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5 8 G R A P H I C S P R O • M A R C H 2 0 2 3 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M S I G N A G E & P R I N T I N G CNC routers have been around forever, but these days sign and digital graphics shops, and even other kinds of graphics shops, are get- ting more creative in how they use them. From three-dimensional signage to chan- nel letters and point-of-purchase displays, companies are finding that the number of specialty items they can create with this versatile machine is only limited by their imagination. ere has been a merging of the print service provider (PSP) and the industrial sign shop over the past few years, mean- ing that sign shops are now offering dig- ital printing and digital print shops are expanding into making more three-di- mensional signage. Shops need to deter- mine what specialty items they want to produce before deciding whether they need to purchase a full-size industrial CNC router or a smaller CNC digital fin- ishing system. Basic features Both CNC routers and CNC digital fin- ishing systems have "knife cutting capabil- ities and routing capabilities," says Russell MAKING THE MOST OF B Y P A U L A A V E N G L A D Y C H Paula Aven Gladych is a freelance writer based in Denver, Colorado. She can be reached at pgladych@gmail.com. CNC routers can be used to create unique products such as shadow boxes, 3D statues, instrument panels, and more. (Image courtesy CAMaster) The material on the machine dictates what tool is used to cut it. (Image courtesy Antares)