What is a CNC router?

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) routers are machine tools guided by numerical control: a digital design becomes movement, and that movement removes material with repeatable precision.

What CNC means

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control: a system that manages machine movement using digital software commands. It turns a drawing into mechanical movements, guiding cutters, knives or drills to remove material and create complex shapes.

How a CNC router works

An electronic controller interprets the program—G-code or an equivalent language—which specifies tool movements, feed rates and cutting depths. Brushless or stepper motors move the tool along the X, Y and Z axes above the workpiece secured to the bed.

Machine types

• 3 axes: X, Y and Z movements for two-dimensional and straightforward three-dimensional work, including reliefs and 2.5D machining.
• 4 axes: an additional rotary axis for machining the workpiece at different angles.
• 5 axes: complex movement and multiple angles for advanced moulds and components. Our machines are 3-axis gantry routers; for 5-axis applications we can direct you elsewhere.

Where they are used

• Woodworking: furniture, decorative panels and structural components.
• Light engineering: aluminium and engineering-plastic components, moulds and dies.
• Visual communication: signs, three-dimensional lettering and profiled printed panels.
• Plastics and composites: cutting and profiling sheets and panels.

The benefits

• Consistent precision and tolerances, including batch production.
• Repeatability: every part matches the first.
• Automation: less manual intervention, fewer errors and shorter processing times.
• Versatility: different materials on the same machine by changing tools and parameters.

Automa Pantografi machines

Automa builds large-format gantry CNC routers in three ranges: VISIO Pro for visual communication, with routing, cutting and creasing tools on the same head; TEKNO for industrial production, with configurations for materials up to 150 mm thick; PRIMA for businesses bringing their first machining processes in-house. Heavy-duty steelwork, Italian CNC control and modules that can be added over time.

Adapted from an article on the previous website and updated for the three current ranges.