolant that is being used. A common mistake of most people is to slow down the feed rate and speed up the RPM. Big mistake. Generally, it will create too much heat and thus melt/weld the material.

Q: Which materials respond best to routing?

A:

Some materials are more forgiving than others are when routing. Each material has its own set up procedure and feeds and speeds as well as the proper tool to be used.

Q: Are there certain types of materials that sign makers should avoid when using the router?

A:

Materials to avoid include those that have a great deal of glue in them, certain irons, as well as stainless steel, as there are electrical discharge concerns there.

Q: What do you see in terms of upcoming trends in materials? Are there new materials being designed with CNC routing in mind?

A:

I make it a point to continuously contact my suppliers and the manufactures of sign making materials to see what's being developed that can possibly be used to rout on the CNC router. I have also been selected to rout such test materials to give my evaluation of them. I don't know of too many new materials out there right now that are being developed specifically for the CNC router.

If anything we can help with CNC Routers and CNC spare parts, welcome to contact us, we will do our best to support.

18 Years Experience Expert Advice on Shopping for a CNC Router for the Small Shop

Experience Expert Advice on Shopping for a CNC Router for the Small Shop

18 Years Experience Expert Advice on Shopping for a CNC Router for the Small Shop

I have owned and used CNC routers for over 18 years, and now sell them. The first thing you should do is thoroughly check out the company. Pull a D&B on them. Why? There is at least one company mentioned in this thread whose owner has gone bankrupt at least twice - closed down, moved and started up again under a new name. You should have confidence that the company you buy from is going to be there to support you years from now. Make sure that the company you buy from has a long history of good financial health. Never invest $40k in a machine and then find that the company leaves you holding the bag when you have problems.

Next, consider the company’s ability to train, help, and support you after your machine is installed. I know too many folks who have machines that are basically collecting dust because they never received the help and training they needed after the sale. I started my company for just this reason. Many local salesmen don’t even know how to turn the machine on, let alone help you with a machining, tooling, or programming challenge. It is critical that you buy from someone who can and will help you through the learning curve and be there as you grow. I have customers who purchased machines 3 years ago that I still go help with advanced applications and machining techniques.

Don’t get a machine without a tool changer. The little extra that an ATC costs is well worth it in the end. Don’t get a machine that is predominantly aluminum. Vibration is your enemy and aluminum does not absorb vibration like steel does. Don’t get a machine that’s built on a bolt together base for the same reason. There is no rigidity and they vibrate. Cut quality, speed, tool life, and overall machine life will suffer.

If you are worried about resale value, you need to look at the big names. These small machines will get the job done and pay for themselves over and over again, but you won’t have much resale value left in them when they are 4 or 5 years old.

Be wary of the machines that come unassembled and you assemble yourself. On the surface it may seem that you are saving money but you are buying a machine to work, not one to work on. It should come to you ready to run right off the truck and you should get professional onsite setup and training with it. Be wary of anything proprietary or closed architecture. The machines I sell run on industry standard g-code. Machines that run on proprietary controls will limit your flexibility and likely cost you more to own in the long run.

Lastly, take the specific brand advice on this board with a grain of salt. Most machines are good machines. Machine owners tend to be loyal if their experience has been relatively good. Most, however, do not have broad experience with multiple brands. The bottom line is that a CNC router should be the best investment that a person can make in their company. If done right, the machine will have an immediate positive impact. If done wrong it will likely sink you.

Rico CNC Router Machines, is the right choice for you.

If any interests in CNC Routers, welcome to contact us, more information will be sent.