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6 6 G R A P H I C S P R O • O C T O B E R 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 offer sign shops flexibility and versatility, opening up many new opportunities in the sign and graphics space just based on the types of substrates used. e most popular sign substrates are acrylic, alu- minum, PVC foam board, exterior grade medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and sign foam, but new substrates are being developed all the time. Wood is still a popular CNC substrate for certain applications, but mostly it has been replaced with composite materials, such as MDF, that have the strength and carvability of wood but are more durable, especially outside. The right match Jim Eichenberg, owner of Signarama Chandler, in Chandler, Arizona, says the materials his company uses on the router are dictated by the kinds of signs it sells. The company, which was started by Eichenberg's parents in 1997, targets small local businesses with brick-and- mortar locations that need fascia signs, window graphics, interior signage, and vehicle graphics. e company also works for larger out-of-state sign companies that need help with sign permitting and instal- lations in Arizona. e bulk of what Signarama Chandler produces is fascia signs and monument panels, Eichenberg says, which means Substrates for CNC Routers Exploring best practices for routing different substrates and bit selection and maintenance 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. The bulk of what Signarama Chandler produces is fascia signs and monument panels, Eichenberg says, which means plenty of routed aluminum for channel letters and acrylic for faces and monument sign panels. Images courtesy of Signarama Chandler.