CNC Router vs. Laser Machine

CNC Router

ShopBot Tools, like all CNC tools, move a cutter around a big table (X and Y axes) and move it up and down as well.

(Z axis), allowing it to make 3D movements and cut all sorts of shapes. The cutter looks like a drill bit and is spun by a motor called a router or spindle. Unlike a drill bit, a router bit is designed to cut from the sides as well as the tip. By precisely moving the cutter through material, a ShopBot CNC tool can create virtually any pattern or shape and will do it in materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum and many composites.

Laser Machine

​Direct material laser marking (laser engraving, etching, engraving, annealing etc., ) is a fast and effective way to permanently mark parts and materials. A laser beam interacts with the material to create lines, numbers, a logo or any desired mark for easy tracking, control and tracing. From jewelry, surgical parts and industrial parts, to dog tags, awards and guns, our laser marking systems are used in a number of industries.

Universal CO2
Laser Material Processing uses laser energy to modify the shape or appearance of a material. This method of material modification provides a number of advantages such as the ability to quickly change designs, produce products without the need for retooling, and improve the quality of finished products.

The effects produced by laser energy interacting with a material strongly depend upon the wavelength and power level of the laser and the absorption characteristics and chemical composition of the material.

This physical process removes material. Material is removed completely from the top to the bottom surface or partially from the top of the material down to a specified depth. Material ablation is used for laser cutting, engraving and drilling.