Plastic CNC Processing VS 3D Printing, What’s The Best Choice?

In the previous article SUN-YEE TECH introduced two common ways of processing plastics in small quantities, plastic CNC processing and 3D printing. Both programs have their advantages. How do you choose the most suitable way? When considering prototypes and small lot production, low cost, fast delivery, and superior quality production methods are undoubtedly the most desirable choices. However, manufacturing prototypes and volume parts is a complex production process.

Plastic CNC Processing VS 3D Printing, What’s The Best Choice?

In the previous article SUN-YEE TECH introduced two common ways of processing plastics in small quantities, plastic CNC processing and 3D printing. Both programs have their advantages. How do you choose the most suitable way?

When considering prototypes and small lot production, low cost, fast delivery, and superior quality production methods are undoubtedly the most desirable choices. However, manufacturing prototypes and volume parts is a complex production process.

Plastic CNC Processing VS 3D Printing

Depending on a variety of objective influences, we’ve compiled a list of 7 factors to help you understand plastic CNC processing and 3D printing.

  • Precision – Plastic CNC Processing
  • Part Complexity – 3D Printing
  • Speed – 3D Printing
  • Size – CNC Plastics Processing
  • Strength – CNC Plastics
  • Material Selection – CNC Plastics Processing
  • Environmental – 3D Printing

Precision

There is no doubt that CNC machined parts have always been known for their precision.CNC machining controls the trajectory of the tool through a computer program, allowing for precision in every cut.3D printing, although also produced through a computer program, allows for precision, but it is not consistent. This is because 3D printing materials are susceptible to temperature and storage status.

Complexity of parts

CNC can machine parts with many complex surfaces. However, the more complex the part the more programming is required to design the tooling and movement paths increasing labor time and therefore price. In contrast, 3D printing has very few geometric constraints and is able to print freeform shapes in plastic with ease.

Speed

3D printing is superior in terms of speed. Once the file is prepared, the operator selects the part orientation, infill and support as needed, and it runs easily and unattended.CNC machining requires trained operators to program the computer before production can begin, which extends machining time.

Size

Both are not significantly restrictive in small-sized parts. For larger parts, 3D printing requires the design to be assembled by splitting multiple components and printing them together, while CNC machining machines are generally larger and take up more physical space, allowing them to be machined in a single pass.

Strength

While CNC-machined parts are structurally tightly integrated and exhibit better mechanical and thermal properties, 3D-printed parts have the potential for structural defects in the layer-to-layer structure, which can weaken the strength of the part.

Range of Material Options

CNC machining is capable of producing almost any plastic material, whereas 3D printing has a much narrower range of material options.

Environmentally Friendly

CNC, as a subtractive machining process, inevitably wastes a portion of material through cutting. 3D printing’s additive manufacturing maximizes material savings and reduces material waste.

 

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