What Materials Can a CNC Router Cut? A Guide for Beginners

So, you're fascinated by the CNC router and wondering, "What can I actually make with it?" A key part of that answer lies in the materials a CNC router can cut. This beginner's guide provides a clear overview, covering the most common materials like wood, plastics, and even some soft metals like aluminum. We'll also explain why not all CNC routers are created equal when it comes to tackling different materials.

You've seen the incredible potential of a CNC router. You imagine carving intricate designs, building custom furniture, or even prototyping machine parts. But before you dive in, a fundamental question arises: what materials can this amazing machine actually handle? Is it just for wood, or can it tackle plastics and metals too?

Let's be clear: the answer depends significantly on the specific type of CNC router you're looking at. However, the range of materials is broader than many beginners realize. This guide will walk you through the common options.

This is the home turf for nearly every CNC router.

• Softwoods: Pine, Cedar, Fir. Easy to cut, great for signs and simple projects.
• Hardwoods: Oak, Maple, Walnut, Cherry. Require more spindle power and slower feed rates but produce beautiful, durable results for furniture and high-end crafts.
• Manufactured Woods: Plywood, MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard), Particle Board. Very common, relatively easy to machine, used extensively in cabinetry and general fabrication.

Most CNC routers handle plastics very well. The key is managing heat to prevent melting.

• Acrylic (Plexiglas): Cuts cleanly, great for signs, displays, and enclosures.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Common for signage and construction applications.
• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Durable, often used for jigs, fixtures, and outdoor applications.
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Tough plastic, common in prototyping and enclosures.

• Types: Insulation foam (XPS), modeling foam, EVA foam.
• Use Cases: Very easy to cut at high speeds. Widely used for creating molds, prototypes, props, and cosplay elements.

• Aluminum: The most common metal cut by CNC routers. Requires a rigid machine, a powerful spindle, appropriate cutting bits (often single-flute), lubrication/cooling (mist or air blast), and carefully controlled feed rates and spindle speeds. Desktop models may struggle, but mid-range and industrial CNC router models handle it well.
• Brass: Similar to aluminum, machinable with the right setup.

• Examples: Dibond (Aluminum Composite Material), Carbon Fiber sheets (requires specific safety precautions for dust), fiberglass.
• Use Cases: Signage, automotive parts, aerospace components. Requires appropriate bits and dust extraction.

It's equally important to understand the limitations. A typical CNC router is not designed for:

• Steel (Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Tool Steel): These materials require much lower spindle speeds, higher torque, and significantly more machine rigidity than a router typically possesses. This is the domain of a CNC Mill.
• Hardened Metals: Titanium, Inconel, etc., are far beyond a router's capability.

The 'aha!' moment for beginners is realizing it's not just what you cut, but how you cut it, and what you cut it with.

• Machine Rigidity: A heavier, stiffer machine frame prevents vibration ("chatter") and allows for more aggressive cuts, especially in metals. Industrial machines excel here.
• Spindle Power (HP/kW): More power allows for faster material removal and cutting denser materials.
• Cutting Bits: Using the correct type of bit (geometry, number of flutes, coating) for each material is crucial.
• Feeds and Speeds: The combination of how fast the tool moves (feed rate) and how fast it spins (spindle speed) must be optimized for each material to achieve a clean cut and avoid breaking bits or melting plastic.

A CNC router is an incredibly versatile machine capable of precisely shaping a wide array of materials, far beyond just wood. From plastics and foams to composites and even soft metals like aluminum, it unlocks a vast world of creative and manufacturing possibilities. However, understanding the specific capabilities and limitations of your particular CNC router—especially regarding harder materials—and mastering the interplay of bits, feeds, and speeds is the key to successfully transforming raw stock into finished parts.