Even if you don’t know what a computer numerical control (CNC) router is, chances are you know how they work. The technology is related to the lathe, the milling machine and even the 3D printer in a fun way. The major difference in the latter case is that 3D printing is an additive process. CNC routers create objects using a computer-aided subtractive process that cuts material on three axes, usually on a flat plane.

A CNC router, depending on the materials it is configured for, can replace a multitude of other machines. Able to work on anything from foam to wood to metals to even stone, decent CNC routers are extremely versatile tools. If you’ve ever seen an intricately carved door (or computer case), chances are a craftsman worked with a CNC machine.

Take EasyRoute CNC routers

Local company AM.CO.ZA, operated by Advanced Machinery (Pty) Ltd, is a supplier of EasyRoute CNC routers in South Africa. The brand has been around for a decade, setting the standard for everything from DIY to industrial applications. The popularity of these machines means pre-orders are essential. Luckily, there are 3 40ft containers of EasyRoute CNC Routers, about 60 units, which will land in South Africa soon.

Quality doesn’t come cheap, however. Hobbyist machines can be had for a few thousand, but when venturing into the industrial world, where water cooling is essential, expect to pay at least R138,000.¹. This is for the R-1325C/30L 1300x2500mm Clamping 220V machine, which comes with a 3kW water cooled spindle. Upgrade to the R-2030K/55L 2000x3050mm Vacuum 380V CNC Router, with its 5.5kW water-cooled spindle, and you can expect to pay R172,500². EasyRoute has ten other machines between these two price points, covering both clamping and vacuum options, which will be available soon.

RouterCAM CAM software makes it even easier

However, high-end hardware is not enough. In order to get the most out of your CNC hardware, the right software is needed. CNC routers use G-code, a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) coding language. Well, translating this language has become even easier.

South African industrialists and other craftsmen will know how popular (and useful) CorelDraw is for industrial applications. Advanced Machinery has introduced a new RouterCAM CorelDraw plugin, capable of translating projects directly into G-code for more efficient creations.

This means more efficient design through a single interface that reduces import/export times. All paths lead to G-code thanks to the plugin, which avoids having to reprogram toolpaths when reloading a DXF. These can also be imported by CorelDraw and processed with the plugin.

Editing or modifying projects in vector applications is even easier with RouterCAM, offering substantial advantages over trying to make changes in CAM software. Time is also saved when performing more basic 2D tasks. Whether you are milling, engraving or cutting with plasma or laser, RouterCAM speeds up your process.

He does this in several ways. The plugin supports rotary axes, be it A, B, C coordinate or mapping functions, and also offers 3D visualization of the G-code project before starting any operation. Laser, plasma and waterjet machining is also greatly improved, thanks to the 2D nature of this work.

Finally, AM.CO.ZA’s RouterCAM plugin also supports cycles for contour, pocket, and drill operations in the same job, a feature that other plugins lack. Rather than dealing with a range of competitors that may be difficult to put together, it makes more sense to opt for RouterCAM.

If you want to try out the new plugin, there is a set of RouterCAM step-by-step training videos that show you how to use each function and interface with machining examples.

But you don’t have to take AM.CO.ZA’s word for it. The RouterCAM plugin offers users a 30-day free trial, so CNC machine operators can see exactly what they’re missing. Once you’ve been convinced of the effectiveness of RouterCAM, it’s a snap to pick up the full product. This is a one-time payment of R9,890 from Buythis Online Store for even easier CorelDraw operations, which will speed up both the design and production aspects of your projects. Try it today.

^{1.2 – Both prices are exclusive of VAT and were correct at the time of publication.}