<aside> 🔖 Learn whether CNC routers can cut copper, plus setup tips, tooling, speeds, and best practices for clean, accurate small-batch results.
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CNC routers are typically associated with wood and plastics, but they can also handle non-ferrous metals like copper, aluminum, and brass.
While not the most efficient option for large-scale metal production, routers offer a cost-effective solution for small-batch copper parts, especially if you already own the equipment.
This guide covers everything you need to know about cutting copper with a CNC router: from understanding copper's properties to step-by-step machining techniques and real-world applications.
Copper is a ductile, malleable metal that conducts heat and electricity exceptionally well.
Unlike most metals, it has a distinctive reddish-gold color that oxidizes to green when exposed to air and moisture, the same process that gave the Statue of Liberty its iconic patina.
Copper's key properties for machining are:
Electrical and thermal conductivity: Copper ranks among the best conductors, making it essential for electrical and heat-transfer applications. About 75% of copper produced globally goes into wiring and electronics.
Malleability: Copper can be shaped into sheets or stretched into wires without breaking, which makes it versatile but also challenging to machine. It tends to be "gummy" and can stick to cutting tools.
Alloy versatility: Copper forms useful alloys with other metals. Brass (copper + zinc) and bronze (copper + tin) offer improved strength and durability while maintaining many of copper's beneficial properties.
Material grades: Different copper grades have varying properties. C145 tellurium copper, for example, is heat-treated to a full hard state, making it easier to machine than pure copper.
Yes, but with important caveats. CNC routers can cut copper effectively for certain applications, offering several advantages:
Cost efficiency: If you already own a router, you avoid purchasing dedicated metal-cutting equipment. This makes economic sense for prototyping or small production runs.
Space savings: Routers occupy less floor space than mills or specialized metal-cutting machines, which is valuable for smaller shops.
Capability for detailed work: Modern CNC routers with proper tooling can produce precise copper components for jewelry, electrical parts, and custom fabrications.