A CNC router is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses a rotary tool to remove material from wood, expanded polyurethane foam, plastic, and soft metals. A CNC router typically has a gantry-style construction where the spindle travels left and right along the x-axis and back and forth on the y-axis.

CNC routers are machines used to cut many types of materials, such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and high-density foam. CNC stands for computer numerical control, which indicates computer software and electronics controlled machines instead of a direct human operator.

One of the most prominent differences between CNC routers and mills is the material they can cut. CNC routers can cut softer materials like wood, plastic, foam and non-ferrous metals like aluminum. They are less rigid than CNC mills, so they cannot transfer enough force to cut through harder materials.

CNC stands for computer numerical control and is a term referring to automated specialised machinery that is sometimes called machining centres. It's a process for automating the control of machine tools via software installed in a microcomputer linked to a tool.