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.

Why sign makers are upgrading their workshop workflow

Aspect	Manual Sign Making	CNC Router Production
Precision	Dependent on operator skill	Digital accuracy within fractions of a millimetre
Material Flexibility	Often limited to hand tools or vinyl plotters	Cuts acrylic, foamex, Dibond, MDF, PVC, HDU, aluminium composite, and more
Edge Finish	Risk of melting or chipping acrylic when hand-cut	Polished, clean edges using correct bit and feed rate
Speed	Time-consuming for repeat jobs or detailed cuts	Full panel with multiple letters/logos cut in minutes
Complexity	Difficult or inconsistent with hand tools	Easily handles complex shapes, internal pockets, 3D carving, and logos
Repeatability	Variations common between signs	Identical output—perfect for branding consistency
Workflow	Multiple manual stages (draw, measure, cut, sand)	Design once, cut everything in a single toolpath
Lettering & Logos	Tedious, especially for smaller sizes	Precise V-carving and profile cutting down to small font sizes
LED Trays / Pockets	Manual routing or jig setups required	Done automatically with perfect depth control
Scalability	Limited by hands-on time and fatigue	Easily take on large orders or trade signage work

OUR MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM SIGN MAKERS

FAQ for Sign Makers

Can it cut acrylic, foamex, Dibond, and PVC cleanly without melting or chipping?

Yes. Our routers are built for precision on plastics and composites. With the right tooling and feed speeds, you’ll get clean, polished edges—especially on acrylics and ACM. We’ll also advise on tooling setups to prevent melting or burring during training.

What’s the edge finish like on acrylic and ACM? Will I need to flame-polish?

In most cases, especially with a sharp O-flute or polished bit, the finish is clean enough for signage straight off the machine. Many customers don’t need to flame-polish unless it’s a high-gloss spec. We help you dial in the speeds and passes to avoid rough or cloudy edges.

Can it do 3D engraving or V-carving for raised letter signs?

Absolutely. The machine handles 2.5D and full 3D engraving in foam board, wood, and HDU with ease. We include VCarve Pro software, which is ideal for that type of sign work—including layered lettering, borders, and 3D toolpaths.

What’s the accuracy like for small text or logo work?

Very high. Our routers use Yaskawa servo motors and Syntec controllers, which means smooth, accurate movement even for fine detail work. You can confidently cut intricate letters, logos, and complex shapes without drift or chatter.

Can I swap between different materials easily—acrylic to MDF to aluminium composite?

Yes. With the ATC system, you can assign different tools to different materials and switch automatically between them within one job file. You just load your sheet and let the machine do the rest—no need to reset between cuts.

Can it do through cuts and pocketing for LED trays or built-up letters?

Yes, and it’s especially efficient for those kinds of jobs. You can cut face panels, pockets for LEDs, and internal brackets all on the same sheet. You can also cut return folds and shallow rebates for letter bending.

What about dust and swarf—especially from plastics?

Every machine includes a high-powered dust extraction unit that handles both wood dust and plastic swarf. It keeps the bed clear for cleaner cuts and reduces clean-up time—important in signage where finish quality matters.

Can I import files from Illustrator or CorelDRAW?

Yes. You can export vector paths as DXF, EPS, or SVG files and import them into VCarve Pro. Most sign makers already have artwork created—so the learning curve is minimal. We’ll show you the best way to convert and toolpath those files.

What size machine do you recommend for signage work?

For standard sign panels and sheet sizes, the Olympus 1325 (8×4) or 1530 (5×10) is ideal. You get full sheet capability, and with the vacuum bed and extraction system, you’re set up for high-speed production without compromise.

What support do I get if something goes wrong?

You get full UK-based support with real engineers—no call centres. We can access most machines remotely to diagnose and resolve issues fast. And with 2 years parts & labour warranty and lifetime access to our customer portal, we’re with you for the long haul.

Tool Type	Ideal For	Description / Benefits
Single Flute O-Flute Upcut Bit	Acrylic, PVC, ACM	Designed for plastic. Clears chips efficiently, reduces melting. Leaves smooth edges with proper feed rates.
Polished O-Flute Bit	Clear acrylic / Perspex	Mirror-finish edges on transparent materials. Helps eliminate need for flame polishing. Use lower RPM, higher feed.
Straight Flute Bit	Foamex, soft PVC, MDF	Good for softer signage materials. Produces smooth sidewalls, minimal burrs.
Compression Bit	Laminated boards (e.g. faced MDF)	Upcut/downcut action = no chip-out on top or bottom edges. Perfect for decorative panels and fascia signs.
V-Bit (e.g. 60° / 90°)	Engraving text or logos	Great for V-carving lettering and decorative details. Ideal with VCarve Pro for depth-based engraving.
Ball Nose End Mill	3D carving (foam, HDU)	Used for 3D signs and textures. Works well in soft foam or wood composites.
Downcut Spiral Bit	MDF, plywood signage	Clean top edges on profile cuts. Prevents tear-out in wood-based materials.

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.”