Helpful Tips
See our CNC Custom Manufactured product page for related information.
April 2006:
When Die Cutting Won’t Do, Go With CNC Routing
Here’s a scenario familiar to many large-format printers: Your customer has a great idea for a large-format outdoor display that will be placed in a retail application. These weather-proof pieces are designed to complement several different in-store displays. There’s just one problem: The substrates they would like to use for the outdoor displays are either too thick or too dense for die cutting.
The good news is that your friends at Coyne Graphic Finishing have the capabilities to handle all of these products. Our large-format die cutting and mounting services can handle just about any standee or other POP display you dream up. For those products that fall outside that range, we offer state-of-the-art CNC routing capabilities.
How CNC Routing Works
In the CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) routing process, material is cut, shaped, drilled, milled and surfaced using a computer-driven routing machine programmed to cut the required shape. The high-precision plotter that drives the router allows for both internal and external cutting as well as hole drilling. That versatility gives you the freedom to specify even tight, intricate shapes to be routed into substrates ranging from MDF and particle board to styrene, acrylic, plastic, and even plywood.
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| Our CNC routing capabilities give you the freedom to create display pieces using almost any substrate you want. |
CNC routing offers several advantages for POP applications. First, the high-speed drill bit, which spins at more than 18,000 RPM, creates a high-quality edge that’s ready for display as soon as it’s removed from the router bed. Second, the minimum and maximum routing areas – from 1” x 1” up to 60” x 144” – offer endless possibilities to create life-size products, or create many smaller pieces from a single substrate.
All About the Layout Files
The CNC router is driven by a CAD/CAM system, so a CAD-compatible file free of photos and copy will allow us to quickly program the system. Acceptable file formats include DWG, EPS, PDF and Adobe Illustrator files through version 8. If you don’t have the capability to create a CAD-compatible file, we can program the router based on a printed drawing.
Planning Tip – When creating your CAD-compatible file, keep in mind that the diameter of the router bit must be factored into your margin calculations. Our standard bit is ¼” in diameter, so be sure to bleed your image area by this amount on all edges to be routed. If you need help with file preparation, feel free to contact us any time.
The Coyne Advantage
At Coyne Graphic Finishing, we specialize in the production both large- and small-format POP displays and related items. Our capabilities are designed to handle any substrate, shape and size our customers demand. Regardless of the substrate you or your customer have in mind, call Coyne Graphic Finishing and get started!