Many companies and designers who use CNC carving services are unaware of the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) shifts that are taking place within the industry as technology advances. If you’re looking to hire someone to create a unique design or prototype, you’ll want to be aware of these five trends in CNC carving so you can ensure that your product meets your standards and expectations from start to finish.
1. Complex 3D Carving
3D carving has only recently become possible for hobbyists and small businesses using computer-numerical control (CNC) systems. 3D carving takes some of its earliest inspiration from wood carving. As modern CAD software has grown more sophisticated and affordable, large-scale manufacturing firms have begun to utilize it to make small parts with great accuracy. In contrast, 3D carving offers hobbyists a way to do something similar at a much smaller scale—and at home!
To overcome challenges in design, you can use reliable software like Easel Software to help you focus on completing the tasks. For a beginner, you can focus on projects that you can achieve with simple shapes and basic design toolpath. With each new project, you’ll learn how to tackle different challenges, building up your skillset as you go. Soon enough, you’ll be able to carve anything you can imagine!
2. Laser Engraving and Etching
CNC carving isn’t just about using drill or router bits. Laser engraving and etching are two more recent developments that allow you to do more with your CNC machine. While both processes work by using a laser to burn away material, they each have advantages and disadvantages, depending on what you’re trying to achieve.
For example, laser engraving works best on dark materials like wood and leather, while laser etching is suitable for lighter materials like plastic or glass. Laser engraving and etching are more versatile, precise, reliable, and safe than traditional. Both processes are gaining popularity among hobbyists and professionals alike due to their flexibility and high-quality results, making them one of today’s top trends in the CNC carving industry.
3. Enhanced Design Software
Designing with a solid CAD program is essential to accurate and speedy carving. Easel Software is an excellent option for creating your design files. A reliable software will allow you to develop highly-detailed designs. They also have built-in CAM functionality to convert your project design for use on your CNC machine. Using high-quality software will enable you to get started quickly without sacrificing accuracy or quality.
The software helps auto-generate the design toolpath, which is crucial when working with complex designs. This way, you can focus more on your project design instead of worrying about making sure all aspects of machining are accurate. Easel offers several different levels depending on your needs and budget; there’s something available for everyone!
4. Multi-Material Processing with CNC
Multi-material processing with CNC machining involves placing multiple materials into one production cycle. CNC machining has become more versatile due to advances in technology. As it becomes easier to implement new features on machines, manufacturers can take advantage of these capabilities and create more complex parts than ever before.
The technology allows you to place various materials in one job. CNC machining using multi-material processing is beneficial because it reduces scrap and overall costs for a single part. It also increases efficiency by allowing for jobs to be completed faster because there is less downtime between processes.
Conclusion
While CNC carving is still new, its popularity seems to be growing at a rate that mirrors 3D printing’s own popularity in recent years. With so many applications for both desktop and industrial-level machines, there are many possible futures for CNC carving as more companies get involved with developing software and hardware for these devices. As these companies continue to push forward with their research and development, we can expect to see more users adopt these technologies into their businesses. However, a reliable software platform will always be necessary to help support these machines. But one thing is sure: all signs point towards an exciting future for those who have chosen to carve out a niche within CNC machining.
