CNC Cutting Services Exeter
CNC Cutting in Exeter
At Huxlo we operate an industrial CNC router machine with a 1220x2440mm cutting area. We work with the trade and public to fabricate parts for their projects.
- .STP and .DXF files accepted
- Collection or pallet delivery from £37
What we like about Exeter
Exeter is a historic city located in the southwest of England, known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant community. Founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, Exeter is steeped in history, with its ancient city walls, beautiful cathedral, and impressive medieval buildings.
Materials we machine.
- Birch Plywood
- MDF
- Valchromat (coloured MDF)
- Veneered MDF and Plywood
- Chipboard
- PVC
- Acrylic
- Melamine Faced Chipboard
- Many more - please enquire.
What is CNC?
Computer numerical control (CNC) routing is a modern manufacturing technique that has revolutionised the production process. CNC routing is a computer-controlled process used to cut, shape, and carve various materials such as wood, plastic, foam, and metal.
The CNC routing process involves several steps, starting with designing the object on a computer-aided design (CAD) software. Once the design is complete, it is uploaded to the CNC router machine, which then cuts the object according to the design specifications. The cutting tool moves along an X-Y-Z axis, guided by the computer program, and removes material from the workpiece to create the desired shape.
What can a CNC router achieve?
A CNC router can perform a wide variety of cuts on sheet materials, making it an incredibly versatile tool for custom fabrication. Common operations include contour cuts, which follow the outline of a shape to fully cut it from the sheet; pocketing, where material is removed to create recessed areas without cutting all the way through; and drilling, for precise holes and mounting points. CNC routers can also create chamfers and fillets, adding angled or rounded edges for both functional and aesthetic purposes. With the right tooling and programming, complex features like engraving, v-carving, and 3D profiling can also be achieved, allowing for both structural and decorative detailing in a single process.
Edgebanding, Sanding and Lacquer
In addition to CNC cutting, we offer a full range of finishing services to take your project from raw material to ready-to-install product. Our edgebanding service applies a clean, durable edge to cut panels, giving them a polished, professional look while protecting the core material. We also provide sanding to ensure smooth surfaces, whether as preparation for finishing or as a final touch. For a refined appearance and added durability, our lacquering service will enhance both the look and longevity of your components. These in-house capabilities allow us to deliver fully finished parts, saving you time and streamlining your production process.
Frequently asked questions.
- How accurate is your machine? We are accurate to 0.2mm on average. Accuracy depends on the type of tool we are using and the way we use it. If you tell us which dimensions are critical there are a number of ways we can ensure accuracy.
- How do you price a project? Pricing comprises of setup labour, maching time, materials, packaging and waste disposal. One off projects will have a higher propotion of setup labour, while batch production projects will be more dependant on material costs.
- What files do you accept? We accept .STP (3D) or .DXF (2D) files.
- What software do you use? We use Autodesk Fusion 360 to create manufacturing setups and the code needed to run a CNC machine.
- How does the vacuum work? The vacuum pump pulls air through the bottom of the machine and sucks the material to the machine. We use a sacrificial sheet of MDF underneath your material so that we do not cut into the CNC machine. MDF is pourous so allows the air to be sucked through it.
- I don't have a .DXF or .STP file, can you use a different file? We may be able to convert the file, please email us with details.
- What are tabs? Tabs are small bits of material left to connect the part to the rest of the sheet. Tabs are used so that parts are held in place and do not go flying when being cut. Our vaccuum bed enables us to not use tabs on the majority of larger parts, however on small parts we use tabs to stop parts moving. They can be removed with a sander or flush trim router.
- My design is on paper and I don't have a file, can you create one for me? Yes, we are experienced in detail design and create one for you. This is charged at an engineers rate.