How to Choose Between 3D Printing and CNC Machining When It Com

• Posted by Dani Bogdan December 9, 2022 - Filed in Technology - #machining  - 535 views

  Machining, also known as computer numerical control (CNC) machining, is a popular type of subtractive manufacturing. Because it offers excellent repeatability, high precision, and access to a wide range of materials and surface finishes, CNC is one of the manufacturing methods that is used the most frequently. This is because it can be used for everything from prototyping to high-volume production. Adding layers of material allows for the construction of various parts. The use of a computer numerically controlled machine (CNC) should be the standard practice for machining any and all components that can be produced using the subtractive manufacturing method.

   

  

   

  When subtractive manufacturing is unable to produce the parts that are required, such as highly complex topology-optimized geometries, additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) is the only time that it makes sense to use additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing). This is the case in the majority of cases. When the lead time is very short, parts that have been printed using 3D printing can be delivered within 24 hours. This is possible because of the technology's ability to print in layers. When it comes to the production of small batches, 3D printing is typically a machining more cost-effective option than CNC, especially when a low price point is a requirement.

   

  Using CNC machining to produce parts results in parts that have greater dimensional accuracy and better mechanical properties. However, this typically results in a higher cost, particularly if the part count is low. This is especially the case when computer numerical control (CNC) machining is used on a smaller number of components. The shape of the CNC machine tool dictates that the inside corners of the part will always have a radius; however, the outside surfaces of the part can have sharp edges and can be machined to be very thin. This is because the CNC machine tool has a concave shape.

   

  There are many different types of 3D printing systems, each of which offers a different level of dimensional accuracy. However, industrial 3D printing has the ability to produce components with tolerances that are extremely precise. The size of the end effector (for example, the diameter of the nozzle in FDM or the size of the laser spot in SLS) places a limit on the smallest wall thickness that can be printed using a 3D printer.

   

  In addition to metals, CNC processing is able to handle processing materials such as thermoplastics, acrylic resins, cork and hardwood, modeling foam, and processing waxes. Other processing materials include cork and hardwood. Both softwood and hardwood can be worked with using CNC processing. When producing parts with particular technologies, a wide variety of materials, such as ceramic, wax, sand, and composites, can be incorporated into the manufacturing process. A large variety of material types, each of which possesses its own distinctive collection of physicochemical properties.

   

  When compared to CNC parts, mechanical properties can sometimes be inferior, and when designing parts for CNC machining, there are many constraints that need to be taken into consideration. Mechanical properties can also be inferior when compared to CNC parts. These constraints include holding or mounting points, tool entry and clearance, and the inability to machine square corners due to the geometry of the tool. Certain geometries simply cannot be machined using a CNC machine because the tool does not have access to all of the component's surfaces. You will need to rotate the component in the vast majority of situations in order to access different sides of it. The vast majority of manufacturing processes, such as FDM or SLM/DMLS, require the creation of support structures, which are later removed during the post-processing stage of the manufacturing process. Plastic free-form and organic geometries can be easily fabricated using polymer-based powder bed fusion processes such as selective laser sintering (SLS) or metal jet fusion (MJF). This is because these geometries do not require supports during the fabrication process. Producing highly complex geometries is made possible through the use of 3D printing, which is one of the most significant advantages offered by this manufacturing method.

   

  When an order is being processed by CNC machining or 3D printing, the following steps are taken behind the scenes:An experienced operator or engineer is required to first consider the tool selection, spindle speed, cutting path, and part repositioning when performing CNC machining. This is done so that the machine can produce the desired results.

   

  The machine operator is the one who is responsible for preparing the digital file at the beginning of the process of 3D printing. The cleaning and post-processing of the part after it has been printed via 3D printing requires the most amount of manual labor compared to any other step in the 3D printing manufacturing workflow. This comes at the end of the CNC Machining Stainless Steel printing process after everything has been finished.

   

  

   

  The table that you have just read is a comparison of the characteristics that are shared by the processes of CNC machining and 3D printing. When it comes to metals, CNC machining is cost-competitive even when dealing with relatively small quantities; however, geometry limitations still exist when dealing with large quantities, and other techniques for forming are more ideally suited. Even for relatively small orders, CNC machining offers cost-effective solutions.