These days, there are many varieties of CNC machines, and each is designed with specialized functions. There are now other options for milling components than manual machines. Computerized Numerical Control, or CNC, machines are the result of ongoing technological advancements in machine design and capabilities. A CNC router and a CNC mill are the two machine types that are covered in this blog. Read more about cnc router vs mill by visiting our website and if you have any questions related to this topic, connect with us.

Both devices are classified as subtractive machines. They form the workpiece into the required shape by removing material from it with a cutting tool. Both pieces of equipment have the ability to machine a wide range of materials, including metals, polymers, and wood. Since they differ, let’s start by going over the fundamentals of a CNC router.

CNC Router: What Is It?

First, let’s address the query, “What does a CNC router do?” Soft, delicate materials may be carved into intricate forms using this equipment. Soft metals like aluminum, foam, plastic, and wood are frequently machined by CNC routers. This device has a wide range of uses. In woodworking, it’s frequently utilized to make furniture. Additionally, it is employed in engraving and quick prototyping. For large components like signs or plates, a router is very helpful.

So, what is the operation of a CNC router?

Let’s go over the primary parts of a CNC router. The machine is supported and made more rigid by the frame, which is important for accuracy and precision. The material is set out on a table and held in place with workholding. The actual machining is done by a spindle, which also retains the cutting tool. Finally, the computer that tells the router where and how to move is called the control.

CAD and CAM software are used to pre-program the cutting tool path and workpiece design. The CAM program determined the XYZ coordinates that the tool must move to, which are relayed by the router’s control after it has read the program information. Three axes, or directions, are sliced by the router. The Z-axis is up and down, the Y-axis is left and right, and the X-axis is forward and back.

CNC Milling Machine: What Is It?

In order to create a part, a CNC mill, also known as a CNC milling machine, also cuts intricate shapes out of materials. You can cut anything from titanium and steel to brass and acrylic, depending on the type of mill. From desktop to industrial, there are differences in machine sizes (this also applies to routers). Additionally, there are various capabilities, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis.

The fundamental parts of a router and a mill are identical. You have your spindle, control, machine table, and frame. Similar to the router, CAD and CAM software are used to create the part design and tool paths, which the CNC control then reads. Because there are vertical machining centers and horizontal machining centers, CNC mill designs differ. For this instance, we’ll use a 3-axis VMC to compare against the router. A VMC cuts in three directions: up and down is the Z-axis, left and right is the Y-axis, and forward and back is the X-axis.

What is the purpose of a CNC milling machine, then? It’s tough to think of what you couldn’t make with this equipment. Our customers use 3-axis mills for mold making, electronic prototyping, cockpit control panels, embossing dies, telecom antennas, art projects, scientific instruments, optomechanical parts, and more.

CNC Router Vs. Mill

A CNC router has its uses as mentioned before but just like a CNC mill, these machines are not designed for every type of material or project. Hard metal machining is often left to other CNC machines (possibly a CNC mill). Depending on how complex the geometries are, a CNC mill is typically a better choice. That’s because a milling machine is more heavy-duty and rigid which allows the mill to cut with greater precision and accuracy. So, micromachining, precision machining and creating delicate and thin features would be a job for a CNC mill.

A router has a limited range of motion along the Z-axis compared to a mill, so it cannot make slots or deep holes. However, the large work surface lets the router reach high machine speeds. Plus, the footprint is not much bigger than the work area making it a compact machine. Whereas traditional CNC mills have much larger footprints since they need the weight to stay rigid.

If you’re wondering can CNC bits be used in a router, the answer is yes. While the router and mill are two different types of machines, end mills designed for a CNC mill are perfectly acceptable for router work. However, router bits wouldn’t be used on a CNC mill (this is because of tool design differences and the material the tool is designed to work with). Runsom’s line of carbide milling tools is frequently used on router machines.

The Best of Both Worlds

So, what about combining the benefits of a router and mill? That’s exactly what the engineers at Runsom thought. Thus, the Runsom milling machine was born. It has a gantry, like a router, so it can offer a larger work area but has a minimal machine footprint. The rigidity and precision issues typically encountered with a router were mitigated through extensive testing and engineering to find the perfect design. If you’re curious whether a Runsom is the right machine tool for your application, schedule a virtual demo with our application engineer team.