CNC ROUTING
CNC Routing and Plastic Machining for Industrial Applications
While Graphie is best known for its metal fabrication expertise, many industrial assemblies also require high-performance non-metallic components. To address this need, we offer dedicated CNC routing services focused exclusively on the precision machining of plastics and composite materials.
Based in La Pocatière, Quebec, Graphie supports manufacturers across Canada and the United States, providing reliable non-metal machining as part of an integrated, North American supply chain.
We utilize dedicated tooling and specific process controls to ensure the highest quality finish on non-metallic components. Using high-speed CNC routers equipped with industrial end mills, we machine complex geometries, pockets, and contoured features that thermal cutting processes cannot achieve.
Mechanical Machining with End Mills: A Cold, Controlled Process
Unlike laser cutting, which relies on heat to separate material, CNC routing uses a rotating end mill to mechanically remove chips. This cold machining process offers key advantages for industrial plastic components:
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Material Integrity: With no heat-affected zone (HAZ), the plastic retains its original mechanical properties right up to the cut edge. This is critical for load-bearing components such as machine guards, insulating panels, and protective housings.
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Chemical Safety: Certain plastics, including PVC, release hazardous fumes when thermally processed. CNC routing allows us to safely machine these materials without combustion or off-gassing risks.
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3D Machining Capability: End mills allow for pockets, recesses, chamfers, counterbores, and stepped features directly in thick plastic sheets or blocks.
Processing Dedicated Non-Metal Materials
Our CNC routing equipment is strictly reserved for non-metallic materials to prevent cross-contamination. We routinely machine:
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Rigid Plastics: Polycarbonate (Lexan), Acrylic (Plexiglass), HDPE, UHMW, Nylon, and Delrin (Acetal).
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Flexible and Semi-Flexible Plastics: Select thick-gauge materials that require the rigidity and control of a router bit rather than a knife.
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Composites: Phenolic laminates (Bakelite) and fiberglass composites commonly used for electrical insulation and industrial panels.
Why Choose CNC Routing for Plastic Components?
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Thickness Capability: While lasers may struggle with edge quality on plastics thicker than 1/2", our CNC routers can accurately machine plastic sheets and blocks up to 3 inches thick, depending on material and geometry.
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Clean, Square Edges: Routing produces precise, perpendicular edges on materials like polycarbonate and HDPE, often eliminating the need for secondary finishing.
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System Integration: Routed plastic parts are frequently combined with our metal enclosures, welded frames, and industrial identification solutions, ensuring perfect fit during final assembly.
Integrated Manufacturing and Supply Chain Reliability
As a vertically integrated manufacturer, Graphie routinely combines CNC-routed plastic components with laser-cut metal parts, welded sub-assemblies, sealing gaskets, and identification plates. This approach reduces supplier fragmentation, improves dimensional consistency, and supports both prototyping and low-to-medium recurring production runs for industrial OEMs.
