3 axis cnc routers

Types of 3 axis CNC routers

A standard CNC router usually has three axes, 3 axis CNC routers are machines with X, Y, and Z vertical movements. This machine is popular because of its low price. The working of the 3 axis CNC router is to allow cutting and engraving on a material's surface. The limitations of the 3 axis CNC machine include lack of ability to create deep cavities and undercuts and limited ability to carve complex shapes and contours.

Even with the limitations, there are many types of 3 axis CNC routers.

• Air CNC routers use a compressor that generates air pressure to transfer energy to move the 3 axis router. Advantages are that they are more compact, versatile, lower investment, and lower energy consumption.
• Laser CNC routers use a focused beam of high-powered energy to achieve cutting or engraving on the material. A laser router is suitable for flatwork for certain materials like acrylic, wood, or coated metal. No physical contact means there is less friction and cut quickly with higher speeds. Laser routers have no tool change aspect and are great for virtual systems for graphics.
• Plasma CNC routers use a high-temperature plasma cutting torch to cut through materials. The plasma torch is controlled to follow a predetermined path, enabling precise cutting of shapes and designs. Users often employ this type of CNC machine to create intricate patterns, letters, and figures in metal. Plasma CNC routers are good for thin steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The disadvantages are that they cannot cut solid metal, which might require a blade cutting, and there could be a lot of sparks flying around during the cutting process.
• Laser engraving CNC machines have a laser beam as the main component. This beam will then engrave the material according to the design. This type of 3 axis CNC router can increase the level of customization. They can also engrave images, logos, text, and graphics. Because the only contact the material has is with the laser beam, there will be no clogging or tool change needed.
• Vacuum CNC routers have a vacuum system that holds down the workpiece material onto the router table. This provides a secure and stable workholding solution during the cutting or engraving process. The router bit then goes on and performs the cut. Workpieces made of wood, plastic, composite materials, and some metal are suitable for using a vacuum router.

Specifications and maintenance of 3 axis CNC router machines

The following table summarizes the typical specifications and some router maintenance tips.

• Specification

  CNC Axis: Three primary linear movement components, three router bits positions.

  Machine Size: Router tables and machines are available in different sizes depending on what they intend to do.

  Materials Supported: CNC machines for woodworking primarily support wood as a material, including solid wood, plywood, MDF, etc. The Material Support: CNC Machines Metal specification will include materials such as aluminum, copper, brass, carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, etc.

• Maintenance

  Users should maintain their CNC routers by sticking to these critical machine parts and components:

  • Guide Rails and Lubrication

    Clean the guide rails regularly, monitoring for dust or debris that could result in friction. Apply a thin, tidy layer of grease from time to time to maintain a smooth rail operation. The greasing will help maintain a balance between effective, carefree motion and lovely guiding.

  • Spindle

    Operating at great speeds, the router spindle remains in constant motion performing its cutting and carving tasks. But just like any other working part, the spindle wears out with time, so it needs to be checked and maintained often. It must be inspected once or twice a month to notice signs of abnormal wear or damage immediately. When it is damaged, a professional must look at it to offer repairs or suggest a replacement. Also, during routine inspections, any debris or dust must be removed to keep the clamping operation efficient.

  • Vacuum System

    This is the part that helps to hold down the material being routed. The vacuum must be cleaned regularly to prevent debris buildup. Maintenance checks should be conducted regularly. Appropriate sealing methods must be used to enhance the operation and efficiency of the vacuum system.

Scenarios of 3 axis CNC routers

• Furniture-making industry:

  3D CNC routers are used to furniture products, The furniture products include domestic furniture items, like beds, bookshelves, wardrobes, chairs, and tables, as well as commercial ones like office desks and workstations, restaurant tables, meeting room conference tables, etc.

• Advertising Display and Signage Industry:

  The 3D CNC router can help the designer cut and engrave different materials to make diverse advertising items. It may include but is not limited to signage boards, billboards, shop front displays, signboards, etc.

• Architectural and Construction Industry:

  3D CNC routers can assist the architectural designers to make architectural model, which may visualize urban planning, topography, and landscaping, etc.

• Automotive and Aerospace Industry:

  Automotive and Aerospace Industries need 3D routers with large working areas and higher precision. These routers are used to create automotive and aerospace interior trims, dashboards, and instrument panels, as well as aerospace components like spacers, instrument panels, and other related parts. Also, the router can make the automotive and aerospace industries' molds and prototypes.

• Musical Instrument Manufacturing:

  As the instruments manufacturing industry uses musical instruments like pianos, guitars, violins, and woodwinds, a router with musical instruments capabilities may help to sculpt the bodies, necks, and other components.

• Mold-making Industry:

  The mold-making industry 3D CNC routers can create molds for injection, vacuum forming, and casting. The molds may include decorative patterns and complex geometries, etc.

• Plastic and Packaging Industry:

  3D CNC routers can help the machine make packaging solutions like blister packaging, clamshells, and prototypes. In addition, it can cut and engrave foam and plastic sheets.

• Engineering and Prototyping:

  3D CNC routers are used to make engineering prototypes for testing and validation of designs in product development.

How to choose 3 axis CNC routers

For retail buyers, there are a few things to look at when choosing a 3 axis CNC router.

• Required axis:

  First of all, a person needs to identify the factors and tasks for which the machine will be used. If there are frequent complex tasks that require carving to be done, then the 5 axis CNC router should be chosen. However, if only the basic cutting of simple shapes is required, then the 3 axis CNC router can be chosen as it will suffice for such tasks.

• Size of material:

  Consider the typical sizes of material users commonly work with and also the size and working area of the router machine itself. Make sure the router chosen is large enough to handle the materials used in the project.

• Workforce required:

  When considering the number of axes on the CNC machine, it is important to consider that more complexity generally requires greater manpower to operate. A 3-axis machine is relatively straightforward, while a 5-axis machine may need more skilled operators who are trained and knowledgeable enough to handle such advanced equipment.

• Available budget:

  In the end, the most important factor in deciding whether to get a 3 or a more advanced 5 axis CNC router is the person's budget. A 3 axis router is more affordable, while a 5-axis one will be more expensive. If budget constraints are present, then it is better to choose the more advanced one among all the above-mentioned crucial needs and requirements.

Q&A

Q: What are the benefits of using a 3 axis CNC router?

A: 3 axis CNC routers are precise and reliable. They can perform multiple machining operations on different materials. The machines can reduce labor costs, and the automation enhances product consistency. Also, a 3-axis CNC router is cost-effective compared to 5-axis models.

Q: What materials can a 3 axis CNC router work with?

A: 3 axis CNC machines are versatile. They can work on various materials, including wood, acrylic, PVC, Foam, Metal, Glass, Leting, Marble, Toughened Glass, Alloys, Sapphire, and Crystal, among others.

Q: How complicated is the operation of a 3 axis CNC router?

A: A 3 axis router is simple, even for beginners. The user needs to load the design into the software, set up the material, and let the machine do the work. Users may require basic training on the software and machine setup.

Q: Can a 3 axis CNC router be upgraded in the future?

A: Yes, it is possible to make some upgrades to a 3-axis CNC router. Manufacturers often design the machines to accept future enhancements. Common upgrades include faster spindle motors, dust extraction systems, or upgraded control software.