CNC
The advancement of computer numerical controlled, or CNC, cutting machines has helped make mass customization a reality. There are a few common types of CNC cutting tools: Routers, Laser and WaterJet machines. A commonality in these machines is material lays on a flat bed with a hold down system that keeps the material in place while cutting. This can be as advanced as a vacuum hold down system or as simples as clamps. The cutter head is attached to a mechanical arm, or gantry, that travels along the x and y axes in relation to the material it’s cutting. In some instances the machine can also engrave along the z-axis.
Router
Router machines use bits that rotate at high speeds to abrade and cut the material away. These router bits can have a variety of shapes and sizes for not only cutting through material, but also for cutting relief patterns and shapes into the material. Advanced versions of these machines can cut on 5-axis and may have specialty fixtures or jigs system to hold complicated or curved parts. Routers are best for cutting wood and non-ferrous metals, plastics and composites. An advantage of the router is the ability to cut thicker materials by making several passes. Disadvantages are the equipment is limited by tool size and the number of tool changes and cutting paths increase cost.
WaterJet
A Water Jet uses a pump to force water through the cutting head that generate high pressure so the resulting water stream can cut surfaces like plastics, foam, wood, rubber and vinyl. The jet stream is pinpoint small, allowing extremely intricate cutting. An aggregate can be added to the water jet stream to create a more abrasive cutting action. This allows metals, stone, ceramic and glass to be cut as well. The ability of this machine to cut through very hard and thick material sometimes makes it the only option. The process does not generate heat, so it won’t distort metals. However, it is a wet environment so materials like wood, fiber and fabrics may not be best suited for water jet cutting.
Laser
Laser cutting uses a high power laser that melts, burns or vaporizes material away. Thin gauge metals, fabrics and paper are well suited to laser cutting. Plastics, wood and thicker gauge metals can also be cut. The laser leaves a high quality edge surface (aluminum and steel) but also a visible burned edge on some materials (like wood). The intricacy and finite precision of the laser make it a good fit for small detailed jobs.
Carvewright
When CNC cutting technology was introduced the cost of the equipment was high and the scale was large. As advances in technology have been made, access to the equipment has increased, making tools more available and not as cost prohibitive as they once were. A good example of this is a do-it-yourself Carvewright machine, which sells at Sears for less than $1800.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921754000P [1]