CNC Routers for Sign Makers

Cut, Carve, Engrave, Create — Precision Tools for Bold Signage

Make an Impression That Lasts

In the signage industry, your customers expect high-impact results — from sleek acrylic lettering and complex 3D logos to large-scale wayfinding and bespoke branding elements.

Whether you specialise in shopfront signage, vehicle graphics, illuminated letters, or bespoke displays, an Opus CNC router gives you the flexibility, precision, and power to produce more, faster — and with total creative control.

Why Do Sign Makers Choose Opus CNC?

Precision Across Materials

From acrylics and PVC to aluminium composite (ACM), MDF, foamex, hardwoods, and HDU foam — our routers handle it all with ease. Produce detailed engraving, clean profiles, and consistent depths across every job.

Faster Turnaround, Less Waste

Speed through cutting, shaping, and profiling with efficient nesting and powerful hold-down. No more hand-trimming or wasted sheets.

Expand Your Capabilities

Offer more to your customers — 3D carved signs, edge-lit panels, layered dimensional logos, bespoke shapes, and routered effects your competitors can’t match.

CAD-to-Cut Simplicity

Work seamlessly with industry-standard software like VCarve Pro, Adobe Illustrator (via DXF), or Fusion 360. Design, toolpath, and cut — all in one streamlined process.

Advantage	Benefit to Your Business
✔️ In-house Cutting	Eliminate reliance on third-party fabricators
✔️ Material Versatility	Cut acrylics, foamex, aluminium composite, wood, PVC, and more
✔️ Brand Detailing	Easily route logos, script fonts, and custom shapes
✔️ Repeatability	Produce multiple identical signs with absolute consistency
✔️ Integrated Workflow	Import artwork from Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or AutoCAD
✔️ Affordable Automation	Boost productivity without increasing headcount

Your questions answered

FAQ for Sign Makers

What materials can I cut with your CNC routers?

Our CNC routers are designed to cut, engrave, and profile a wide range of materials commonly used in the signage industry. These include:

Acrylic / Perspex – Ideal for edge-lit signs, 3D letters, and display panels.
ACM / Dibond – Perfect for outdoor signage, trays, and cladding panels.
PVC foam board (Foamex) – Lightweight and easy to cut for temporary and permanent signs.
MDF and plywood – Great for dimensional letters, backing boards, and laser-cut look signage.
HDU foam (High-Density Urethane) – Excellent for 3D carving and weatherproof exterior signs.
Softwoods and hardwoods – For rustic or high-end carved wooden signage.
Aluminium and thin sheet metal – Suitable for engraving, pocketing, and profiling (with the correct tooling and feed rates).

Our machines are versatile enough to switch between materials within the same project. Whether you’re making a sign tray, layered acrylic logo, or engraved plaque, your Opus CNC router handles it efficiently with a perfect finish.

Can I use my existing files from Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW?

Yes — we’ve made it easy to go from design to production. Most sign makers create artwork in Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or similar graphic design software. You can export your artwork as DXF, SVG, or EPS files, which are then imported into VCarve Pro or other CAM software included with your CNC router.

Once imported, you’ll be able to:

Assign toolpaths (e.g. profile cuts, pockets, engravings)
Preview the cut for accuracy
Send the job to the CNC router via the control system

We provide full training on this workflow and are happy to supply example files or setup guides to help you build your own file library.

Do I need an automatic tool changer for signage work?

While not mandatory, an automatic tool changer (ATC) offers significant benefits for most sign makers. If you regularly perform:

Engraving followed by profile cutting
Pocketing and V-carving
Multiple passes or different tool diameters in one job

…then an ATC allows the machine to switch tools automatically without operator intervention. This speeds up production, reduces human error, and increases efficiency—especially for multi-material or multi-step jobs.

For high-volume signage businesses, an ATC is a worthwhile investment. For smaller operations, our Olympus manual tool change models still offer fantastic value and precision.

Can your machines cut full 8x4 or 10x5 sheets of signage material?

Yes — our Olympus 1325 (8×4 bed) and Pegasus 1530 (10×5 bed) models are specifically built to accommodate standard UK signage sheet sizes. This allows you to:

Load full sheets without trimming
Maximise material yield through nesting
Cut multiple components from one board in a single job

Each machine includes a powerful vacuum matrix bed to keep materials flat and secure — especially important when working with thin or flexible materials like foamex, Dibond, or acrylic.

How clean are the cuts on acrylic and Dibond?

With the correct tooling and machine setup, our CNC routers produce clean, burr-free edges on both acrylic and aluminium composite panels.

For acrylic, we recommend using O-flute or single-flute upcut bits, which provide a polished edge with minimal sanding.
For Dibond, specialised compression or composite bits give precise cuts without delamination or fraying.

During training, we’ll guide you through recommended feed rates, spindle speeds, and tooling options to achieve the cleanest possible finish, reducing or even eliminating the need for post-processing.

Is the machine easy for new operators to learn?

Yes — all of our machines are equipped with user-friendly Syntec controllers and are supplied with VCarve Pro, an intuitive software ideal for signage production.
We provide on-site training covering:

Loading and securing materials
Tool selection and safe usage
File preparation and importing
Toolpath creation in VCarve
Running and monitoring the machine
Maintenance and troubleshooting basics

Even team members with little or no CNC experience can be up and running confidently within a day.

What’s included with the machine when I buy from Opus CNC?

Every CNC router package for signage companies includes:

Your chosen CNC router model (Olympus or Pegasus)
VCarve Pro design software licence
Industrial vacuum pump and dust extraction system
Delivery, full installation, and commissioning by Opus engineers
In-person training for your team at your premises
2-year full parts and labour warranty
UK-based technical support — no call centres, just real engineers

Optional upgrades are also available, including oscillating knives for vinyl/foam, additional tooling packages, or enclosed cabinets for fume control.

Recommended Machines for Sign Makers

Olympus ATC
CNC Router

Tool Change Type: Linear 8 x ISO 30 Automatic Tool Change
Spindle: 9kW HQD Air-cooled Quick-release Spindle
Drives: Delta Servo Drives
Motors: Delta Servo Motors
Control System: Opus PRO Hand Controller
Bed: Vacuum Bed with Matrix Zones
Zones: Automatic On/Off Switches
Extraction: 5.5kW Extraction System Included
Extras: Material Locating Pins
Software Included: VCarve Pro
Delivery: Included
Installation: Included
Training: Machine and Software Training Included

Prices from £16,995 plus VAT

Pegasus ATC
CNC Router

Tool Change Type: Carousel 12 x ISO 30 Tools/Automatic Tool Change
Spindle: 9kW Italian HSD Spindle
Drives: Yaskawa Servo Drives
Motors: Yaskawa Servo Motors
Control: Syntec Control System
Bed: Vacuum Bed with Matrix Zones
Zones: Automatic On/Off Switches
Extraction: 7.5kW Extraction System Included
Extras: Material Locating Pins | Bearing Wipers
Software Included: VCarve Pro
Delivery: Included
Installation: Included
Training: Machine and Software Training Included

Prices from £25,000 plus VAT

Ready to Scale Up Your Signage Production?

From small independent sign shops to large-scale production houses, Opus CNC routers are helping UK signage companies automate, expand, and deliver standout results.

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Sign Making Testimonial

“The Olympus 1530 ATC has changed the way we work. We cut everything from Dibond to acrylic lettering with zero cleanup. Our production speed has doubled and we’re now offering more creative options to clients.”

Real-World Impact: Signs Company in Gloucestershire

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