Advantages of CNC machining compared to 3D printing

Author: MULAN - Plastic Molding Manufacturer

3D printing and CNC machining are relatively common production processes in the field of precision machining. There are similarities and differences between the two. For example, CNC machining is suitable for mass production. It can create many products in less time than 3D printing takes hours to create one product. Compared with 3D printing, what are the advantages of CNC machining? The main points are as follows: 1. Surface treatment advantages CNC machine tools provide better surface finish than 3D printing, because the material will not deform during processing.

The rigid material and cutting action keep the product together with less chance of errors or deformation. The surface finish of 3D printing is poor. The material bends, twists or twists because the material is layered heated plastic.

2. Prototype integrity is improved The CNC machine does not heat the material and transform it. The material stays stronger and has better structural integrity than a 3D printer, which must heat the material to build the intended product. 3D printers may also require foreign objects to be added to the mix in order to make prototypes, while CNC machines do not.

3. Prototyping made easier CNC machines are better suited for prototypes that can withstand structural testing because they carve designs out of the material. They can also build prototypes using the exact materials that will be used to make the final product. Structural testing and changes will be more accurate since they use the same material.

This can speed up the production process because the changes will be in the design rather than the material. 3D printers do not create structurally strong prototypes, so they cannot be physically tested. 4. Price and transaction volume do not represent price The cost of 3D printing depends on the volume of materials required.

The final product quantity does not determine the price of the CNC machine. For larger orders, 3D printing is not cost-effective, which is where CNC machines thrive. Fifth, the level of tolerance has increased. The precision of CNC machine tools is higher, so parts have better tolerances than 3D printers.

Prototypes that have shafts or connections to other parts will be of higher quality and more likely to fit the other parts due to the level of tolerance. 6. Quality favors CNC Larger layers are faster for 3D printers, but not as high quality as smaller layers. If you need a prototype, you have the option of getting it quickly but at slightly lower quality, or waiting longer to get a prototype of the quality your printer can deliver.

CNC machines allow you to choose the resolution of your items. They are available in varying qualities in a short amount of time, making them ideal for quick builds and instant test results. If you can choose which manufacturing method to use for your product, CNC machining is usually less expensive than 3D printing.

Generally speaking, CNC machining has the above seven advantages over 3D printing in the field of precision machining.