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Do you have any type of confusion in between CNC machining and 3D printing for producing several products? I know, it is hard and you might exactly fear this. Swords Precision is here to explain and help make the decision on which one might be better for your needs.
Advantages and disadvantages of CNC machining
CNC Machining is a process that uses computers to control tools. This machine can be used to manufacture parts with various materials like metal, wood and plastic. But before you choose, let us see some positive and negative points the CNC machining has.
Pros:
Dimensional Accuracy: CNC machines are extremely accurate. According to your requirements, they can make the parts in detail designed that meet perfect alignment with each other.
Volume: Because CNC machining requires minimal setup and can be run unsupervised, it lends itself well to higher production volumes of parts. It can actually produce a lot of parts in less time.
Materials — CNC machines are compatible with many different types of materials (metal, wood, plastics) This is exactly how you have too many options.
Cons:
Cost: Since you can work your CNC machining and CNC machining parts to be fast or slow. But the main reason many choose is its quite expensive, you are not cheap meaning if you plan to only create a few parts then it could definitely become cost prohibitive. Those setup costs add right up.
So here the main two reasons we prefer 3D printers over CNC machines: Time The time taken to setup and run CNC machines may be longer than 3D printers. The crappy part of this is that it could add time to getting your parts made, all together.
Milling limits: There are certain types that have compatibility and tools to be used with a few machines so the designs of a particular machine will effect. Therefore, if you hope to have parts of more complex shapes, it may be tough by using CNC machining process.
Pros and Cons of 3D Printing
Ok, so let us start with 3D Printing. Objects are printed when a 3D design is sent to the machine, which divides the object into hundreds of thousands of horizontal cross-sections. In this case only CAD files (that we will discuss in another post) have an answer for: what portion must be added and where. Some useful tips and Pros and Cons of 3D printing are as follows.
Pros:
The good thing is that some 3D printed products are highly customizable and unique. You will be able to create unique designs easily so that they can match your exact requirement.
3D printing is cost-effective: 3D part making can be cheaper, especially if you are only beginning to make a small number. Thanks to the lamination process, you will not spend time casting expensive molds or tools and of course money.
Flexible — I can easily change the design if I want to. You can easily and quickly test a new theory before making adjustments (if needed) to your stake and implement and move on from there.
Cons:
Limitations in Size: 3D printing might lack the capability to create large parts as well. Printable objects are limited to size.
Materials: All materials are not possible to print in 3D It can be restrictive when considering which material to use for components.
Weakness: Parts made by 3D printing can occasionally be weaker than those manufactured with Aluminum CNC parts. This is to be noted depending on the strength requirement of your products.
Choosing A Plan That Works For You
So now that you know the pros and cons of both het types of manufacturing process, lets think about what you need? If you are in need of highly accurate parts and have to do so at high volumes, CNC machining is probably the way to go. However, when you require quick and inexpensive custom parts, 3D printing is the way to go.
CNC Machining vs 3D Printing
Each of CNC machining and 3D printing provide their own added opportunities. It is used to manufacture precision parts one at a time or in bulk and has a very wide range of materials. That said, CNC machining is often more costly and setup times are longer so it might not always be the right solution for a given project. Unlike these mass production methods, 3D printing is used for fast prototypes and custom parts. However, remember that 3D printing can also have size constraints, and the parts maybe weaker than those created with CNC machining.
Considerations When Picking
Important Criteria to CompareWhen Making the Decision Between CNC Machining and 3D Printing
Materials — What materials do you need for your production? Which materials are crucial for your project? Be aware of the process each is designed to work with
Level of complexity: if the parts have very complex and many detailed features, you are maybe better using CNC machining as it has a higher level of accuracy on more complex features.
Cost:3D printing can actually be less expensive to use, even if you are trying to create custom parts. Smaller quantities of products are also a cost-efficient process.