Glossary
Woodworking & CNC machinery glossary
Short, plain-English definitions of the most common terms our customers ask about.
- CNC Router
- A computer-controlled cutting machine that routes, engraves and drills wood, MDF, plastics and aluminium by moving a high-speed spindle along programmed X, Y and Z paths.
- ATC (Automatic Tool Changer)
- A mechanism that automatically swaps router or milling tools from a magazine during a program, so multiple operations (drilling, grooving, profiling) run unattended without manual tool changes.
- Nesting
- A CNC strategy that arranges many panel parts on a single sheet to minimise waste, then cuts them all in one program — the core process of panel furniture production.
- Edge Banding Machine
- A machine that bonds a thin edge band (PVC, ABS, melamine or veneer) to the exposed edges of panels and trims, buffs and scrapes it flush for a finished, sealed edge.
- Fiber Laser Cutting Machine
- A metal cutting machine that uses a high-power fiber laser source to cut sheet metal and tube with a narrow kerf, high speed and clean edges.
- Laser Marking Machine
- A machine that uses a focused laser beam to permanently mark text, logos, serial numbers or barcodes on metal and non-metal parts without contact or consumables.
- CNC Woodworking Lathe
- A computer-controlled lathe that turns table legs, stair spindles and other round wooden components automatically, often combining turning with milling and broaching.
- CNC Milling Machine
- A machine that removes material with a rotating cutter under computer control to produce precise metal or wood parts, slots, pockets and contoured surfaces.
- Computer Panel Saw (Beam Saw)
- An automated saw that cuts stacks of panels to size following an optimised cutting pattern, used for high-volume cut-to-size in panel furniture plants.
- Sliding Table Saw
- A precision panel saw with a sliding carriage that supports and feeds the workpiece for accurate, splinter-free crosscuts and rip cuts.
- Furniture Panel Press
- A hot or cold press that bonds veneers, laminates or layered boards under controlled pressure (and heat) to make flat or shaped furniture panels and doors.
- Wide Belt Sander
- A calibrating sander that feeds panels under wide abrasive belts to bring them to a uniform thickness and a smooth, finish-ready surface.
- Spindle
- The motorised, high-speed rotating unit of a CNC router or mill that holds the cutting tool; available air-cooled or water-cooled and rated in kilowatts.
- Vacuum Table
- A CNC worktable with zoned suction that holds panels firmly by vacuum during machining, eliminating clamps and enabling full-sheet nesting.
- Production Line
- A linked sequence of machines (cut-to-size, drilling, edge banding, sorting) integrated and balanced to manufacture cabinets, doors or furniture at scale.
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