Material, working area, ATC, vacuum, software and service: a checklist before you ask for a quote.
A CNC router can become the busiest machine in a workshop, but if the wrong configuration is chosen, the return on the investment is delayed for months. Before requesting a quotation, we recommend clarifying the following six points.
1. Which materials will you cut?
A 6-9 kW spindle is enough for MDF, chipboard and plywood. For solid wood, composites and aluminum you need higher torque and a sturdy frame. For stone and granite, a water-cooled special router with a heavy bridge structure should be chosen.
2. Working area
Define the board size you use most: 1325 suits 1,220 × 2,440 mm and 1530 or 2231 suit 1,830 × 2,750 mm. Leave a working area at least 50 mm larger than the board.
3. Tool change method
Manual tool change is cheap, but you lose 2-3 minutes each time. If you change tools more than 20 times a day, an ATC (automatic tool changer) pays for itself quickly. A linear magazine suits up to 8 tools, a disc magazine 12-24 tools.
4. Vacuum system
Holding the part determines cut quality. For small parts, a zoned vacuum table, pump power (7.5 – 11 kW) and the phenolic/MDF table surface matter. If you cut many small parts, extra pump capacity is preferable.
5. Control and software
The machine control and CAM/nesting software determine everyday ease of use. A Turkish interface, file transfer via USB and network, pause/resume during cutting and job recovery make the operator's work easier.
6. Service and spare parts
As much as machine price, service quality in your region matters. Ask whether the authorized service can connect remotely and whether parts such as rails, spindles and servos are in stock.
Hidden costs
Besides the machine price, infrastructure items such as the compressor, dust extraction, vacuum pump and electrical panel reinforcement make up 8-12% of the total investment. A first-year stock of spare cutters, filters and vacuum seals should also be added to the budget. Clarifying these items at quotation stage prevents surprise costs on installation day.
A short checklist
- Materials you will cut and their thicknesses
- Daily board count target
- Existing electrical and compressed-air infrastructure
- Dust extraction capacity
- Number and experience of operators
If you send your drawing with this list, our engineers will make a sample cut and recommend a configuration for you. Our workshop planning service is free for customers who order.