CNC Foam Cutting Services

As the UK’s leading foam converter, we’re always searching for new and innovative means to create the foam products you need.

Our CNC foam cutting services are just one of the many ways in which we’re working to deliver the perfect products to our customers. Over the years, we’ve worked with a multitude of top-name brands, creating unique foam products to precise specifications.

Our CNC foam cutting services help to guarantee the highest level of precision. We can even replicate your design as many times as you require.

If you’re in need of a custom foam product, we can create it for you! Speak to one of our experts today to discuss your requirements. Call on 01494 441177 or email sales@gbfoam.com.

What is CNC Machining?

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. A CNC foam cutter is a machine capable of cutting foam assisted by a computer system.

Whilst we at GB Foam use CNC machinery solely for creating custom foam products, there are plenty of materials that can be worked with CNC machines. Some other materials that can be cut with a CNC machine include composites, wood, steel, brass, aluminium, carbon fibre, plastics and glass.

Types of CNC Machines

There are a variety of different types of CNC machines. The type required entirely depends on the material being machined and the product being created. Here are some examples of various CNC machines.

CNC Routers

This is the most versatile and common type of CNC machine. They’re used to cut a variety of materials including foam.

To create a product, the centre of the material is determined by a human operator. It is then clamped to the router’s table; the drill bit is moved directly above the centre and the operator runs the G-code function.

Don’t know what G-code is? Not to worry, we’ll discuss this as well as CNC files shortly.

CNC Plasma Cutters

Plasma cutters utilise intense heat to melt away unwanted areas of a material. They’re suitable for machining metals such as steel, brass, aluminium and copper.

CNC Laser Cutters

Similar in function to plasma cutters, laser cutters are also used for machining sheet metals (they can also be used to cut polyethylene foam).

The most common form of laser cutting is referred to as “vaporisation cutting”.

Here, the laser beam melts away unwanted parts of the material, whilst a high-pressure gas (such as compressed air, nitrogen or oxygen) removes it.

CNC Milling Machines

CNC milling machines are very similar in concept to CNC routers.

Routers cut much faster than milling machines do. However, milling machines have more torque.

This type of CNC machine is suitable for cutting sturdier materials such as titanium and steel.

Understanding CNC Files

CNC machinery requires specific files to properly operate.

Whilst designs are generally formulated in CAD software, they cannot be fully created until a CAD file is imported into CAM software.

Although similar in name, these two types of software offer very distinct benefits.

What is CAD Software?

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software are programs used to create, modify, analyse or optimise any given design. Some examples of CAD software include:

• TinkerCAD
• FreeCAD
• BlocksCAD
• Creo
• Fusion 360°
• Solidworks
• AutoCAD
• CATIA
• OpenSCAD
• Rhino

Engineering processes begin life in CAD software. In CAD, the designer will create a model of the intended object. These contain physical properties that can be utilised by CAM software.

What is CAM Software?

When a design has been finalised in CAD it can be imported to CAM software.

Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software are specialist programs used to create detailed numerical instructions that CNC machinery can interpret. These numerical instructions are referred to as G-code.

These are some examples of purely CAM software:

• CAMBAM
• EdgeCAM
• ESPRIT
• GibbsCAM

Some other software such as Fusion 360 has both CAD and CAM functionality.

CAM takes several steps to help ensure that CNC machines can properly read file instructions and create a final product. For example:

• CAM software checks the model for any errors in geometry.
• It designates a set of coordinates (known as a toolpath) that the CNC machine can follow.
• Finally, it sets certain parameters such as speed, the pierce height and voltage.

After the model has been properly prepared, the file information must be converted to a language that the CNC machines can understand (G-code).

G-code includes instructions for linear moves, tool type, spindle speed and feed rate.

CNC Files We Accept

If you have a design file you would like us to use, you’re welcome to send it to us.

We accept a range of files types including .cad, .dxf and .dwg. If you’re unsure whether your file type is suitable for use, please contact us for confirmation.

Professional CNC Foam Cutting Services

Many UK foam converters do not have the resources available to offer CNC foam cutting services.

We, however, have heavily invested in state-of-the-art foam cutting machinery and staff training. As such, we’re able to offer you a variety of advanced foam conversion services to help make your product a reality.

When choosing to work with us, you’ll get all the support you need. Our team will work with you throughout the design and inception stages to help create the foam product you’ve envisioned.

Speak to a Foam Expert Today!

Interested in CNC foam cutting? Then take the next step and speak to one of our experts! Call on 01494 441177, send an email to sales@gbfoam.com or fill out the contact form here on our website.