A CNC router is a gantry machine with a high-speed spindle that moves over a large flat bed. It cuts and carves sheets of wood, MDF, plastics, acrylic, composites and aluminium. It is built for large sheets and fast cutting rather than the rigidity a VMC needs for steel.
Quick facts
- Common bed sizes
- About 1300 × 2500 mm (51.18 × 98.43 inch) (8 × 4 ft) and larger
- Spindle
- About 18,000–24,000 rpm
- Materials
- Wood, MDF, plywood, acrylic, PVC, HDPE, aluminium, composites
- Accuracy
- About ±0.05–0.1 mm (±0.0020–0.0039 inch)
- Workholding
- Vacuum table or clamps
- Axes
- 3-axis most common; 4 and 5-axis for 3D carving
CNC router or VMC?
| CNC router | VMC | |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Light gantry over a large bed | Heavy, rigid column |
| Best materials | Wood, plastics, aluminium sheet | Steel, cast iron, all metals |
| Work size | Large sheets | Smaller blocks |
| Accuracy | About ±0.05–0.1 mm (±0.0020–0.0039 inch) | About ±0.01 mm (±0.0004 inch) |
Typical uses
- Furniture and panel cutting
- Acrylic signs and display parts
- Plastic machine guards and fixtures
- Aluminium sheet parts and enclosures
- Patterns and moulds in wood or foam
What to send for routing work
- DXF or DWG drawing (2D) or a 3D model
- Material and sheet thickness
- Quantity and sheet size
- Edge finish and tolerance
- Any engraving or pocketing depths
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Questions
- Can a CNC router cut steel?
- Not well. Routers are too light and fast-spinning for steel. Use a VMC for steel parts, or laser or plasma cutting for steel sheet.
- Can a CNC router cut aluminium?
- Yes, with the right single-flute cutters, mist coolant and a rigid enough machine. It is common for aluminium sheets and composite panels.
- What file does a CNC router need?
- A DXF or DWG for 2D cutting, or a STEP or STL model for 3D carving, with the material and thickness.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 16 October 2026.