CNC Routing Services in London
When laser cutting isn’t enough, CNC routing steps in. We cut thicker materials, create 3D contours, and handle shapes that lasers simply can’t touch. Based in the heart of Bermondsey, we’ve been routing everything from architectural panels to furniture prototypes for clients across London and beyond.
Need A Quick Quote On Your Next Project?
When laser cutting just won't cut it!
CNC routing works alongside laser cutting in our workshop, but they’re different beasts. While lasers excel at thin, precise cuts, routing tackles the heavy stuff. We’re talking MDF up to 30mm thick, solid wood, chunky acrylic sheets, and even aluminium. If you need architectural features, shopfront signage, or manufacturing components with depth and dimension, routing does what lasers can’t. Our clients include architects working on Shoreditch fit-outs, theatre companies building West End sets, and product designers prototyping furniture for retailers. Got something thick to cut? You’ll need a router, not a laser.
Why Choose Our CNC Routing Services?
Thick materials are our thing
Lasers tap out around 10mm. We route MDF, plywood, and acrylic up to 30mm thick without breaking a sweat. Need thicker? Let’s talk.
3D contouring and chamfered edges
Our lasers cut to ±0.1mm precision. That matters when you’re assembling multi-part projects or need pieces that slot together perfectly. No gaps, no forcing parts to fit.
Fast turnaround when you need it
Send us DXF, AI, PDF, or EPS files. Our system reads them, quotes them, and we cut them. You’ll get an instant quote online – no waiting for someone to email you back tomorrow.
Why Choose Our CNC Routing Services?
No minimum orders.
Need one prototype? Fine. Need 5,000 business cards? Also fine. We don’t force you into bulk orders just to work with us.
CAD/CAM support included
That’s not just a badge – it means we document everything, calibrate regularly, and quality-check before shipping. Your February order will match the tolerances of your October reorder.
Need A Quick Quote On Your Next Project?
When size matters.
Whatever your project we have the tools and people to make sure your idea translates into a finished product, a true start to finish service, just drop us an email or call to get started. We are based near the heart of London.
Materials We Route
01
MDF
MDF is the workhorse. Cheap, stable, and paints beautifully. Perfect for signage, exhibition stands, and furniture prototypes. We stock various densities and can route intricate lettering or large architectural panels.
02
Plywood
Plywood adds strength. Birch ply looks great for retail displays and furniture. We route it for shelving units, decorative screens, and architectural features where you need the visible grain.
01
Acrylic
Acrylic in thicknesses lasers won’t touch. We route clear, frosted, and coloured acrylic up to 30mm. Popular for illuminated signage, display cases, and architectural lighting features. The edge finish isn’t as polished as laser cutting, but we can flame-polish if needed.
02
Aluminium
Aluminium is trickier but doable. Composite aluminium panels (Dibond) route cleanly for exterior signage and cladding. We also cut solid aluminium sheet for industrial components and custom brackets.
01
Foam board
Foam board for lightweight signage and exhibition graphics. PVC foam board (Foamex) routes cleanly and stays dimensionally stable. Weight matters when you’re hanging things.
02
Composite panels
Composite panels like Dibond and Trespa for weather-resistant applications. These materials survive outside, which MDF definitely doesn’t. We see them on shopfronts, exterior signage, and architectural cladding across London.
Materials We Route
01
MDF
MDF is the workhorse. Cheap, stable, and paints beautifully. Perfect for signage, exhibition stands, and furniture prototypes. We stock various densities and can route intricate lettering or large architectural panels.
02
Plywood
Plywood adds strength. Birch ply looks great for retail displays and furniture. We route it for shelving units, decorative screens, and architectural features where you need the visible grain.
03
Acrylic
Acrylic in thicknesses lasers won’t touch. We route clear, frosted, and coloured acrylic up to 30mm. Popular for illuminated signage, display cases, and architectural lighting features. The edge finish isn’t as polished as laser cutting, but we can flame-polish if needed.
04
Aluminium
Aluminium is trickier but doable. Composite aluminium panels (Dibond) route cleanly for exterior signage and cladding. We also cut solid aluminium sheet for industrial components and custom brackets.
05
Foam board
Foam board for lightweight signage and exhibition graphics. PVC foam board (Foamex) routes cleanly and stays dimensionally stable. Weight matters when you’re hanging things.
06
Composite panels
Composite panels like Dibond and Trespa for weather-resistant applications. These materials survive outside, which MDF definitely doesn’t. We see them on shopfronts, exterior signage, and architectural cladding across London.
Bigger, deeper, bolder cuts.
Our software and hardware give you the power to make clean, efficient cuts that will last for years to come. And because we offer a complete service and quality at a price point that can’t be beaten, our CNC routing is an effective and affordable solution for your project.
Applications of CNC Routing
01
Architectural panels and cladding
We’ve routed decorative MDF panels for restaurant interiors, perforated screens for office spaces, and exterior Trespa panels for building facades. Architects love the dimensional quality you get from thick materials.
02
Furniture prototyping and production
Product designers send us files for chair components, shelving systems, and retail display units. Route the prototype in MDF, test the fit, then switch to birch ply for production. We’ve helped launch furniture that ended up in shops on Tottenham Court Road.
03
Retail signage and branding
Thick acrylic letters with LED backlighting, routed foam board for window displays, and dimensional logos for shop interiors. Camden Market traders and Bond Street boutiques have both used our routing services.
04
Exhibition displays and trade show stands
Fast turnarounds matter here. We’ve routed entire exhibition stands in under 48 hours when shows were days away. Modular systems, branded panels, product plinths, and information boards.
05
Industrial components and jigs
Not everything we make is pretty. Manufacturers need custom brackets, mounting plates, machine guards, and production jigs. Aluminium and acrylic work well for these applications where precision actually matters.
We simplify the complex.
From simple jobs to complex projects we have the experience, and state-of-the-art CNC routing machines, to ensure your project is delivered on time and to the highest standard.
Our Process
01
Send us your file
Routing starts with your file. Send us DXF, DWG, AI, or PDF files. We’ll review them for any issues. Common problems include lines that aren’t closed paths, multiple overlapping vectors, and dimensions that don’t match what you’ve specified. We’ll catch these before cutting.
02
Preparation
Next, we generate toolpaths in our CAM software. This determines the route the bit takes, cutting depth, and feed rates. Different materials need different speeds. Push MDF too fast and you get burn marks. Go too slow with acrylic and it melts.
03
Loading Material
Then we load your material onto our CNC bed and secure it properly. The machine does the cutting using various router bits depending on what you need. Small bits for detailed work, larger bits for quick material removal, V-bits for engraving and chamfering.
04
Finishing
After routing, pieces often need finishing. We remove tabs (small connections that hold parts in place during cutting), sand edges if required, and check dimensions. Some materials, like acrylic, can be flame-polished for a clearer edge.
05
Delivery
Finally, we pack everything carefully and arrange delivery. Fragile items get extra protection. Large panels go on our van if you’re in London. Nationwide orders ship via courier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between CNC routing and laser cutting?
Lasers cut thinner materials with incredibly clean edges. They’re perfect for paper, card, and materials up to about 10mm thick. Routers handle thicker stuff, cut 3D shapes, and create contoured edges. Lasers burn through material with light. Routers are physically cut with spinning bits. Different tools for different jobs. We use both in our workshop depending on what the project needs.
What materials can you CNC route?
MDF and plywood up to 30mm thick are our bread and butter. Acrylic up to 30mm works well. Aluminium composite panels like Dibond cut cleanly. Foam board for lightweight signage. We also route solid aluminium sheet, though it’s slower and harder on our bits. Can’t route metals harder than aluminium or anything brittle that’ll shatter under cutting forces. If you’ve got something unusual, send us a sample and we’ll test it.
Do you handle large panel sizes?
Our CNC bed handles sheets up to 3000mm x 2000mm. That covers most standard panel sizes you’ll find at suppliers. Bigger than that, and we’d need to cut your design across multiple panels with joining details. We’ve done it before for architectural installations, but it needs careful planning at the design stage.
What's the turnaround time for CNC projects?
Standard production runs 3-5 working days from file approval to dispatch. Rush orders can ship in 24-48 hours if we’ve got machine time available. Complex jobs with multiple materials or extensive finishing take longer. Large production runs obviously need more time than single prototypes. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe when we quote. Last-minute theatre and exhibition deadlines keep us honest about what’s actually possible.
Can you help with file preparation and CAD support?
Yes. Send us what you’ve got and we’ll review it. Common issues include open paths, overlapping vectors, and incorrect dimensions. We’ll generate proper toolpaths and suggest any changes needed for successful routing. If your file’s a mess, we can sometimes redraw it for a fee. Better CAD files mean better results and less wasted material. We’d rather spend 30 minutes fixing your file than routing something that doesn’t work.
Come Visit
Lasercut, 12 Raymouth Road, London SE16 2DB, UK
Contact Us
T 020 3441 3374
E studio@lasercutworks.com