American Made in Dale, Indiana Since 1969
Industrial CNC Routers
Thermwood builds 3-axis and 5-axis CNC routers for cabinet shops, furniture makers, plastics and composite fabricators, aerospace manufacturers and pattern shops. Find the right CNC router for your parts, materials and production volume.
What Is a CNC Router?
A CNC router is a computer-controlled cutting machine that moves a high-speed spindle along programmed paths to cut, carve, drill and shape material. CNC stands for computer numerical control. Instead of guiding a tool by hand, the operator loads a program and the machine follows it with the same precision on the first part and the thousandth.
Most CNC routers use a gantry design, where a bridge carrying the spindle travels over a large flat table. That layout gives CNC routers a big working area, which is why they are the standard machine for full sheets of plywood, MDF, particleboard, plastics and composite panels. Spindles typically run up to 24,000 RPM, so a CNC router cuts wood, plastics, composites, foam, solid surface and aluminum quickly and cleanly.
How an industrial CNC router differs from a hobby machine
Hobby and desktop CNC routers are built for light-duty work and small parts. An industrial CNC router is built to run full shifts, day after day. It has a heavy, stress-relieved steel frame, a fixed high-flow vacuum table to hold sheets down, an automatic tool changer, servo drives on every axis and a production-grade control. The result is repeatable accuracy at production speed, year after year.
What CNC routers are used for
Cabinet and closet shops use nested-based CNC routers to cut every part of a job from full sheets. Furniture and millwork shops use them for shaped parts, moldings and carving. Plastics fabricators cut and trim sheet goods. Aerospace, marine and composite manufacturers use 5-axis CNC routers to trim formed parts and machine large patterns, molds and tooling.
3-Axis vs. 5-Axis CNC Routers
The number of axes describes how the cutting tool can move. The right choice depends on the shape of your parts.
3-Axis CNC Routers
Flat and sheet-based parts
A 3-axis CNC router moves the tool left and right (X), front to back (Y) and up and down (Z). The tool always points straight down, which makes 3-axis machines the fastest, most economical choice for cutting parts from sheets and panels.
- Nested-based cabinets, closets and casework
- Furniture parts, doors, drawer fronts and moldings
- Plastic sheets, solid surface, signs and non-ferrous metals
- Flat composite panels and two-dimensional patterns
5-Axis CNC Routers
Formed and three-dimensional parts
A 5-axis CNC router adds two rotary axes, so the head can tilt and turn the tool to approach the part from almost any angle. That lets one machine trim the edges of formed parts and machine complex surfaces without repositioning the part.
- Trimming thermoformed plastic and composite parts
- Aerospace components, fixtures and tooling
- Large patterns, plugs and molds
- Marine, automotive and wind energy parts
How to Choose the Right CNC Router
Every Thermwood CNC router is configured to the job it will do. These are the questions our applications team works through with every customer.
- What parts and materials will you cut?Flat parts from sheets point to a 3-axis CNC router. Formed or three-dimensional parts that need trimming or contouring from several angles point to a 5-axis CNC router. Harder materials such as aluminum and dense composites call for a heavier machine and a more powerful spindle.
- How large is your biggest part?Match the table to your sheet size and largest part. A 5'x10' table handles full 4'x8' sheets with room to spare, while large composite parts and patterns may need a 5'x40' bed, a 10'-wide table or the MAX 5, with its 9-foot vertical Z axis.
- How will you hold the work?Nested-based production uses a high-flow vacuum table and cuts all the parts of a job from full sheets. Pod and fixture work, common in plastics trimming and aerospace, needs a table built to carry heavy fixtures.
- How much automation do you need?Tool changer size, dual spindles, drill banks, automatic labeling and loading and unloading all raise throughput. The AutoProcessor and Model 43 Work Cell automate nested production from sheet to labeled part.
- Who will program and run it?Thermwood's SuperControl is built to be easy to operate, and software such as Mastercam and THM Desktop handle programming. If you would rather not program at all, the Cut Center uses AI to take a cabinet shop from design to cut parts with no CNC programming or experience.
- What support will you have after the sale?A CNC router is a long-term investment. Every Thermwood includes machine training and installation, and our service team in Dale supports Thermwood machines for their entire working life.
Thermwood CNC Router Lineup
Every machine below is designed and built by Thermwood in Dale, Indiana. Select a CNC router for full specifications, photos and videos.
3-Axis CNC Routers
For nested-based cabinets and furniture, plastics, solid surface, non-ferrous metals and flat composite parts. View all 3-axis CNC routers
5-Axis CNC Routers
For trimming formed parts and machining patterns, molds, aerospace components and large composite parts. View all 5-axis CNC routers
CNC Routers at a Glance
A quick comparison of the Thermwood CNC router lineup. Every machine can be configured for your application, so talk with our team about the right setup.
| CNC Router | Axes | Design | Table Sizes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 42 | 3-AXIS | Moving aluminum table(s), fixed gantry | Single 10'x5'; dual 5'x5', 5'x8', 5'x10', 5'x12' | Hardwoods, softwoods, MDF, particleboard, plastics and aluminum |
| Model 43 | 3-AXIS | Fixed high-flow table, moving gantry | 4'x8', 5'x10', 5'x12', 5'x20' | High-performance nested-based cabinets, closets and furniture |
| Model 45 | 3-AXIS | Fixed high-flow table, moving gantry | 5'x5', 5'x10', 5'x12', 6'x12', 7'x12' | Heavy-duty work in composites, tooling board, plastics and aluminum; single or dual spindles |
| Model 53 | 3-AXIS | Fixed solid aluminum table, moving gantry | 5'x10', 5'x12', 5'x16', 5'x20' | Routing and stack machining of large sheets; optional roller hold-down and automatic load/unload |
| Model 63 | 3-AXIS | Stationary table, moving bridge | 5'x10', 5'x20', 5'x40'; extensions to 100' | Large composite parts and patterns |
| AutoProcessor | 3-AXIS | Fixed table, moving gantry; automatic sheet load and unload | 5'x10' | High-throughput nested production of cabinets, closets and furniture |
| Cut Center | 3-AXIS | AI-guided, no programming | 5'x10' | Custom cabinets, closets and furniture with no CNC programming |
| Large Format | 3-AXIS | Fixed stress-relieved steel table, moving gantry | 10'x20', 10'x30', 10'x45' | Large composite parts and three-dimensional patterns |
| MTR Series | 3-AXIS | Fixed high-flow table(s), moving gantry; single or dual in-line tables | 5'x10', 5'x12', 7'x12', 7'x20' | High-volume nested-based, composite and plastic sheet production |
| Roller Hold-Down Series | 3-AXIS | Fixed solid aluminum table, moving gantry, roller hold-down | 5'x10', 5'x12', 5'x16', 5'x20'; 4'x8' with automatic load/unload | Stack machining nested upholstered frame parts from MDF, particleboard and plywood |
| Model 65 | 5-AXIS | Fixed solid aluminum table, moving bridge; 24" Z axis | 5'x10', 5'x20', 5'x40'; extensions to 100' | Large composite parts and three-dimensional patterns |
| Model 67 | 5-AXIS | Single or dual moving aluminum tables | Single 5'x5', 5'x10', 10'x5', 5'x12', 7'x10'; dual 5'x5', 5'x10', 5'x12' | Trimming plastics and composites; patterns, molds and non-ferrous metals |
| Model 70 | 5-AXIS | 1.5" solid aluminum table for heavy fixtures | 10'x5', 10'x10', 10'x15', 10'x20' | Aerospace and composite parts on large, heavy fixtures |
| Model 77 | 5-AXIS | Heavy-duty, fully enclosed system | 10'x10', 10'x20', 10'x30', 10'x40' and longer in 10' increments | Large aerospace and composite parts |
| Model 90 | 5-AXIS | Single or dual moving 1" solid aluminum vacuum tables | Single 5'x5', 5'x10', 10'x5'; dual 5'x5', 5'x10', 5'x12' | High-speed trimming and pattern machining, including carbon fiber |
| MAX 5 | 5-AXIS | Heavy-duty, high clearance with 9' vertical Z axis | 10' or 15' wide, up to 60' long | Large and extremely large three-dimensional parts, molds and patterns |
Visit each model page for full specifications and options.
Why Buy a Thermwood CNC Router?
American Made Since 1969
Every Thermwood CNC router is designed and built in Dale, Indiana. Thermwood is the oldest manufacturer of highly flexible 3-axis and 5-axis high-speed machining centers known as CNC routers.
Thermwood SuperControl
Thermwood designs its own CNC control, so the machine, control and software work together. Laser-compensated axis alignment and intelligent servo drives deliver precision you can repeat.
Support for the Life of the Machine
Training and installation come with every machine, and our service team supports Thermwood CNC routers for decades. Learn more about the Advanced Support Program and Virtual Service.
No-Programming Option
The powerful Cut Center lets cabinet and closet shops produce custom work with no CNC programming or CNC experience.
Certified Pre-Owned and Retrofits
Choose a remanufactured Thermwood CNC router, or extend the life of your current machine with a CNC router retrofit.
Financing Available
Thermwood offers financing through Stearns Bank. See financing options.
CNC Router Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CNC router?
A CNC router is a computer-controlled cutting machine that moves a high-speed spindle along programmed paths to cut, carve, drill and shape material. Most CNC routers use a gantry that travels over a large flat table, which makes them ideal for cutting full sheets of wood, plastics, composites and aluminum. Industrial CNC routers like Thermwood's are built to run full production shifts with repeatable accuracy.
What is the difference between a CNC router and a CNC mill?
A CNC router is built for speed and a large working area. It runs high spindle speeds, typically up to 24,000 RPM, over a large table, so it excels at wood, plastics, composites, foam and non-ferrous metals. A CNC mill is built for rigidity in a smaller envelope and is designed for cutting steel and other hard metals. Shops that machine large sheets and parts in lighter materials choose a CNC router.
What is the difference between a 3-axis and a 5-axis CNC router?
A 3-axis CNC router moves the tool in X, Y and Z, with the tool always pointing straight down. It is the fastest, most economical choice for flat parts cut from sheets. A 5-axis CNC router adds two rotary axes so the head can tilt and turn, which lets it trim formed parts and machine complex three-dimensional surfaces such as patterns, molds and aerospace components. Compare 3-axis CNC routers and 5-axis CNC routers.
What materials can a CNC router cut?
Thermwood CNC routers cut hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, MDF, particleboard, plastics, acrylic, solid surface, foam, tooling board, composites and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum. Heavier machines such as the Model 45 are designed for demanding materials like composites, tooling board and aluminum.
What is a nested-based CNC router?
A nested-based CNC router cuts all the parts of a job, such as every cabinet box, shelf and back, from full sheets in one pass. Software arranges the parts on each sheet to reduce waste, and a high-flow vacuum table holds the sheet in place. Thermwood's Model 43, Model 45, AutoProcessor and Cut Center are popular nested-based CNC routers for cabinet, closet and furniture production.
What size CNC router do I need?
Choose a table that fits your largest sheet or part. A 5'x10' table is the most common choice for cabinet shops because it handles full 4'x8' sheets with room to spare. Thermwood CNC routers range from 4'x8' tables to large-bed machines such as the Model 63 and Model 65, which can be extended up to 100 feet, the Model 77, which grows in 10-foot increments, and the MAX 5, which is up to 15 feet wide and 60 feet long with a 9-foot Z axis.
Do I need CNC programming experience to run a CNC router?
Not with the Thermwood Cut Center. The Cut Center uses AI to guide the operator through the entire production process, with no CNC programming and no CNC experience required, for cabinets, closets, moldings and custom furniture. Thermwood's other CNC routers are programmed with CAD/CAM software such as Mastercam and run on the easy-to-use Thermwood SuperControl, and Thermwood includes training with every machine. Learn more about the Cut Center.
Where are Thermwood CNC routers made?
Thermwood CNC routers are American-made at Thermwood's facility in Dale, Indiana, where the company has built CNC routers since 1969. Thermwood is the oldest manufacturer of highly flexible 3-axis and 5-axis high-speed machining centers known as CNC routers.
How much does an industrial CNC router cost?
The cost of an industrial CNC router depends on the model, table size, spindle, tool changer and automation options. Thermwood configures each machine to the application, so the best way to get an accurate price is to talk with our sales team at 812-937-4476 or request a quote online. Thermwood also offers financing through Stearns Bank, as well as certified remanufactured CNC routers. See remanufactured CNC routers.
Find the Right CNC Router for Your Shop
Bring us your manufacturing challenges and explore the CNC router solutions that are right for you. Call 812-937-4476 or send us a request below.
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