CNC Routers for Plastics

Written By Steve Thompson

Many businesses across different industries require CNC routers for plastics, to cut and manipulate softer materials than metal or wood. Plastic has a different texture and make-up than other materials you may work with, and requires specific equipment to get the job done effectively.

CNC routers for plastics: efficiency and productivity
Some business owners mistakenly believe that if they simply buy a CNC router that cuts metal or wood, they will work well for jobs involving plastics. Since you likely want to increase your efficiency and productivity at a reasonable cost, you need CNC routers for plastics to do the job well.

For one thing, a router designed for metal or wood requires more voltage and consumes more power than a router meant for plastics. Also, the router speed you need to cut plastic is about half of what’s required for wood and metal. Even though the machine can handle much denser materials, your productivity will decrease significantly if you don’t use the right equipment.

Tool shape and cut
CNC routers for plastics have particular designs and feature heads that prevent resealing of materials once they are cut. This issue is unique to substances like plastic and foam, and you'll need a cutting edge that forces the broken chips away from the materials you’re cutting so they can’t meld back together.

When working with a CNC router for plastics or foam, you’ll also need a machine that comes equipped with a stronger vacuum since the parts are often more difficult to hold to the table. In many cases, a CNC foam router is more appropriate than one for wood or metal.

Heat and vibration
Another consideration when purchasing CNC routers for plastics is the heat generated by the machine. Since plastic is more likely to break down as a result of heat exposure, the router you choose should generate as little heat as possible. In most cases, this means it should have fewer moving parts. Vibration will take a stronger toll on plastics than on other materials, so you want less movement with CNC routers for plastics.

Choosing these types of machines shouldn't take long, but make sure that the manufacturer specifically lists plastics as one of the materials for which the tool is designed. Submitting a free request for CNC router quotes through BuyerZone will help match you to suppliers who will find you the right machine for the materials you need to work with.