Canal Plastics Center provides professional CNC routing services in NYC for thicker plastics, large panels, and complex shapes that require mechanical precision. From architectural models to retail displays, our CNC router handles materials and designs that are not suitable for laser cutting. Projects are completed with clean edges, accurate dimensions, and consistent results across single pieces or multiple-unit runs.
Most CNC projects are completed in about four to five business days, depending on material, scale, and detail. Our team can help determine whether your project is better suited for CNC routing, laser cutting, or a combination of both.
Ready to start a project? Submit a custom order request or email us at sales@cpcnyc.com.
Our CNC routing service is ideal for thicker materials, larger panels, and jobs requiring precise mechanical cutting. The CNC process produces extremely clean, repeatable cuts with high dimensional accuracy, even on thicker or more rigid plastics. Customers rely on our CNC capabilities for professional fabrication, architectural elements, signage components, retail build-outs, and structural parts. With more than 60 years of plastics experience and a fabrication team based in SoHo, we support NYC’s creative, commercial, and industrial communities with reliable turnaround times and clear communication throughout the process.
CNC routing is recommended for thicker or more rigid plastics, or for shapes that cannot be produced cleanly on a laser. Clear acrylic, colored acrylic, and many specialty acrylics are frequently routed when thickness exceeds laser limitations. Polycarbonate sheets (Lexan / Makrolon), PVC sheets, Sintra, Dibond, HDPE are usually CNC routed. Larger sheets, heavy panels, and multi-component builds also benefit from CNC routing due to the machine’s stability and power. If you are unsure whether your material is suitable, email us with the type and thickness and we’ll confirm compatibility.
CNC routing at Canal Plastics Center is used for architectural components, large-format signage, retail fixtures, dimensional letters and logos, custom enclosures, thicker acrylic display pieces, mounting panels, prototype parts, and formed shapes that require clean mechanical edges. Many galleries, design studios, set builders, and fabrication shops across NYC rely on CNC routing for parts that must be structurally accurate, polished, and production-ready.
To begin, send us your design files and project details through our custom order form or by emailing the material, thickness, dimensions, quantities, and deadline. Once received, our team reviews your files, checks material compatibility, and prepares a quote along with an estimated turnaround time. After approval, your project is routed with careful attention to accuracy, edge quality, and finishing requirements. When the job is complete, you may pick it up from our SoHo shop or arrange shipment to your destination.
If your project has an installation date or event timeline, let us know so we can plan production accordingly.
Good files mean faster turnaround and cleaner results. We recommend:
Vector files for cutting paths (for example: AI, PDF, EPS, SVG, DXF). Raster formats such as JPG, PNG or BMP can not be accepted for laser work.
Clearly labeled for cuts, scores, and engraves. Red - Engraving. Black - Cut through.
Any areas to be engraved should have a red color fill with no outlines. If there is any text, it must be converted to outlines.
True scale (1:1) with units specified (inches or millimeters).
Stroke/line weights set according to laser requirements if indicated. Default stroke set at hairline weight.
If you’re unsure about file setup, send what you have. Our team can often help adjust or suggest the best approach.
Many projects combine CNC routing with our other fabrication capabilities. We offer edge polishing for a clean, professional finish; drilling and countersinking for mounting; heat bending for brackets, stands, and formed shapes; and bonding or assembly using professional acrylic cements. If your project involves multiple steps, include the full scope in your initial request so we can produce and assemble your components efficiently.
How long does CNC routing take?
Most CNC projects are completed in about four to five business days, depending on detail and volume. Larger or more complex jobs may require additional time.
What tolerances do you offer?
CNC routing provides highly accurate dimensional results, with precision dependent on file quality, material type, and thickness. Send us your specs and we can advise based on your project.
What materials can be CNC routed?
Acrylic is the most common, especially thicker or larger pieces that cannot be laser cut. Some other plastics may be suitable—email us with your material to confirm.
Can you polish or finish the routed edges?
Yes, edge polishing and additional finishing services are available upon request.
Do you ship CNC routed parts?
Yes, we offer both local pickup in SoHo and shipping options. Oversized or heavy parts may require special packing or pickup.
Ready to start a CNC cutting project? Send us your files and specs or email sales@cpcnyc.com and we’ll follow up with next steps.
Please see our example file to get an idea of how to format your file for laser work.
