Routed

Routed

Routed is a term used in design and manufacturing processes, particularly in the context of digital fabrication and computer-controlled machining. It refers to the process of creating pathways, grooves, or channels in a material using a rotating cutting tool, such as a router bit or an end mill, guided by a computer numerical control (CNC) machine. The CNC machine follows a pre-programmed path, removing material along the way to create the desired shape or pattern. Routing can be performed on various materials, including wood, plastics, composites, and metals, depending on the type of router bit and the machine's capabilities. This process is widely used in woodworking, sign-making, and the production of custom-designed objects, as it allows for precise, repeatable, and efficient cutting of complex shapes and patterns. Routed designs can range from simple geometric forms to intricate, decorative elements, and the technique is often employed in the creation of furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, and other design-related applications. The advent of digital design tools and CNC technology has made routing more accessible and cost-effective, enabling designers and makers to create highly customized and detailed work with relative ease compared to traditional manual methods.

CNC, digital fabrication, computer-controlled machining, woodworking, sign-making, furniture design, architectural millwork

— John Armstrong

CITATION : "John Armstrong. 'Routed.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/routed?E=433028 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"