CNC Routing Services
Get quotes on custom parts with our Online CNC Routing Service. Make quick turn prototypes and production parts in days.
Free standard shipping on all US orders. ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, IATF 16949:2016, AS9100D certified. ITAR registered.
What is CNC Routing?
CNC (computerized numerical control) routing is a subtractive manufacturing process that utilizes computer-controlled machines to cut and shape various materials, typically wood, plastic, or soft metals.
It involves the use of a rotating cutting tool, called a router, which is guided by precise digital instructions to create elaborate and precise cuts, holes, and contours in the material.
Our CNC routing services cover a wide range of materials, including MDF, plywood, acrylic, polyurethane foam, polyethylene sheet, as well as softer metals like brass, aluminum, and occasionally steel.
CNC Routing vs Other CNC Processes
Understanding the differences helps you choose the right process for your project
| Aspect | CNC Routing | CNC Milling | CNC Turning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting Tool | Rotating router bit | Multi-point end mill | Single-point cutting tool |
| Material Orientation | Flat/sheet materials on table | Block workpieces | Cylindrical workpieces |
| Cutting Direction | Primarily X and Y axes | Multiple axes (3-5) | Rotational with linear |
| Best For | Large-scale flat cutting | Precise 3D machining | Cylindrical parts |
Advantages of CNC Routing
CNC routing offers several advantages over traditional manual routing or other manufacturing methods
Tight Tolerances
CNC routing machines are capable of extremely precise cuts, allowing for intricate designs and tight tolerances with consistent accuracy.
Flexibility
Work with a wide range of materials including wood, plastic, foam, composites, and nonferrous metals for various applications.
Reproducibility
The same design can be reproduced accurately and consistently, ensuring uniformity across multiple parts or batches.
Complex Shapes
Create complex shapes and intricate designs that would be difficult or time-consuming to achieve manually.
Common Materials for CNC Routing
CNC routers are compatible with a wide range of materials including soft metals, wood, plastics, and composites
ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Thermoplastic known for toughness and impact resistance. Used in prototyping, automotive parts, and enclosures.
ACM Panel
Aluminum Composite Material
Lightweight composite with aluminum sheet bonded to polyethylene core. Excellent for signage and architectural cladding.
Baltic Birch Plywood
Multi-layer Birch Veneer
High-quality plywood known for strength and durability. Ideal for furniture, cabinetry, and decorative items.
HDPE
High-Density Polyethylene
Versatile thermoplastic with high strength-to-weight ratio. Used in cutting boards, marine applications, and containers.
MDF
Medium-Density Fiberboard
Engineered wood product with smooth, uniform surface. Perfect for cabinetry, furniture, and decorative panels.
Polycarbonate
Transparent Thermoplastic
Known for high impact resistance and optical clarity. Used in protective screens, guards, and lenses.
Foam
EPS & Polyurethane Foam
Lightweight materials for packaging, insulation, theatrical props, and architectural modeling.
UHMW
Ultra-High Molecular Weight PE
Tough, abrasion-resistant thermoplastic. Used in bearings, wear strips, and conveyor components.
Aluminum
Lightweight Metal
Known for strength, corrosion resistance, and conductivity. Used in machine parts and enclosures.
Brass
Copper-Zinc Alloy
Attractive appearance with easy machinability. Used in decorative items, hardware, and musical instruments.
Composites
FRP, CFRP, Laminates
Fiberglass and carbon fiber reinforced materials. Used in aerospace, automotive, marine, and sports industries.
Applications of CNC Routing
CNC routing is used in many industries for production of finished parts and components
Wooden Furniture
Precise cutting, shaping, and detailing of various wood types for table legs, chair backs, panels, and ornate accents.
Signage
Custom shapes, letters, logos, and decorative elements for both indoor and outdoor signage applications.
Molds for Thermoforming
Create molds with intricate shapes for plastic sheet forming used in packaging, automotive, and medical devices.
Cabinetry & Millwork
Cabinet doors, drawer fronts, moldings, and decorative panels with precise cuts and intricate details.
Prototyping
Quick and accurate production of prototypes from various materials for testing and refining designs.
Engraving
Intricate designs, text, logos, or images engraved onto materials for plaques, awards, and custom artwork.
In Need of Custom CNC Routing Services?
Get instant quotes on your custom routing projects with free shipping on US orders.
Start a New QuoteCNC Routing Process at Artemis 3D
How we turn your designs into finished products through CNC routing
Design the Part
Create your design using CAD software and save as a vector file (DXF, AI, PDF, STL, SVG, or other compatible formats).
Upload CAD File
Upload your CAD file to our instant quoting tool in a compatible format. Review and accept the quote to proceed.
G-Code Conversion
CAM software converts your vector design into G-code instructions that guide the CNC router during cutting.
CNC Routing Execution
The machine follows the pre-programmed toolpath, cutting or routing the material according to design specifications.
Finishing
Post-processing steps like sanding, polishing, or surface treatment to achieve the desired final appearance.
How We Account for Kerf
Kerf refers to the width of material removed during cutting. We ensure accurate results with these methods:
Tool Diameter Compensation
CAM software offsets tool paths by half the tool's diameter, compensating for material removal and ensuring desired final dimensions.
Test Cuts & Calibration
We perform test cuts to determine actual kerf width and adjust CAM software accordingly for accurate dimensions in subsequent cuts.
Material-Specific Tables
Pre-determined kerf values for specific materials allow automatic adjustment of tool paths based on the selected material.
Kerf Offset Design
Design dimensions can be modified to account for expected kerf width, programming the router to cut precisely to intended final dimensions.
Why Choose Artemis 3D for CNC Routing?
Endless Options
Choose from millions of possible combinations of materials, finishes, tolerances, markings, and certifications for your order.
Easy to Use
Get started with our easy-to-use platform and let our experts manage the project from manufacturing partner to delivery.
Vetted Network
ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, IATF 16949:2016, and AS9100D certified. Only top shops make it through our qualification process.
Industries We Serve
CNC routing is trusted across industries for large-format cutting and shaping
Ready to Use CNC Routing Services for Production Components?
Upload your CAD files and get instant pricing on custom routed parts in wood, plastics, and soft metals.