CNC Cutting for Wood, Plastic and Composite Sheet Materials

What is CNC cutting and routing?

CNC stands for computer numerical control. CNC routing uses a computer-controlled cutting head that follows a programmed path to remove material and create the required shape. Once programmed, the same geometry can be reproduced across multiple parts, helping maintain consistency throughout a production run.

At Perudo, sheet and slab materials are processed using a computer-controlled overhead 3-axis CNC router. This allows us to produce:

The result is a finished component produced to the dimensions and geometry specified in the design.

What can CNC routing produce?

CNC routing is useful when a project requires more than a simple straight cut. Depending on the material and requirements, this can include:

These details can be important to the final fit of a component. Producing them accurately during manufacture can reduce the need for adjustment, trimming or modification during assembly or installation, helping to make the process faster, more efficient and cost-effective. 

CNC cutting at a glance

What materials can be CNC cut?

Wood and laminates

CNC routing can produce components from a wide range of wood and laminated sheet materials for applications including display, fit-out, event construction and industrial components, where parts need accurate outlines, apertures or joints.

Modelboard

Modelboard is a dense, machinable material commonly used for patterns, models and prototypes. CNC machining allows detailed shapes to be produced directly from digital designs, making it suitable for projects where dimensions need to be consistent from one component to the next. 

Plastics and acrylic sheet

Plastic and acrylic sheets are used across retail, display, protective and technical applications. The process can produce shaped panels, apertures and other detailed features including components where the finished edge or cut-out is visible.

Aluminium composite panel

Aluminium composite panel (ACP) consists of aluminium skins bonded around a lightweight core. It is suitable for applications including cladding, signage and display. CNC routing can cut ACP panels to the required shape and create accurately positioned apertures, helping panels fit around fixings, interfaces and other components.

Composite sandwich panels

Perudo also processes GRP-faced and composite sandwich panels, including materials used in refrigerated transport and modular building construction. CNC cutting can produce the profiles, openings and other features needed for panels to fit with adjacent components. 

Foams and insulation boards

Rigid foam cutting is a core part of Perudo’s manufacturing capability. The CNC router can process materials including EPS and XPS polystyrene, PIR and PUR insulation boards and other rigid foams. 

For insulation-specific applications, see our guide to Insulation Board Cut to Size: A Guide for Roofing and HVAC Contractors.

Large-format CNC cutting

With a working bed of up to 3.9m x 2.1m, Perudo’s CNC router can accommodate large panels and components. For applications such as display, cladding, signage and large composite panels, this can help reduce the number of joins required in the finished component.

The maximum workable size depends on the material, thickness and machining requirements, so these details can be discussed when a project is quoted.

CNC routing vs other cutting processes

CNC routing is one of several manufacturing processes available at Perudo. The most suitable process for your project depends on the material, shape, dimensions and features required. For example:

Some projects combine processes. A component might be cut to its overall dimensions before being routed to add a pocket, rebate or internal cut-out.

For more information on the different processes, read Hot Wire Cutting vs CNC Routing: Which Process Is Right for Your Project?

For complex polystyrene shapes, see CNC Polystyrene Milling Explained: Precision Shapes for Complex Projects, or explore our polystyrene converting service.

CNC cutting for multi-material projects

Some projects require several different materials to work together as one finished component or assembly.

A display or exhibition build, for example, might combine timber or ACP panels with sculpted foam elements. A modular building or refrigerated transport project may use composite panels alongside insulation components.

Using one manufacturing partner can make these projects easier to coordinate. Components can be produced from the same drawings and managed as part of one production process, helping to keep dimensions consistent across different materials.

Where is CNC cutting used?

Perudo’s CNC cutting and routing supports applications across a range of industries, including:

The finished parts vary from project to project, from simple panels and apertures to detailed components requiring several machining processes.

From drawing to finished component

The intended use helps determine how a component should be cut. Once you provide drawings, CAD files or specifications showing the required dimensions and geometry, we can then review the material, tooling, cutting process and any additional features required before production begins.

An initial cut is checked against the specification before full production starts, with quality checks carried out throughout the process to maintain consistency across the batch.

Finished components can then be palletised and dispatched, with further services such as collating, assembly and preparation available where required.

Expert CNC manufacturing for your next project

For over 50 years, Perudo has been bringing ideas to life for clients across manufacturing and creative industries. Trusted by leading names across both sectors, our work ranges from promotional window displays and film premiere props to precision-cut roofing components and EPS processing. 

We understand that bespoke manufacturing projects can come with their own challenges. That’s why we work closely with your team throughout the process, from the initial brief through to the finished component.

Whether you need a one-off prototype, a short production run or ongoing supply, our CNC routing and cutting service can support projects across wood, plastics, composite panels, foams and insulation materials.

If you have a CAD file, technical drawing or specification for parts in wood, plastic, ACP, composite panel or foam, talk to our team about your project.