Efficiency and precision are key to staying competitive in the sign fabrication industry. Sign shops face growing pressure to deliver high-quality, illuminated channel letters with quick turnaround times. Combining CNC router tables and channel letter benders in your production line is a game-changing strategy that maximizes output while minimizing labor costs and production time. Computerized Cutters, Inc. (CCI), the pioneer of automated channel letter fabrication, offers cutting-edge CNC cutting and channel letter bending solutions designed to streamline your workflow and boost profitability.
Why CNC Routing & Channel Letter Bending Are The Perfect Match
CNC router tables and channel letter benders complement each other in the sign production process. A CNC router table precisely cuts out the letter faces and backs from materials like aluminum, acrylic, and composite panels. Automated channel letter benders then use the same files to form your channel letter returns to match the backs you previously cut on your CNC router — creating a seamless, professional finish.
By integrating both machines, sign makers can produce more channel letters in a given day than by hand. Computerized Cutters’ Accu-Cut CNC router tables and Accu-Bend channel letter benders are engineered to work together, providing a streamlined production process from start to finish.
CNC Routing: The First Step to Precision
Accu-Cut CNC router tables are designed for precision cutting and versatility. The newest model of CNC router tables, the Accu-Cut XLR8, is capable of cutting:
- Aluminum
- ACM (Aluminum Composite Material)
- Acrylic
- Plastics
- Wood
- High density sign foam boards
- And even more with knife cutting add-ons
The high-speed cutting capabilities of Computerized Cutters’ Accu-Cut CNC router tables reduce production time while ensuring clean, precise cuts. Add-on features like vacuum hold down tables and high-speed servo motors ensure consistent cutting performance, even for complex shapes and intricate designs.
Benefits of Accu-Cut CNC Router Tables:
✅ Increased production speed and precision
✅ Ability to handle a wide range of materials
✅ Reduced material waste through precise cutting
✅ Automated cutting of complex shapes and designs
Channel Letter Bending: Automating The Hardest Part
Once the channel letter faces and backs are cut, the next step is forming the letter returns — the sides of the letters that give them depth and structure. This is where the Accu-Bend channel letter benders excel.
Computerized Cutters, Inc. revolutionized the sign industry with the introduction of the original Accu-Bend channel letter bending machine in 1997, automating what was previously a time-consuming, labor-intensive process. Accu-Bend channel letter benders automatically notch, flange, and bend aluminum coil to create the letter returns.
Key models include:
- Accu-Bend Model 26 – The flagship model “industry workhorse” capable of handling large-scale production for both .040” and .063” aluminum coil.
- Accu-Bend Freedom – A compact, table-top bender designed for small to mid-size shops reduces barrier to entry and gives even those with the smallest of shops a chance to compete in the channel letter market. .
- Accu-Bend ACE – A full-featured, mid-level machine optimized for standard .040” aluminum coil.
- Accu-Bend ACE+ – Similar to the ACE, but with enhanced capability for bending thicker .063” aluminum for larger or more rigid letters.
Benefits Of Accu-Bend Channel Letter Benders:
✅ Reduces fabrication time by up to 75%
✅ Produces consistent, repeatable bends
✅ Handles complex channel letter shapes with precision
✅ Quick coil height changeovers for different letter sizes
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How CNC Routing And Channel Letter Bending Work Together
Integrating CNC routing and channel letter bending into a single workflow creates a seamless production process. Here’s how:
- Design and Import:
Letter designs are created in design software (like EnRoute) and imported into the CNC router and channel letter bender programs. - Cutting:
The Accu-Cut CNC router tables cut the letter faces and backs from aluminum or acrylic sheets with high precision. - Bending:
The Accu-Bend channel letter benders automatically notches, flanges, and bends the aluminum coil into the precise shape of the letter returns. - Assembly:
The letter returns are attached to aluminum or ACM backs using clinches or self-piercing rivets, or fastened using Computerized Cutters’ Accu-Clinch channel letter fastening machines.
Trim cap automation can be accomplished using the Accu-Trim EDGE notching and bending machine.
Lastly, channel letter LEDs can be added where desired.
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Boosting Efficiency and Profitability
By combining CNC router tables and channel letter benders, sign shops can eliminate the bottlenecks of manual fabrication and reduce outsourcing costs. Here’s how Computerized Cutters, Inc. channel letter automation solutions increase profitability:
🚀 Higher Output, Lower Labor Costs
Accu-Bend channel letter bending machines can produce 100+ channel letters per day — a task that would take a handful of skilled fabricators days to accomplish manually. Combining this with the speed and precision of an Accu-Cut CNC router table allows shops to handle larger orders and meet tight deadlines without adding labor costs.
📉 Consistent Quality, Reduced Waste
Automation ensures every letter is cut and bent to precise specifications, minimizing scrap and rework. The combination of Accu-Cut routers and Accu-Bend channel letter machines provide consistent quality from job to job, helping your sign shop establish a reputation for excellence.
💰 Fast ROI
With reduced labor, higher production capacity, and lower waste, Computerized Cutters machines typically pay for themselves within months. Shops using Accu-Cut and Accu-Bend machines report significant increases in profitability and faster turnaround times on orders.
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Machine Partnership Examples
⭐ Accu-Bend Freedom & Accu-Cut XLR8 – The Perfect Entry-Level Solution
- Ideal for small to mid-size shops looking to automate production
- Produces over 50 channel letters per day
- Compact design with full bending and cutting capability
⭐ Accu-Bend ACE+ & Accu-Cut XLR8 – The Versatile Workhorse
- Handles both .040” and .063” aluminum coil
- Capable of producing halo-lit and trimless letters
- Cuts and bends large and small letters with precision
- Produces over 75 channel letters per day
⭐ Accu-Bend Model 26 & Accu-Cut XLR8 – The High-Volume Powerhouse
- Designed for industrial-scale production
- Handles large letters (up to 20 feet tall)
- Fast production and maximum durability
- Produces over 100 channel letters per day
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Why Choose Computerized Cutters?
Since 1994, Computerized Cutters, Inc. has been the leader in automated sign fabrication machines. Our machines are proudly manufactured in the USA and come with:
✔️ The industry’s only 3-year warranty
✔️ Lifetime toll-free U.S. customer support
✔️ Expert training and onboarding
✔️ Ongoing software updates and technological improvements
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Take Your Sign Production to the Next Level
Combining CNC routing and channel letter bending is the key to streamlining sign fabrication and increasing profitability. The Accu-Cut routers and Accu-Bend channel letter machines have been trusted for over 30 years by the top sign companies. Invest in automation and innovation to watch your sign production soar.
Ready to transform your sign shop?
📞 Schedule a consultation or call Computerized Cutters, Inc. today at (972) 422-6900 learn more and request pricing information!