3D printing has been a recent development gaining momentum in its usage and slowly giving people an option to choose from apart from the usual CNC machining services. 3D has its advantages over CNC machining, which might include its ability to be customised for smaller functions compared to CNC machines which are primarily used for massive machinery output.
Process
Both 3D printing and CNC machining services use CAD and CAM software. The difference between them is the CNC process involves the creation of an end product by taking material and subtracting it to create something, while 3D printers create a product from zero to an end product. Using the software CAD, CNC establishes a blueprint for the desired part and later uses CAM to cut the desired portion of the material. The CNC process involves subtraction, with the end product being a delicate part of the raw material. 3D printing works in an additional method opposite of the CNC service. It used CAD and CAM to add materials to its product till it reached its maximum.
Functions
CNC machining services and 3D printing services appear to perform similar functions. They have also seemed to serve different markets with their functionalities. 3D printers have to gain popularity among domestic people venturing in creative careers and the medical field, which deals with great prototyping. Since they cannot produce large quantities of final products simultaneously, they are ideal for a customised experience. They, therefore, create a bit of industrial experience for small corporations. CNC machines, on the other hand, are ideally built for large industrial significant purposes. Its market, therefore, includes high tech machinery, which creates a considerable difference in the type of markets that both of these services serve simultaneously.
Size and weight of products
A 3D printer does not create large products, and with the largest they can, they require a few days to do so. CNC machines, on the other hand, have a great capacity to create large parts that might be used for construction, aviation and automotive fields. These fields also trust CNC machines because they can manufacture heavy materials and have a heating management system to deal with heavier fabric.
3D had a significant disadvantage in their layering process, which is underdeveloped hence may not support a product made of a single material and therefore can not support a layer with denser materials put together as well.3D printing services are therefore ideal for small sizes of end products which are remarkably allowed by their layering process. This property, thus, creates a significant advantage for CNC machines over the 3D printer.
Proper finishing
The final product from a 3D printer requires hand-finishing, which might make them less efficient compared to products from CNC machines. CNC machines ensure a fully complete end product since, through their cycle, there is a refining element, therefore, making them efficient in the creation of specific and very accurate products. 3D printers will not serve the same purpose as a CNC machine in the production process based on sizes, loads of material and accuracy levels.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.