Advantages of CNC machining vs. 3D printing

CNC machining and 3D printing introduction

CNC machining and 3D printing are the more common production processes in the field of precision machining today. Both have similarities and differences. For example, CNC machining is suitable for mass production, it can create many products in a shorter period of time. 3d printing takes hours to create a product. What advantages does CNC machining offer over 3D printing?

The main points are as follows:.

1. Surface Finishing Advantages

CNC machines provide a better surface finish than 3D printing because the material is not deformed during the process. Rigid material and cutting action to keep the product up, and less chance of error or deformation. 3d printing surface finish is poor. The material bends, twists, or warps because the material is layered with heated plastic.

2. Prototype integrity improved

CNC machines do not heat and modify the material. The material stays stronger and has better structural integrity than 3D printing, which must heat the material to build the intended product. 3D printers may also need to add foreign objects to the mixture to create a prototype, whereas CNC machines do not.

3. Prototyping becomes easier

CNC machines are better suited for prototypes that can withstand structural testing because they carve the design out of the material. They can also build prototypes using the exact materials that will be used to make the final product. Structural tests and changes will be more accurate because they use the same materials. This can speed up the production process because the changes will be to the design and not to the material.3D printers do not build prototypes with structural strength, so they cannot be physically tested.

4. Relationship between price and volume

The cost of 3D printing depends on the volume of material required. The volume of the final product does not determine the price of the CNC machine. For larger orders, 3D printing is not cost-effective, which is exactly what happens when CNC machines thrive.

5. Rising tolerance levels

CNC machine tools are more accurate, so parts have better tolerances than 3D printers. Medium to tolerance levels, prototypes with shafts or connections to other parts will be of higher quality and more likely to fit other parts.

6. Quality favors CNC

The larger layers of a 3D printer are faster, but not as high quality as the smaller layers. If you need a prototype, you have the option of getting it quickly but at a slightly lower quality, or waiting longer to get the best quality prototype the printer can offer.CNC machines allow you to choose the resolution of the item. They can deliver different qualities in a short amount of time, making them ideal for quick builds and instant test results.

7. Reducing costs

If you have a choice of which manufacturing method to use for your product, CNC machining is usually cheaper than 3D printing Overall, cnc CNC machining has the above seven advantages over 3D printing in the field of precision machining.