5 minute read
MAIN ROUTS
By Richard Romano
We mostly focus on the printing aspects of sign and display graphics, but there is an essential tool for signmaking that predates inkjet printers. Companies that are expanding into signmaking should be aware of the capabilities these types of machines can offer your business. I’m speaking of course about CNC routers.
When most of us see or hear the word “router,” we immediately think of the electronic device that provides WiFi to our home or office. That device derives its name from the verb “route,” as it is routing a signal. A “router” in the signage sense derives from the verb “rout,” which Merriam-Webster defines as “to gouge out or make a furrow in (something, such as wood or metal).” As for the initials CNC, they stand for “computer numerical control”—basically, the automated operating of these machines vs. hand tooling or carving.
CNC routers are the modern equivalent of traditional woodworking.
An example of the kind of signage that a CNC router can produce. (Image via CAMaster.) Read More…
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Applications for Routers
Printed signage is actually a fairly new application; traditionally, signage tends to comprise channel letters or some kind of routing or milling capabilities. Routers are dominant in wayfinding signage as well as ADAcompliant signage—signs that use a combination of raised lettering and Braille (not all blind people read Braille and instead prefer relief lettering). There are two basic ways of adding routing capabilities to your arsenal of services: routing tools that can be attached to wide-format cutting tables and dedicated routing machines.
AXYZ Infinite Series
Cutting Table Accessories
Colex, Gerber, Kongsberg, Zünd and other cutting tables have a range of milling and routing tools, and even specific milling and routing units. So if you already have a cutting table, or have been considering one to handle other kinds of wide-format finishing, the tooling and accessories available for these machines may suit your purpose.
If you plan to take a deep dive into traditional signmaking, a dedicated routing machine may be a more practical option.
Routing Machines
There are a number of routing machine manufacturers who have units specifically designed for the requirements of signmaking. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but is a good place to start to find a solution that fits your specific needs.
AXYZ (www.axyz.com), based in Burlington, Ontario, has two CNC router series targeted to signmakers—the highly configurable Infinite (which handles material widths from 28 to 128 inches) and the routerknife hybrid Trident Series. They also can custom manufacture bespoke units for specific signage requirements.
CAMaster (www.camaster.
CAMaster’s SignPro Cobra. com), based in Cartersville, Ga., offers four basic series of routers, from the “desktop” Stinger 1 Series all the way up to the high-production Cobra Elite Series. For signage, they offer two units in their SignPro line: the affordable Panther SignPro and the high-production Cobra SignPro. The Panther is available in three table sizes: 4 x 8 feet, 5 x 8 feet, and 5 x 10 feet, while the Cobra is available in 5 x 8 feet and 5 x 10 feet.
Laguna Tools (https://lagunatools.com) based in Irvine, Calif., offers a few options for signmaking, from the “desktop” IQ Series designed for small-scale and hobbyist production to the larger and more productive Swift Series.
ShopSabre (www.shopsabre.com), based in Irvine, Calif., produces routing machines for
Laguna Tools’ Swift Series.
a wide variety of applications, from hobbyists, to signmaking, to high-end industrial production. The three models in the IS-M Series offers high production and versatility at an affordable cost (around $50,000, depending on configuration and accessories), while the three models in the PRO Series are an even more affordable option (~$25,000 to $30,000). The two units in the entry-level RC Series can be had for under $20,000.
Things to Look for in a Router
Routers are designed to cut and mill a wide variety of materials in a wide variety of industries, so the first question to ask yourself when shopping for a router is, what do you want to use it for? Sure, “signage,” but that can mean a lot of things. Is it ADA signage? Channel letters? Raised signage? Engraved signage? Some units do remarkably specific things, while others (often also called milling machines) have more multifunction capabilities.
What kinds of materials or substrates will you be cutting? Wood? Metal? Acrylic? Plastic? Foam? Different bits (the parts that do the actual cutting and carving) are suitable for different materials, so make sure you have substrate flexibility if you need it.
Do you also need it to perform any other functions, like print finishing?
What size do you need? Will you be doing small, indoor wayfinding signage such as room labels or elevator, exit or emergency exit signs, or will you need to produce large-scale exterior signage?
How much volume do you plan to run through it? Would an entry-level machine suit you better than a high-production one? But, that said, will the model you choose be able to grow as your volume grows?
What is your budget? There are a zillion variables, but the least expensive routers can be had for under $1,000 and a topof-the-line machine can easily get in the $50,000+ range or
even higher.
Would a used or refurbished unit be a better option? You may have little experience with CNC routers and a low-cost or used machine would be a good and inexpensive way to teach yourself how to use it, giving you the option to upgrade as you (or your staff’s) skills improve.
What about software? CNC routers are driven by CAD files and some systems are more turnkey than others. So if you are unfamiliar with working with CAD files and software, take that into account when you do your shopping. (You’ll notice that these are the same basic questions you would ask yourself about just about any major equipment purchase.)
Rout of No Evil
If you don’t offer non-printed signage, you are missing out on an extremely large part of the market, and this is a good time to start expanding your range of capabilities. You may recall from recent articles on the economic state of signage (see “ISA Quarterly Economic Report Finds Improvement in Q3, but Recovery Is Still a Long Ways Off” in our November/ December 2020 issue) that new construction projects (a big driver of demand for new signage) have been slow but are expected to pick up steam later this year. Adding a CNC router and developing traditional signmaking capabilities can go a long way toward helping take advantage of the new opportunities that will arise. ●
ShopSabre PRO Series.
