What does CNC mean?

CNC is an acronym for "computer numerically controlled", and refers specifically to a computer "controller" that reads code instructions to control the motion and other functions of any machine. Both the router and the laser can move from right to left, forward to back and up and down. This enables CNC Creations to offer products in three-dimensional, two-dimensional or intricate curved cuts or straight cuts.

What size of material can your CNC router/laser handle?

Both the router and the laser head work on our 52" wide x 102" long bed. The height of the gantry (which allows the 3-D aspect) will raise to 7".

How can I get my file information to be read by CNC Creations?

CNC Creations has added several high-end CAD/CAM software programs to drive both CNC machines to their ultimate potentials. We have most recently added ArtCamPro to our suite of programs. For many years we used (and still use for some applications) a program called Cimographi (sp). We can easily import files from many other programs.

What can you engrave with the laser?

Our best results are with granite, marble and glass. Hand-painted granite and marble produce incredible results. Glass etchings take well to a spray of white paint and then being scraped - leaving a nice white image on clear glass. Clear shower doors can be etched to personalize your bathroom ambience. Etching on acrylic is very effective as well and clear acrylic can be edge-lit for a special effect. Dark slate and black porcelain etch well, and leave a very subtle image - which can be intriguing.

What can you cut with the laser?

Wood, acrylic and plastics cut well with the laser. The laser enables the tiniest intricate details to be cut into your material.

What materials can be three-dimensional lasered?

Wood and acrylic 3-D laser well. The intricate detail is phenomenal!

What is the laser etching process?

Laser etching transfers an image onto materials such as stone, glass, mirror, wood acrylics and certain plastics. The Laser super-heats the surface of granite, forming an oval trench. The laser throws up a ridge of granite dust above the trench. The repeated small ovals of trenches make up the pixels of the photographic image. Every time the laser fires, a trench is dug into the surface and through the polish of the stone. The material that was extruded cools and cannot be noticed beyond a very slight texture that creates the etched surface depth. Marble is eroded away by the laser as fine marble dust. The polished surface is broken and cannot be replaced. Marble is recommended for home use, all murals and accent pieces. Marble produces an incredibly detailed rendering of a photograph.

What materials can CNC Creations handle on the router?

We straight and curve cut, 3-D and 2-D cut and engrave in wood, acrylic, Lexan, plastics, Corian, gator foam, high density foam, sign materials, aluminium.

In what format should electronic files be forwarded to CNC Creations for programming?

We have best results with .eps and .dfx files. We can work with jpeg and Adobe files, however, they take more time to get ready for programming. We can also scan images, however, again it takes more time to prepare the file for programming.

What other services does CNC Creatons provide?

Our fully equipped shop includes a 36" precision engine lathe, 20" thickness planer, shaper, jointer, drill press, 20-ton hydraulic press and other shop equipment.