The manufacturing world continues to evolve with each year that passes. While this is great, it also forces businesses to choose between production methods that vary in cost and results. That’s why the CNC machining vs. 3D printing debate continues to be discussed.
Computer numerical control (CNC) machines utilize software to translate designs into precise finished products. Upon programming the design, machine operators oversee CNC machines as they cut and shape materials to bring the design to life. 3D printing involves creating a digital model and using a machine to create objects out of layers of materials.
Both production methods are similar in that you can create intricate parts based on digital design files. Follow along as we explore the many differences between CNC machining and 3D printing.
Differences Between CNC Machining and Additive Manufacturing
CNC machining and 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, are similar processes in many ways. However, everything from the materials used and production timeline to the performance of the machine varies between them. The differences between CNC machines and 3D printers come down to 3 primary factors, such as:
Operation
The biggest difference between CNC machines and 3D printers is how they work. 3D printing is called additive manufacturing because it adds materials in layers to create a shape. Conversely, CNC machines remove material from a large block to get the desired shape.
Both types of machines can work with plastic and metal. However, most people picture plastic when they think of 3D printers. CNC machines and 3D printers are similar in that you must carefully program them.
The average CNC machine is much bigger than the average 3D printer. However, some production facilities have large 3D printers that can accommodate massive parts.
Performance
While 3D printers are accurate and impressive, many industries still rely on CNC machining. CNC machining offers much more accuracy than 3D printing. This is primarily because of the wide range of movements that CNC machines offer across all axes.
For example, a Swiss CNC machine can have up to 5-7 axes, offering ultimate accuracy. CNC machines are also better than 3D printers if you need a specific surface finish. 3D printing hasn’t proven to be as great at finishing as CNC machines, especially if you require a smooth surface.
Keep in mind that CNC machines typically require more materials than 3D printers. That’s because 3D printers only use as much material as the part needs, whereas CNC machines produce parts from large blocks of material.
Output
Output is one of the most important factors in manufacturing. CNC machines are known for their high production output as they can produce some parts in minutes. Similarly, 3D printing certain parts reasonably quickly, but only if they’re small.
However, 3D printing is much slower than CNC machining if you require a large production run. Many CNC machining facilities utilize several machines and employ a large crew of machine operators. That’s why many industries forego 3D printing and solely focus on CNC machining.
For example, an aerospace company cannot count on a 3D printer to produce 1,000 parts nearly as quickly as CNC machines can. However, 3D printing is a great option for hobbyists and small businesses that don’t require a huge output.
Pros and Cons of CNC Machining
Pros
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- Unparalleled precision. The ability to create designs with programs like CAD and bring them to life with CNC machines leaves nothing to chance. That’s why industries with strict design regulations, like medical and aerospace industries, prefer CNC machines over 3D printers.
- Continuous production. Production hiccups can cost businesses thousands of dollars, if not more. Luckily, that’s not a problem with CNC machines as you can run them for 24 hours without stopping. An operator must oversee the process, but continuous production can maximize your output.
- Limitless capabilities. CNC machines are compatible with many materials, such as metal, foam, and plastic. This paired with the versatility of movements and the types of parts you can produce via CNC machining is hard to beat.
- Scalable production. CNC machines are much better for large-scale production than 3D printers. There is no quality dip when scaling from small to large production runs with CNC machines.
Cons
- Operator-dependent results. The results of CNC machining have a lot to do with the operator in charge. This is a great thing in many cases, but it can be negative if an inexperienced operator is in charge. Look for experienced shops with reliable machine operators to avoid this problem.
- High upstart cost. The initial investment in CNC machining can be quite high. However, hiring a shop to produce parts with CNC machines is a worthy investment because of the high output and impressive performance.
Pros and Cons of 3D Printing
Pros
- Accessibility. You can’t deny that 3D printers are quite accessible, especially in the past few years. Small units take up little space compared to CNC machines, which makes it easy for many shops to justify getting a 3D printer.
- Limited waste. 3D printers use much less materials than CNC machines because they only use the amount of material needed to make the part. This helps keep costs low and reduce the shop’s carbon footprint.
- Print as needed. 3D printers are perfect for businesses that only need to print parts as needed when they get orders. This eliminates the need to commit to large production runs, which creates storage challenges if you don’t sell parts quickly.
Cons
- Material limitations. Unfortunately, you have fewer materials to choose from when 3D printing than CNC machining. This is prohibitive if your industry has specific standards or if you want to use the best materials available in some cases.
- Low output. While you can find shops with huge 3D printers, they aren’t as widely available as small units. This makes it hard to find 3D print shops that can accommodate large production runs in a short timeframe.
CNC Machining Provides Dependable Results
At DureX, nothing makes us prouder than our long track record of delivering great results on production runs of all sizes. We cater to the automotive, medical, and aerospace industries, among many others. Call DureX at (908) 688-0800 to ask about our CNC machining capabilities and get a quote.