A quick glance at social media is enough to demonstrate that sophisticated computerised manufacturing is fast becoming the new norm - not just in industry but in bedrooms and home offices the world over. 3D printing has thrown light on the possibilities for automated manufacture as well as the expectation for what can be achieved with a little knowledge and a sensible budget. In the last couple of years at least, CNC routing, (surely 3D printings opposite number) has been receiving the same notoriety. But there has still been a notable gap in the middle ground between the hobby end of the market and full scale industrial machinery. This presents a problem to the small business on the road to expansion. CNC is the perfect answer for small scale and bespoke manufacture as well as prototyping - but making the gap from hand finished goods to automation has not previously been bridged financially or effectively. A third barrier to adopting automated practices is complexity - and the need to learn new skills or acquire specialist knowledge. Easy to grasp software is highly intuitive for new users but goes on to deliver output for complex commercial applications.

A key component of business growth is flexibility and now CNC is equally at home cutting panel work for large projects or carving intricate details for decoration.

The range of materials CNC can handle is broad. These include hardwoods, softwoods, acrylics, non-ferrous metals and Corian to name just a few. A range of accessories further expand capabilities

They can hold a pen or pencil which gives it the capability of creating large scale drawings and images, or a cutting blade can also be attached which will cut vinyl for graphics and decorations