Here you will find a definition and explanation of what CNC means, along with information about 2D and 3D machining.
This is a means of automatically guiding a machine by a computer reading numeric code supplied by the operator. There are many types of CNC machining. At Inkmill CNC we specialise in 3 axis CNC routing and CNC laser cutting.
A router cutter could be described as a drill, but instead of just cutting downwards it can also cut side ways. 3 axis refers to the amount of directions that the machines can move. The 3 axis are the X,Y and Z axis. The x axis moves forwards and backwards, the y axis moves left to right and the z axis moves up and down
Laser cutting is also CNC controlled. Laser cutting technology works by directing thermal energy on a spot 0.1mm – 1mm wide to melt or vaporise the material.
The cutter is lowered on the z axis to a specific depth and then moves on the x and y axis to cut flat shapes from the material. CNC milling tends to refer to machining metal. CNC Routing tends to refer to cutting shapes from wood, plastic and other materials.
3D CNC machining is where the cutter moves in all three X, Y and Z axis allowing you to cut forms in 3D relief. We cut flat timber panels or metal sheet and build up contoured cutting to create forms in 3D relief. 3D routing tends to refer to cutting forms in wood, plastic and other materials. 3D milling tends to refer to machining forms in metal.
