Cutting Tolerance

Cutting Tolerances at CNC Creations

At CNC Creations, we pride ourselves on delivering a highly accurate, clean, consistent cutting service. Whether you’re ordering MDF or plywood, melamine-faced MDF, or decorative MDF wall panelling, our panels are cut within the following precision standards:

• Panel Cutting (cut to size): ±0.3 mm
• CNC Routing (cutting, shaping, grooving etc): ±0.2 mm

The above allows for a margin of error (tolerance); however; we are cutting to a much greater accuracy than stated.

To achieve these tight tolerances, we use modern, high-tech CNC-controlled machinery that is regularly maintained and calibrated for accuracy. Our main panel processing machines include…

• Homag SAWTEQ B-130 Beam Saw – high output straight cutting of panels with exceptional accuracy and clean square cuts. Weekly blade changes followed up with accuracy checks for length, width, and squareness of cut.
• Homag EDGETEQ S-300 Edge Bander – high-quality automated edge bander for the precise application of PVC and melamine panel edgings. Regular quality and dimensional accuracy checks, along with routine maintenance to ensure clean, professional edges are achieved.
• SCM Morbidelli N100 15 CNC Nesting machine – for the exceptionally accurate routing and drilling etc of panels up to 3660mm in length and up to 1525mm in width.
• SCM Morbidelli N100 22-31 – for CNC routing and drilling of panels etc up to 3050mm in length and up to 2100mm in width. Digital measuring of tools combined with test cutting to check width, length and depth of cut.prior to each project.

What Does Tolerance Mean?

Tolerance refers to the small and acceptable margin of error between the requested size and the actual cut size. It’s an industry-recognised concept and varies between types of material and cutting methods.

While some companies allow tolerances of up to ±1 mm, CNC Creations works to a much tighter standard:

• ±0.3 mm for beam saw cuts
• ±0.2 mm for CNC-routed parts

Example: If you order a panel measuring 500 mm × 300 mm, you may receive it between 499.7 mm–500.3 mm × 299.7 mm–300.3 mm.

Thickness tolerances

Surprisingly, board manufacturers’ thickness tolerances are often greater than those allowed for cutting. Below is an example of thickness tolerances on a few of the most popular boards…

• MDF: ±0.3mm
• Melamine Faced MDF: ±0.3mm
• Hardwood Plywood: ±0.5mm
• Birch Plywood: ±0.9mm

It is important to note that the level of tolerance will vary between manufacturers and types of board. Highly processed boards such as MDF and chipboard tend to have tighter tolerances than “real wood” boards such as plywood and edge glued Oak, for example.

Humidity levels may also influence the thickness of the board; however, the correct storage of the boards prior to use and choosing the correct board for the environment it will be used in will also help.

The application of lacquers, primers and paints will also increase the thickness of the board. This would usually only be an issue if painting prior to assembly, and only then if rebated joints were involved.

What If Something Is Out of Tolerance?

If we supply any panel outside our stated tolerance we will replace it. Please ensure you:

1. Do not cut or install the panel
2. Take clear photos and record measurements
3. Contact us within 7 working days at [email protected]

See our Delivery & Returns page for full details on how we handle replacement and refund cases.

Need Advice?

If you’re unsure how cutting tolerance might affect your project call us, we’d be happy to provide free, friendly advice before you order.

Call us on: 01604 864888

Email: [email protected]