CNC Routers

CNC routers are computer-controlled machines that are capable of cutting complex two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) shapes with router bits that spin at high speeds. CNC routers consist of a mechanical base, linear rails and bearings, stepper motor or servo motor, lead screws or ball screws, power supply, and stepper motor drive or servo motor drive. The mechanical base is the frame that holds all of the router’s components together. Several construction styles are available. C-frame routers have a frame shaped like the letter “C” and include a compound X/Y table and vertical Z-axis column. Gantry-style routers are constructed with a stationary table and a bridge that spans vertical columns. All gantry routers have three moving axes: X, Y, and Z.  Four-axis devices have an additional moving axis. In five-axis configurations, the router head includes rotary and angular axes. Six-axis CNC routers are usually articulated robots with a router head attachment. Articulated robots have arms with three rotary joints.