CNC machining is a process method for machining parts on CNC machine tools, using digital information to control the displacement of parts and tools for mechanical machining. An effective way to solve the problems of small batches of parts, complex shapes and high precision. So what is the difference between CNC machining and 3D printing?The difference between CNC machining and 3D printing.
1.The differences Of Material
3D printing materials are mainly liquid resin (SLA), nylon powder (SLS), metal powder (SLM), gypsum powder (full-color printing), sandstone powder (full-color printing), wire (DFM), sheet (LOM) ) and many more. Liquid resins, nylon powders and metal powders make up the vast majority of industrial 3D printing.
The material used for CNC machining is all a piece of sheet metal, a plate material. CNC machining is done by measuring the length, width, height and wear of the part and cutting out the appropriate size sheet for machining. General hardware and plastic sheets can be CNC processed, and the density of the formed parts is better than 3D printing.
2.The differences Of Post-Processing
3D printed parts have few post-machining options, generally polishing, painting, deburring, dyeing, etc.
CNC machining parts have a variety of post-machining options, in addition to grinding, oil spraying, deburring, electroplating, screen printing, pad printing, metal oxidation, laser engraving, sandblasting, etc.
3.The differences Of Operating Software
Most 3D printing slicing software is simple to operate, even amateurs can master the slicing software in the next two days under professional guidance. Because slicing software is currently optimised to be very simple and can automatically generate support, this is why 3D printing can be popular to individual users.
CNC programming software is much more complex and requires a professional to operate. It usually takes around six months to learn for a person with zero knowledge. In addition, a CNC operator is needed to operate the CNC machine.
Because the programming is so complex, a part can have multiple CNC machining options, while 3D printing is more objective because of the small amount of consumables when placed for machining.
4.Differences in parts due to the principle of moulding
As we mentioned before, 3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing. It is based on the principle of cutting a model into N layers / N multiple points and then stacking them one by one / bit by bit in sequence, just like building blocks. The same. 3D printing can therefore efficiently process structurally complex parts, such as skeletonised parts, whereas CNC machining of skeletonised parts is more difficult.
CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process in which a variety of tools running at high speeds are used to cut out the required parts according to a programmed tool path. Therefore, CNC machining can only produce rounded corners with a certain curvature and cannot directly machine internal right angles, which is achieved through processes such as wire cutting/sparking. CNC machining of external right angles is no problem. Therefore, 3D printing can be considered using internal right-angle parts.
The above difference between CNC machining and 3D printing is shared here for you, I hope this article can be of help.