En Route to Success with CNC

To put it simply, CNC routing and cutters have made life much easier for sign companies of all shapes and sizes. While of course the magic of traditional sign-making remains, giving sign-makers the ability to set machines to work rather than having to manually carve out and cut signs is helping save considerable time and effort.

More good news for those making use of this technology is that development continues at a rapid pace, with manufacturers introducing updated machines and new solutions all the time. Add in advanced software to help drive this hardware and the future looks bright for CNC.

In this feature, SignLink met with several manufacturers and suppliers in the market to find out more about their latest solutions and how new advancements can help sign-makers to improve application quality and their overall service offering to customers.

Increase Efficiency

First up to advise is Abdullah Umair, CNC router product manager at AXYZ. Umair explains the manufacturer has worked closely with thousands of sign-makers to support its ongoing R&D efforts, with the company’s focus very much being on delivering quality solutions.

“Sign companies should be looking for machines that deliver high cut accuracy, material versatility, ease of use, and reliable long-term performance,” Umair says, adding: “A quality system should easily handle a variety of substrates such as ACM, acrylic, PVC, foam board, aluminium, and wood, and be backed by strong service and support.

Sign companies should be looking for machines that deliver high cut accuracy, material versatility, ease of use, and reliable long-term performance

“Features such as automatic tool changers, vision registration for printed media, intuitive software, and solid machine construction can significantly increase efficiency and cut error rates.”

With this, Umair issues a warning against underinvesting in CNC technology. He says that this can lead several costly consequences, such as reduced quality and precision, which directly affects the final appearance of signage and, ultimately, a brand’s credibility. Umair adds that lesser machinery runs the risk of increased downtime due to unreliable components or poor technical support, while limited device capability can restrict the types of jobs sign-makers can take on, leading to missed business opportunities or the need to outsource work.

“Many shops that go for entry-level machines end up replacing them sooner than expected, making it a false economy in the long run,” he says, adding: “At AXYZ, we often say: buy once, buy right. Investing in a high-quality, future-ready system like Trident or our Infinite Series ensures scalability, minimises downtime, and keeps your output consistent from day one.”

With this in mind, Umair draws attention to the AXYZ Trident, a hybrid CNC router that has proved to be a popular choice among sign-makers. The machine combines a high-speed spindle with both oscillating and tangential knife heads, allowing users to seamlessly switch between routing rigid materials such as aluminium and acrylic to flexible materials including vinyl, foam, and corrugated board, all on a single platform. Additional features on the machine include the AXYZ Vision System, or AVS, which Umair says allows for precise print-to-cut alignment and automated knife calibration.

In addition, Umair highlights the Automated Material Transfer (AMT) loading system, which he describes as one of the company’s most exciting advancements in the automation space.

“The AMT is designed to automatically load large sheets of material such as aluminium composite or acrylic onto the CNC table, significantly reducing operator workload and improving efficiency, especially in high-volume environments,” he says, adding: “Paired with our routers, the AMT system helps minimise manual handling, reduces cycle times, and supports a more continuous production flow.

“For us, it is an ideal solution for shops looking to scale or reduce labour dependency while maintaining high output and consistent quality.”

Consistent Performance

Also in this sector is Zünd, another big name in the cutting sector. Marketing manager, Gaj Jeevanandan, says from a Zünd perspective, sign-makers should prioritise precision, modularity, and reliability when selecting digital cutting machinery.

“A quality cutting system should deliver consistently accurate cuts across a wide range of materials like acrylic, foam board, and aluminium composite without compromising on speed or quality,” Jeevanandan advises, continuing: “Modularity is also key, the ability to configure and upgrade the machine with tool and material-handling options tailored to your business helps ensure the system grows with your needs. Integration with workflow software is another critical factor, enabling automation, reducing errors, and maximising productivity.”

Leading on from this, Jeevanandan says underinvesting in cutting machinery can significantly impact production quality and efficiency. He explains low-cost machinery can often lack the precision, speed, and durability needed for professional sign-making, while users may also experience frequent downtime, higher material waste, inconsistent output, and limitations in the types of jobs you can handle.

“Over time, this reduces your competitiveness, increases operational costs and affects customer satisfaction. At Zünd, we’ve seen the long-term value of investing in quality, many of our customers are still running machines that are over 30 years old.

“That kind of longevity speaks volumes about build quality, support, and the ability to evolve with changing production needs. Investing in a reliable, future-ready system like Zünd ultimately safeguards your production capabilities and ensures a solid return over the long term.”

On this note, Jeevanandan flags one of the manufacturer’s most popular solutions for sign-makers in the form of the Zünd G3 Digital Cutter, which he says is known for its robust design and modularity. For routing specifically, he highlights the RM-L router module, saying it delivers high-performance routing with active cooling and automatic bit changing, all essential for demanding signage materials like ACM or acrylic.

“Combined with our Cut Center software, users benefit from a streamlined digital workflow that increases throughput and minimises manual intervention,” he comments, adding: “Our solutions are designed to be scalable, so whether you're running a small operation or a large production facility, there's a Zünd configuration that fits. Our solutions are designed to be scalable, so whether you’re running a small operation or a large production facility, there's a Zünd configuration that fits.”

The Zünd G3 Digital Cutter is supplied in five core sizes: M, L, 1XL, 2XL, and 3XL. The smallest of these – the M option – measures in at 1,330mm wide, while the largest machine in the 3XL option is 3,210mm wide, allowing users to take on larger-format work across a range of markets.

Jeevanandan adds: “At Zünd, we see ourselves as a partner in our customers’ success. Beyond just delivering cutting systems, we offer workflow integration, training, and long-term support to help sign-makers stay competitive in an ever-evolving industry. As print technologies and materials advance, having a cutting solution that evolves with you isn’t just an advantage, it’s essential.”

Invest in Quality

Also weighing in here is Vivid Laminating Technologies, which counts CNC solutions among its portfolio of products. Commercial director, Lewis Evans, picks out several attributes and features for sign-makers and wide-format print companies to look out for when they are in the market for a new CNC machine.

“In our opinion, sign-makers should look to prioritise ease of use, precision, and reliability with CNC machinery,” Evans advises, continuing: “Key attributes with these solutions include an intuitive interface, strong after-sales support across the installation, training and maintenance phases, as well as consistent cutting quality. A good supplier should also be innovation-focused, continually integrating new technologies to keep users competitive.”

Following on from this, Evans issues a warning on the dangers of underinvestment in this type of technology. He says electing for a cheaper, lower quality machine can lead to poor reliability, frequent breakdowns, and imprecise cuts, all of which can delay production, result in a higher level of waste materials, and also reduce profitability for the user.

“Inferior machines may also lack the support and software that is necessary to meet modern performance standards, putting businesses at a disadvantage,” Evans adds.

This brings Evans on to the solutions available from Vivid Laminating Technologies, the most popular of which is its VeloBlade Nexus CNC cutting system. Included in this range are five primary models, each offering users a different setup to best meet their individual requirements.

“These systems are all designed for speed, flexibility, and ease of operation, making them perfect for high-performance sign-making and display production,” Evans says of these machines, which are also available through distribution partner Soyang Hardware.

Evans continues: “Our VeloBlade Nexus machines handle materials up to 25mm thick, including dibond, MDF, acrylic, and fabric. They all feature ZipCore Software for intuitive control, an automatic tool changer for seamless transitions, and an auto-depth function for precision cutting.”

Going into more detail on some of these features, the automatic tool changer allows for what Vivid describes as “seamless, programmed transitions” between cutting tools, which enables uninterrupted changes across different substrates without manual involvement. A total of six options are available to users, meaning the automatic tool changer can adapt to various substrates and adjust for different tool sizes and finishes.

Meanwhile, the auto-depth function is an automated initialisation system, offering cutting depths of up to 25mm. This, Vivid says, opens a new world of possibilities, enabling users to work with an array of substrates.

“The VeloBlade Nexus range of wide-format digital die-cutting systems start from sizes of 1,800mm x 1,600mm,” the manufacturer says, adding: “Intricate and accurate cutting, creasing, and perforating give you the ability to create endless amounts of excitingly unique products. Working seamlessly with well-known design packages such as Adobe Illustrator, VeloBlade Nexus will fit comfortably within your workflow and take your operations to the next level.

“Whether you’re working with sheets or from a roll, VeloBlade Nexus will take control and complete the job automatically, giving you and your time more time to work on other jobs.”

As is the case with any sort of new investment in hardware, it is critical for sign-makers and wide-format print companies to carry out due diligence. Carefully consider the options that are available on the market and how these fit in with your own production requirements.

On top of this, if you are to take the advice from the experts quoted here, strongly consider working with and purchasing from a trusted supplier or manufacturer that is in a position to support you with your new investment in the long term.