3-Axis CNC Routers

A 3-axis router is the workhorse of sheet-based manufacturing. Thermwood 3-axis routers are used for:

• Cabinets and closets: high-volume cabinet production and nested-based manufacturing, cutting and drilling every part of a job from full sheets.
• Furniture: furniture components and upholstered frames, often stack-cut for high volume.
• Architectural millwork: moldings, panels and custom millwork.
• Plastics and solid surface: plastic sheet parts and solid surface countertops and components.
• Aluminum and non-ferrous metals: aluminum sheet and plate parts.
• Composites and large parts: composite panels and patterns on large-bed machines like the Model 63 and Large Format.

A 3-axis router keeps the tool pointed straight down, which is ideal for flat sheet work like cabinet parts, nested panels and plastic sheet parts. A 5-axis router can also tilt the tool to follow curves, trim the edges of formed parts and cut angled surfaces. If most of your parts are flat, a 3-axis router is the better value. If your parts are formed, molded or sculpted, look at Thermwood's 5-axis CNC routers. To compare the full lineup side by side, see the CNC routers overview.

• Part and sheet size: Most cabinet and furniture shops work from 4'x8' or 5'x10' sheets. For oversized sheets and large parts, the Model 63 runs up to 5'x40' with extensions to 100', and the Large Format runs up to 10'x45'.
• How you produce parts: Nested-based work fits the Model 43, Model 45, MTR Series and AutoProcessor. Stack cutting of identical parts fits the Model 53 and Roller Hold-Down Series. The Model 42's dual moving tables let you load one table while the router cuts on the other.
• Automation: Automatic loading, unloading and labeling, standard on the AutoProcessor and Model 48 and optional on the Model 53, keep the router cutting instead of waiting on an operator.
• Spindle and tooling: Most models start with a 12 HP spindle, with 18 HP available. Tool changers range from 4 positions up to 21 on the Model 43, so more jobs run without stopping to change tools.
• Hold-down: Choose from high-flow vacuum tables, multi-function tables with pods (Model 45), programmable pop-up pins for part location, and roller hold-down for stacked sheets.
• Software and skill level: Thermwood's Cut Ready software lets a shop design and cut cabinet jobs with no CNC programming. It comes fully integrated on the Cut Center and can be added to most other 3-axis models. For traditional CNC work, the routers run on Thermwood SuperControl with Control Nesting and work with eCabinet Systems, Mastercam and THM Desktop.

Dovetail Drawers of Texas in Austin makes cabinet parts and custom drawer boxes on two Thermwood 3-axis routers, including a Model 43 5'x10' running Cut Ready software, and the shop keeps both machines running nonstop. Their story was the first episode of Thermwood's Beyond the Cut customer video series. Watch how Dovetail Drawers transformed their shop.

"There's a lot of peace of mind in running Thermwood machines."

"They're just the most reliable piece of machinery we have on our floor, period. More reliable than the forklift, more reliable than the new air compressor. You come in, hit the go button and it makes you money."

"We've saved a guy's labor every year we've had the Cut Center... or two guys. That's $100,000 savings a year... with that savings, it doesn't take long to pay your machine off."

"I could give it to my 13-year-old daughter, a cut chart right now, and she can go input it in Cut Ready."

"I've had my machine since 1998 and the service and support has been nothing but outstanding. When I call, there's always a friendly, patient voice... something you just don't get anymore."

• Built in America: designed and manufactured in Dale, Indiana, where Thermwood has built CNC machinery since 1969.
• Thermwood SuperControl: Thermwood's own control on every 3-axis model, with Cut Ready's guided, no-programming interface on the Cut Center and available for most other models.
• Accuracy: three-dimensional laser compensated axis alignment and intelligent servo drives.
• Range: ten 3-axis lines, from the no-programming Cut Center to automated nesting cells and 10'x45' large format routers.

What is a 3-axis CNC router?

A 3-axis CNC router moves a spinning cutting tool along three straight axes: X (left to right), Y (front to back) and Z (up and down). It cuts, drills, pockets and shapes flat sheet materials, and it can carve simple 3D shapes from the top. Industrial 3-axis routers are the standard machine for nested-based cabinet and furniture production.

What materials can a 3-axis CNC router cut?

Thermwood 3-axis CNC routers machine hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, MDF, particleboard, plastics, solid surface, aluminum and other non-ferrous metals, composites and tooling boards.

Do I need a 3-axis or a 5-axis CNC router?

If most of your parts are cut from flat sheets, such as cabinet boxes, closet components, furniture panels or plastic parts, a 3-axis router is the right choice and the better value. If you need to trim the edges of formed or molded parts, cut angled surfaces or machine undercuts, you need a 5-axis CNC router.

What is nested-based manufacturing?

Nested-based manufacturing cuts all the parts for a job from full sheets in one operation. Software arranges, or nests, the parts on each sheet to reduce waste, and the router cuts and drills them in a single pass. It is the most common way cabinet and closet shops use a 3-axis CNC router.

Can I run a CNC router without programming experience?

Yes. Thermwood's Cut Ready software is built so a shop doesn't need a CNC programmer or a trained machine operator. You design the cabinets, and Cut Ready handles nesting, cutting, labeling and assembly guidance automatically. It comes fully integrated on the Cut Center, a 5'x10' production system, and it can be added to most other Thermwood 3-axis routers.

How much does a 3-axis CNC router cost?

Price depends on the table size, spindle power, tool changer, hold-down system, software, and automation such as automatic loading, unloading and labeling. Contact Thermwood with your materials, part sizes and production volume for a quote on the right configuration.

Where are Thermwood 3-axis CNC routers made?

Thermwood designs and builds its CNC routers in Dale, Indiana, where the company has manufactured CNC machinery since 1969.