CNC Machining: What is the Difference Between CNC Machining and 3D Printing?

When quoting a prototype project, it is necessary to select an appropriate CNC machining method according to the characteristics of CNC machined parts in order to complete the prototype faster and better. At present, we mainly carry out prototype machining, CNC machining, 3D printing, filming, fast mold, etc. Today we will talk about the difference between CNC machining and 3D printing.

First of all, 3D printing is a material increase technology and CNC machining is a material reduction technology, so they are very different in material.

1. Differences in materials

3D printing materials mainly include liquid resin (SLA), nylon powder (SLS), metal powder (SLM), gypsum powder (full color printing), sandstone powder (full color printing), wire (D FM), plate (LOM), etc. .Liquid resin, nylon powder and metal powder make up the vast majority of the industrial 3D printing market.

The materials used for CNC machining are all pieces of plates, that is, plate-shaped materials. By measuring the length, width, height and loss of CNC machined parts, the corresponding size plates are cut for CNC machining. 3D printing is preferred for CNC machining materials. Generally, metal CNC machining parts and plastic plates can be CNC machined, and the density of molded parts is larger than that of 3D printing.

2. Differences in CNC machined parts due to the molding principle

As we mentioned earlier, 3D printing is a kind of additive manufacturing. Its principle is to cut the model into N layers/N multi-points, and then pile them up layer by layer/bit by bit in order, just like building Like building blocks. Therefore, 3D printing can effectively process and produce CNC machining parts with complex structures, such as hollow parts, while CNC is difficult to achieve hollow CNC machining parts.

CNC machining is a kind of subtractive manufacturing. By operating various tools at high speed, the required CNC machining parts are cut out according to the programming tool. Therefore, CNC machining can only have rounded corners with a certain radian, and can not directly CNC process right angles, which can be realized by wire cutting/spark technology. Outside right angle CNC machining is no problem. Therefore, CNC machining parts with inner right angles can be considered for 3D printing CNC machining.

Surface, if the surface area of ​​CNC machined parts is relatively large, it is also recommended to choose 3D printing. CNC machined surface is very time-consuming, and if the experience of programming and operating the machine master is not enough, it is impossible to leave a clear pattern on the CNC machined parts.

3. Differences in operating software

Most 3D printing slicing software is easy to operate, and even laymen can use the slicing software proficiently for a day or two under professional guidance. Because slicing software is so easy to optimize, support can be generated automatically, which is why 3D printing can reach individual users.

CNC machining programming software is much more complicated and requires professionals to operate it. People with zero basic knowledge generally need to learn about half a year. In addition, a CNC machining operator is required to operate the CNC machining machine.

Due to the complexity of programming, a component can have multiple CNC machining solutions, while 3D printing will only be relatively objective due to the placement of a small part of the machining time consumables.

4. Differences in post-machining

There are not many options after 3D printing CNC machining parts, generally grinding, oil injection, deburring, dyeing, etc.

And the choice after CNC machining parts, in addition to grinding, oil injection, deburring, but also electroplating, silk screen, printing, metal oxidation, laser engraving, sand blasting, etc.

The above is the difference between our CNC machining and 3D printing.

For more information about CNC machining parts, small batch CNC machining parts, CNC hardware parts machining, please contact VMT, we can provide you with corresponding CNC machining parts service and technical evaluation.