What is the Difference Between CNC Router and CNC Mill | What is a CNC Router | CNCLATHING

2020.4.7

A gantry-style milling machine is often referred to as the router, what is the difference between CNC router and CNC mill? And what are they used to do? From materials, speed, axes, cutting area or depth and more aspects, follow us CNClathing.com to understand more about the mills and routers.

What is a CNC Mill?

CNC mill is a type of common computer numerically controlled machine for meeting varying manufacturing needs. CNC mills or milling machines are used to perform milling process, utilizes a rotating cylindrical cutting tool that can move along multiple axes to cut the workpiece and produce various features like slots, holes, shapes and more, while the workpiece moves across the milling cutter in a specific direction. CNC mills can machine almost all of the materials, including metal, wood, ceramic, plastic, etc., but metal CNC milling parts are more common. The selection of CNC milling materials should be considered according to the characteristics of the material, such as hardness, machinability, density, and strength; as well as the applications.

What is a CNC Router?

CNC router is a cutting machine controlled by computer numerical devices, used to mainly cut materials like wood, composites, aluminum, foams, and plastics, often manufactures door carvings, interior and exterior decorations, wood panels, signboards, wooden frames, moldings, musical instruments, furniture, it’s also available in cutting mortises, tenons, panel saw, and the spindle moulder.

What is the Difference Between CNC Router and CNC Mill? - CNC Mill vs CNC Router

1. Materials. CNC routers are most often used to cut softer materials like wood, plastic and foam, while mills generally handle metals and tougher materials. 

2. Speed. CNC routers are usually operated at high speed, and the CNC mills are slower. 

3. Movement. CNC mills often move in an X-Y configuration and the spindle moving on a linear axis above the workpiece, while CNC routers are mounted on a stationary table, with a spindle moves along three axes: X, Y, and Z.

4. Torque. CNC mills use torque make cuts, and CNC router has less torque, it uses rotational speed to drive the force. 

5. Mass or quality. The mass of a CNC milling machine is generally larger than that of a CNC router.

6. Accuracy. CNC router is not as accurate as a CNC mill, which is the better choice for high precision machining parts. 

7. Axis design. The larger clearance along the Z-axis make CNC milling machine ideal for thicker cuts and more intricate designs.

8. Application or parts. For example, the part or component for crucial equipment for aerospace requires high precision and details provided by CNC mills, but for less demanding applications. CNC routers may be enough.

9. Cutting area. CNC router has a larger cutting area as the materials like wood often comes in large sheets, while the milling machine offers a deeper cut. 

10. Cost. The price of a CNC mill will be higher than that of a router equal in size.

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