How CNC Router Services Produce Perfect Edges to Eliminate Reworks
They say a picture is worth a thousand words—well, take a look at the comparison in the image below. On the left, you'll see a part we recently machined for a customer on our CNC router. On the right is the same part produced by a different manufacturer. The difference in quality is immediately apparent.
At Accurate CNC, we take pride in every piece we create. Rough edges, or “coining” as you see on the right are common issues with router machining, but we never let such imperfections leave our facility. Our commitment to superior edge quality in plastic machining services ensures better aesthetics, proper fit, and optimized functionality for your parts.
The Benefits of a Better Router Edge
Through years of customer feedback, we’ve identified clear benefits to precision edges:
Improved Fit: When parts have a tight tolerance (such as ±0.002 inches), a rough edge alone could cause parts to fall out of spec. We've seen this firsthand when customers bring us parts for rework— we hear the problems these rough edges have caused.
Enhanced Functionality: Smooth edges are crucial for part performance. For instance, we manufacture chain guides, and a properly finished edge allows the chain to roll with minimal friction. Rough edges create resistance, reducing motor efficiency.
Professional Aesthetics: The picture here demonstrates how strikingly different a rough edge looks, and this appearance speaks volumes about the manufacturing process behind the part. A clean edge reflects meticulous attention to detail and often indicates superior overall quality.
Safer Handling: Through carefully milling and deburring, we eliminate sharp edges and potential hazards.
How Our CNC Router Process Leads to Cleaner Edges
Excellent edges require a combination of expertise, experience, and technology:
Extensive Tooling and Proper Technique
We’ve developed specific strategies with our router for different materials and applications. Our approach typically begins with light passes before moving to final finishing cuts. In some cases, we reduce feed rates for greater precision.
We’ve built an extensive tooling library over our years in manufacturing, with specialized geometries for a variety of materials and edge requirements in precision machining. By matching the right tool to each application, we can achieve the best possible results.
Advanced Fixturing
For CNC routing services, we secure the parts to the table with vacuum workholding, but this method can create challenges with small parts as the vacuum hold becomes less secure. We prevent vacuum loss by leaving an “onion skin” at the bottom of our sheet, typically less than 0.10” thick. Once we’ve cut the part, we remove the final skin with a smaller tool or a deburring tool.
In our machining centers, we maintain clean vices and regularly cut a fresh surface into our soft jaws to maximize part rigidity. For larger parts, we typically prefer to use additional vises instead of longer soft jaws to ensure consistent clamping.
Constant Quality Checks
In our shop, the inspection process begins while parts are still secured in our machine, allowing programmers to correct any imperfections. Our team examines every corner and crevice before they turn the vacuum off. That way, we know every part meets our exacting standards before moving onto the next step.
Seeing Is Believing—So Come See Our Parts
Our customers consistently tell us they are impressed by the edge quality of our CNC router parts. This stark difference in our parts is one reason we encourage buyers to walk the floor of our Idaho machine shop and examine our process and results in person.
Our detailed approach to router edges is only one aspect of our meticulous approach to manufacturing. From rapid prototyping services to machining Acetal, our range of capabilities ensures we can take on your next project.
Request a quote today to start collaborating with Accurate CNC!