Both 3D printers and computer numerical control machines have revolutionized manufacturing processes.

3D printing is the process of making a solid object from a digital file. You can make complex shapes using less material than other manufacturing methods.

CNC machining involves programming CNC tools like lathes, mills, and plasma cutters to create parts with a much higher degree of accuracy, consistency, and efficiency than would be possible with manual manufacturing processes.

3D printing and CNC machining both have many benefits. Let us take a closer look at the key differences between the two manufacturing methods. u

The Subtractive and Additive Methods

The main difference between 3D printing and CNC machining is the former is an additive manufacturing process while the latter is a subtractive process.

3D printing involves items being made layer by layer. An energy source like a laser or heated extruder is used to solidify the layers to create the finished item.

CNC machining begins with a block of material that is cut away to create the finished item. Cutter and spinning tools are used to shape the workpieces.

The Cost

Whether the cost is higher for 3D printing or CNC machining depends on various factors.

For instance, if you need to only create low volumes, 3D printers could be the more affordable option whereas if you are producing high volumes, such as hundreds of items, CNC machines could work out as less expensive.

Also, when comparing costs between CNC machining and 3D printing, do not forget that you can purchase used CNC machines from leading brands that can work out as the most cost-effective option.

When considering the costs of 3D printing and CNC machining, you also need to take the cost of materials and repairs into account.

The Materials

Both 3D printers and CNC machines are compatible with a broad range of materials.

3D printing mostly uses plastics, but other materials can be used. In fact, the 3D printing landscape is changing rapidly and 3D printing metals are now becoming more affordable and more widely used by manufacturers.

So, you could 3D print parts or manufacture parts with CNC tools that are made from materials like nylon, acrylic, polycarbonate, aluminum, stainless steel, or zinc alloy titanium, for instance.

You can also use softwoods, hardwoods, and foams with CNC machining. Other material options for some sophisticated 3D printers include ceramics and sand.

While a wide variety of materials can be used in both 3D printing and CNC machining, in general, CNC machines can handle more materials than 3D printers at present.

Tolerances and Complexities

When it comes to tolerance, CNC machining is superior to all 3D printing technologies.

For instance, powder bed fusion 3D printing methods like DMLS and SLS are limited in terms of build volume. Even the most sophisticated 3D printing processes, such as FDM, are not as good as CNC machining in terms of accuracy and size of parts.

However, when it comes to creating parts that involve high geometric complexity, 3D printers can perform better than CNC machines. 3D printing technologies like multi-jet fusion and SLS can even do that without the need for support structures.

Summing Up

At the end of the day, whether 3D printing or CNC machining is the best type of manufacturing process comes down to the type of items you are making, the types of materials you are using, and the design complexities you need to create.

You will also want to take the cost factor into account. Once you know what you will be using your equipment for, you can determine which tools are best for the jobs at hand.

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