CNC Technology: How We Manufacture Your Routed Facades

Behind every routed facade is a manufacturing process that combines precision technology with artisanal knowledge. In this article, we open the doors to our Buenos Aires workshop to show you how an MDF board becomes your kitchen door.

What is CNC Routing?

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. In simple terms, it's a system where a computer controls the movements of a cutting tool (the router bit) with millimeter precision. The computer follows a program indicating exactly where to cut, at what depth, and at what speed, replicating the same design identically in every piece it produces.

The advantage of CNC over traditional manual routing is twofold: precision (tolerances under half a millimeter) and consistency (20 doors with the same design will be identical).

Step 1: Material Selection

Everything begins with choosing the MDF board. We work exclusively with high-density MDF (density above 700 kg/m³), the substrate that best responds to routing due to its internal homogeneity. Unlike solid wood with knots and grain variations, MDF is uniform throughout, guaranteeing clean, consistent routing.

Each batch of boards is inspected before entering production. We verify density, flatness, absence of surface defects, and nominal thickness.

Step 2: Cutting to Size

Full boards are cut to the exact dimensions of each requested door using a precision panel saw that ensures perfect right angles and clean edges.

Step 3: CNC Programming

Each routing design (Atenas, Boston, Milan, etc.) has a specific CNC program defining the router path. When we receive orders with non-standard dimensions, our programmer adapts the design, recalculating frame, panel, and transition proportions.

Step 4: Routing

The cut board is placed on the CNC router table and held with vacuum suction cups. The router descends a tungsten carbide cutting tool with the specific design profile and follows the programmed path.

Feed speed and pass depth are adjusted according to design and board thickness. Some routings are done in a single pass; others with deeper reliefs require two or three progressive passes.

Step 5: Sanding

Each piece undergoes multi-stage manual sanding. Starting with 180 grit to remove router marks, then 240 grit to smooth routing edges, and finishing with 320 grit or finer to prepare the surface for its final finish.

Sanding a routing requires experience: excessive sanding rounds edges and loses design definition; insufficient sanding leaves marks visible through the finish.

Step 6: Finishing

Depending on the client's choice: lacquering (sealer, fine sanding, 2-3 lacquer coats in a climate-controlled booth), laminating (decorative laminate with high-resistance adhesive), or thermoformed PVC (heated membrane applied by vacuum, adapting to all routing reliefs).

Step 7: Final Quality Control

Each finished piece is individually inspected for dimensions, routing depth, finish uniformity, visual defects, and touch quality. Pieces that don't pass are rejected and reproduced.

Step 8: Packaging and Shipping

Approved pieces are individually packaged with foam corner protection, cardboard separators, and plastic film. Every facade should arrive in the same condition it left our workshop, regardless of destination.

Local Production, Guaranteed Quality

This entire process takes place in our Buenos Aires workshop. We don't outsource any production stage, allowing direct, constant quality control over every piece we manufacture. Contact us for a personalized quote.