Cut your ChromaLuxe panels with a CNC router

Our panels are coated with a unique coating containing very different properties than the substrate. Consequently, the cutting parameters must be understood and controlled carefully to produce a good quality cut. You can use a CNC router to cut Aluminum, Hardboard, FRP, MDF and HDF. Buying an in-house CNC router gives you the possibility to cut any shape or size, reduce mistakes and keep labor down to the absolute minimum.

Below settings are our advise how to cut our full sheets. You should contact your local cnc-reseller for specific settings for each substrate. Correct machine settings and using the correct bits are key to have a perfect cut. In the download section you can find machine specific settings.

We advise not to cut aluminum ChromaLuxe panels with a laser cutter, as it will harm the polymer coating.

CUTTING BITS

We achieve the best results using a 3/16" single edge straight O-flute bit manufactured by Onsrud when routing a full sheet of ChromaLuxe material. We have tried several other cutting bits, but have found the 3/16" single edge straight O-flute greatly reduces the chance of chipped coating near the cut edges of the part. 

CUTTING FEED SPEED

Our optimal feed speed (the speed at which the cutting tool travels around a part) is anywhere between 100 to 150 ipm (inches per minute). This allows us to reproduce consistent quality edges in a relatively short amount of time. Attempting to increase the feed speed beyond 150 ipm will increase the chance of chipped coating near the cut edges of the part. The size of the final panels will determine also the speed you can use. You can find online feed rate calculators to understand the best settings. 

HOLD DOWN PRESSURE

We achieve good results using a rotary vane vacuum pump that generates anywhere from 22 to 27 in Hg. Smaller parts require more vacuum  for sufficient hold down pressure to resist moving when being cut. It is very important for all parts (small and large) that enough hold down pressure occurs near the edge of the part being cut to eliminate vibration that can be created by the cutting tool. If vibration occurs, there is a greater chance of chipped coating occurring near the cut edges of the part.