What does "CNC" Mean?

CNC is an acronym for Computer Numerical Control. Computer files, such as signage designs, are translated into a series of instructions that control the motions of a robotic router that cuts as it moves.

How do I provide files or designs to Nicholsondesign?

Most signs are designed from “vector” art files, an electronic file that describes geometric shapes and dimensions in terms of coordinates or other symbols. For example, this Bruce County logo is composed of lines and shapes that are filled with black. On the left you can see the ‘vector’ structure; on the right is the preview appearance. The black part of the file would be carved into the surface, and the white would remain flat, in this instance.

Popular programs for designing vector files are Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, and pretty much all signage programs such as Flexi Sign, Sign Lab etc. Ideal file formats to provide are .ai and .eps. Other formats such as .dwg and .dxf are also viable. 3 Dimensional objects, such as this head being edited in the program “Blender”, can be supplied as .3ds files, as well as .dxf.

What is the difference between sandblasting and CNC carving?

CNC carving provides a range of depth and edge definition that cannot be achieved with Sandblasting. Generally, sandblasting provides for one level of relief; letters or artwork are masked off, and the surface is blasted into a series of channels or exaggerated wood grain. This method has become popularized by its low-overhead equipment cost and relatively simple learning curve.

CNC carving provides complete control over all facets of a sign’s dimensional appearance, going as far as to provide complete sculptural detail.

How is V-carving different from 3D carving?

A V-bit, shown at left, plunges into the material and follows a line or the inside of a shape such as a letter, resulting in an attractive “incised” relief. This method of carving signage is relatively inexpensive due to the speed at which it takes place.

3D carving uses a “ball nosed bit” as shown below at right. The bit moves back and forth over the object being carved, removing all unwanted material, leaving behind the finished object. Each “pass” of the bit must overlap the previous one, by as much as 95%, in order to achieve a smooth surface. Although this method is time consuming, it makes it possible to carve virtually any object.

What materials can you work with?

There are too many material possibilities to mention, but these are common choices:

High-Density Urethane foam board (HDU) - is lightweight, durable and doesn’t rot.

Western Red Cedar - is good for applications where natural wood is desired. Resists moisture.

Aluminum composites (Dibond, Alupanel, Omegaboard) This versatile material comes in a broad range of colours and finishes, including brushed and polished metals. This is an affordable means of cutting out dimensional letters.

Acrylics/Plexiglass - These materials yield attractive, thick lettering that is impervious to weather. This material is also used to cut back-lit lettering.

Hardwoods - Any hardwood can be beautifully carved on our device.

Gatorfoam/other foam-core products - interior graphics or wall text can be affordably cut from this.

PVC (Komatex, Intecell) - These products cut well, and make great sign blanks.

MDF, Extira Board - MDF is great for more affordable indoor signs, Extira is the outdoor equivalent

Aluminum/Soft metals - We are equiped with a cooling device that allows us to cut metal that doesn’t contain iron/steel. We can outsource plasma cutting for harder metals.

Clients are welcome to provide their own materials, or have them shipped directly to our shop

if desired. We stock some of these materials.