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IndustryArena Forum > WoodWorking Machines > Commercial CNC Wood Routers > Why are cheap routers all aluminium construction ?
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    1662

    Why are cheap routers all aluminium construction ?

    Looking at the Chinese 30xx and 60xx and various low cost offerings from other parts of the world aluminium is everywhere. I understand the convenience aspect of extrusions but even the parts that are made from plate and bar are aluminium. For a manufacturer working with steel shouldn't be a big obstacle and (at least where I live) it's much less expensive. If bolting steel to aluminium were a problem my car would have fallen apart years ago. One thought is aluminium is simply looks better raw.
    Anyone who says "It only goes together one way" has no imagination.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Posts
    630

    Re: Why are cheap routers all aluminium construction ?

    Why are cheap routers all aluminium construction ?

    The answer is in bold.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Posts
    6248

    Re: Why are cheap routers all aluminium construction ?

    Hi CS - One component of the total cost is finishing and paint is actually quite expensive, especially with many small parts. They have to be racked painted unracked etc. So aluminium does not need any of this. It's actually cheaper for me to have laser cut stainless steel parts then to have mild steel parts cut and painted. Plus the construction type extrusions suit the kit market, no holes need just cut to length and use the slots. Cheers Peter

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: Why are cheap routers all aluminium construction ?

    Extrusions make assembly faster, and the lighter weight probably saves on shipping costs.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

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