CNC Cutting Services Exeter

At Huxlo we operate an industrial CNC machine with a 1220x2440mm cutting area. We work with the trade and public to fabricate parts for their projects.

• .STP and .DXF files accepted
• Can deliver nationwide

About our CNC Machine

Key Features:

• 1220x2440mm cutting area
• 36mm maximum depth of cut
• Automatic tool changer with 8 tools
• Vacuum bed to hold parts without tabs (small parts will still require tabs)

Our Cutting Tools:

1. 6mm Up & Down Cutter: Our most commonly used tool featuring an up and down spiral to prevent veneers from chipping. This tool leaves a crisp finish on plywoods and veneers.
2. 8mm Up & Down Cutter: An 8mm diameter cutter with an up and down spiral to prevent veneers from chipping. The wider diameter makes the tool stronger so it can be run at more agressive speeds.
3. 6mm Up Spiral Cutter: This cutter is used when the feature is small and chips need to be evactuated from the area to avoid burning. Good for removing chips but will tear veneers when cutting across the grain. Most commonly used for boring holes.
4. 4mm Up Spiral Cutter: A small cutter used for boring small features. Smaller tools like this can snap easily so they must be used slowly.
5. 3mm Drill Bit: Simple 3mm drill bit for drilling pilot holes.
6. 5.5mm Drill Bit: Simple 5.5mm drill bit for drilling slightly larger pilot holes. Often used for flat-pack fixings.
7. 45 degree V Cutter: A V-groove cutter to create chamfers.
8. 2mm Down Spiral Cutter: A tiny 2mm diameter cutter with a down spiral cutter. The down cut feature enables the tool to engrave without chipping veneers. Used for engraving lettering or part numbers, or as a score line to prevent small features from tearing out.

A 6mm up down cutter sitting inside the automatic tool changer.

Materials

Stock Materials

We usually carry stock of the following materials:

• 18mm Birch Plywood
• 18mm MDF
• 6mm MDF

On-Demand Materials

We can supply the following materials on-demand:

• 6-36mm Birch Plywood 
• 6-36mm MDF
• Valchromat
• 19mm Hardwood Veneer MDF
• Chipboard
• 19mm Recycled Plastic Stormboard
• PVC
• Acrylic
• Pfleiderer Laminate on Plywood or MDF (similiar to Formica)
• Many more - please enquire.

The contours of these birch plywood parts were cut with a 6mm up down cutter to prevent tearing the top layer. This finish was achieved with one pass of 18mm.

Pricing

Pricing comprises of the following elements:

• Labour and machine time
• Materials
• Waste Disposal
• Packaging
• Delivery - Pallet delivery £95

Please email us at projects@huxlo.co.uk for a quote.

We can also remove tabs and sand parts in our workshop.

FAQ

• Can you cut all the way through 18mm in one go? Yes we can with a 6mm tool or thicker.
• 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.
• Can I watch you manufacture parts? Due to health and safety this is not usually possible. In the past we have been able to invite film crews into our manufacturing space, however this limits what can be done in the workshop at the time and so we must charge a fee.
• 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 do I pay? We require payment in advance and this can be done through our website, we will send you a link to pay once a project has been accepted.
• 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.
• How do I collect? Once your project is finished we will send you an email with the next available collection dates. We are based in a modern business park with plenty of parking and our workshop has a big up and over door to make collecting large materials easy.
• Can you deliver? We use a private courier service and can arrange delivery if you would like us to. We can also palletise goods for delivery via national pallet network.
• Can I send my own materials? Yes, however you must ensure that they arrive during working hours and are well labelled with your project reference.
• 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.
• How far apart do parts need to be? Parts need to be slightly farther apart than the diameter of the tool we are using to cut. For 18mm material we will typically use a 6mm diameter tool and space parts 7mm apart.
• Do I need to layout the parts myself? No - we can layout the parts for you in our software. You may want to do a rough layout yourself to check that your design uses sheet material efficiently.

 

A chamfered edge achieved using a 45 degree v-groove bit.

 

A barrier screen with precision routed grooves.

CNC Cutting in 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. Today, Exeter is a thriving city that combines its heritage with modern amenities, offering visitors a unique blend of old and new. The city boasts a bustling high street, excellent restaurants, and plenty of green spaces, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. With its friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, Exeter is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the charms of the south-west of England.

How I do create a CNC cutting layout?

Please follow these guidelines if you would like to pre-prepare your parts for CNC machining.

• Leave a minimum of 9mm between the edge of the sheet and parts
• For material thickness 18mm and below: leave a minimum of 7mm between parts
• For material thicker than 18mm: leave a minimum of 9mm between parts

What is CNC Routing?

Computer numerical control (CNC) routing is a modern manufacturing technique that has revolutionized 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 process involves using a cutting tool to create a precise and intricate design on a material.

CNC routers have replaced traditional cutting techniques, such as manual cutting and sawing, which were less precise and more time-consuming. The CNC router machine is controlled by a computer program that controls the cutting tool's movement to create a precise design. This automation allows for faster production times, higher accuracy, and lower costs.

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.

CNC routers have several advantages over traditional cutting methods. Firstly, CNC routing is incredibly precise and accurate, allowing for intricate designs to be created with ease. This precision reduces the need for manual finishing and makes the manufacturing process more efficient. Secondly, CNC routing is incredibly fast, enabling large-scale production to take place in a short period. This increased production speed allows manufacturers to meet customer demand while maintaining consistent quality. Thirdly, CNC routing reduces material waste and minimizes the need for manual labor, resulting in lower production costs.

CNC routing machines have a wide range of applications across various industries. In the woodworking industry, CNC routers are used to create cabinets, furniture, and decorative woodwork. In the plastics industry, CNC routers are used to create signs, displays, and packaging. In the metalworking industry, CNC routers are used to create parts and prototypes for industrial machinery.

In conclusion, CNC routing is a highly effective manufacturing technique that has revolutionized the production process. Its precision, speed, and efficiency make it an essential tool for industries across the board. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that CNC routing will become even more advanced, leading to even greater efficiency and cost savings in the manufacturing industry.