Signs of the Times - September 2020 - 20

TECH
REVIEW
CHRIS & KATHI

MORRISON

own and operate The
Image Specialists, a fullservice graphics company
based in Clements, CA.
Chris is also a Microsoftcertified systems
engineer.

CNC ROUTERS

One of the sign industry's oldest machines has plenty
of cool, new upgrades.
NE of the oldest automation tools that found
its way into the signshop
is the CNC router. That
may sound odd, but the technology
behind a router is basically the same
as a vinyl cutter. A tool holder is
moved in a XY-coordinate system
using motors and encoders in order
to provide precise positioning. An
additional Z-axis allows for the tool
to be raised and lowered. All of this
is driven by a software controller that
will take some form of artwork as
input and convert it to tool positioning
at the table. This sounds really easy, so
why is there such a wide difference
in pricing when you are shopping
for a CNC router?
First off, how do you intend to use
the machine? For signmakers, there
are a number of useful functions
that a CNC router can perform. The

simplest purpose is probably cutting
out sign blanks. Sure, you can do
that with a table saw if the blank is
rectangular or square. But how
about a blank shaped like the state
of Texas? A very skilled person with
a jigsaw could probably do it, but
who has that skill today? A router
can also create relief-carved signs.
These babies can make some real
money. Again, a skilled carver can
do incredible work. Do you have one
on staff ? A CNC router can perform
numerous other tasks without the
need for highly skilled craftspeople.
The questions then become, what is
your budget, and what features do
you absolutely need?
TABLE SIZES AND MORE
A good first question to ask is what
size material do you need to handle.
In most cases, a 4 x 8-ft. capacity

table is a perfect choice. Most raw
materials such as sign foam and
MDF come in 4 x 8-ft. sheets. If you
don't believe you will ever need that
size, then a 4 x 4-ft. table may be
suitable, and you can save a few bucks.
On the other hand, larger-capacity
tables will cost you more but they
are definitely available. Speaking of
materials, you also need to determine
what type of hold-down system you
want for the material. Lower-cost
routers use clamps instead of vacuum
zones. If you are working with heavier
materials, this will work fine. But when
you work with thinner materials and
finer parts, the clamps will not hold
them in place after the through-cut
is finished. A vacuum table will make
sure nothing moves until the job is
completed.
Production schedule is another
factor in deciding on a router. If you

ACCU-CUT KR

TRIDENT SERIES

SABRE

O

Computerized Cutters Inc.
computerizedcutters.com
20

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

SEPTEMBER 2020

AXYZ Automation Group
axyz.com

Gerber Technology
gerbertechnology.com
http://www.computerizedcutters.com http://www.gerbertechnology.com http://www.axyz.com
Signs of the Times - September 2020

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