CNC Machine vs 3D Printing: Break it Down!

CNC milling machines make use of solid materials (example, aluminum, wood, alloy, etc) and very sharp rotatory tools or in other term, cutters, which are used to eliminate the part that is not required.

So we can say, milling is a subtractive method - in complete contrast to the additive manufacturing in 3D printing.

CNC mills are computer-controlled. The computer feeds them machine-specific code that controls the cutting tools (just like the G-code used by 3D printers). The models for CNC mills are created using 3D modeling software, so-called CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software applications.

Many types of 3D printers use different technologies and materials. The thing that every type has in common is that they start from scratch and build three-dimensional objects layer by layer (additive manufacturing)

CNC Machine vs. 3D Printing?

Precision -

CNC Milling Machine -

• CNC milling machines work on a wide variety of materials like alloys such as aluminum, steel, brass, copper, etc.

• Also, CNC is used on soft and hardwoods, thermoplastics, foams, acrylic, wax (for positive casting purposes).

• Different widths and materials are used for cutting blades for different subject materials, but the tool-to-machine interfaces are usually standardized - so the tools can easily be exchanged

3D Printing -

• We don't have much choice with 3D printers, as they are restricted to a few materials, typically thermoplastics (ABS, PLA, Nylon, etc) or could be resins as well.

• Thermoplastics are mixed with other materials such as wood, ceramics, metal to introduce a variety of articles.

• But the workpieces produced on a 3D printer will not be as robust as those who are cut out from a block of metal or wood.

• Also, a resin 3D printer will not support thermoplastics and vice - versa.

Pace -

• Speed is relative to materials being used and workpieces being produced.

• As CNC mills and 3D printers work on different materials and their method of working is different.

• However, 3D printing could take up to hours whereas CNC does a similar job within an hour.

• When chipping away materials, CNC mills are faster. In 3D printing, you build an object layer by layer, and it's a slow process to avoid printing problems.

Noise

• CNC machines can make extreme sounds depending on the material being used.

• Also, the dimensions of the material could prove to be a noise factor. Larger the radius, more the noise.

• The clinking noise arising from desktop 3D printer without casing is like a mild breeze in comparison.

Waste or Mess

• CNC works on the principle of scraping or cutting off pieces of material by a rotatory tool, resulting in a lot of garbage spurting away.

• Also not every CNC machine is enclosed when working on a block of material. Thus it's quite messy.

• Whereas 3D design is not messy by design, but if something goes wrong, It assures of less mess as compared to CNC machines.

#Tip: Always be assured when dealing with pennsylvania milling machines. The land of makers, creators and engineers to find the right tools for themselves.

Range of applications

• The range of application mostly overlaps when talking about CNC machines and 3D printers.

• CNC machines are useful when we want industrial precision, and the workpieces need to be extremely robust and heat resistant.

• 3D printing comes with a blast of applications around the world. It is used for bioprinting, building purposes, printing food and most importantly can be used in space.

So, decide yet?

The answer to the very first question is quite ambiguous. It's like asking whether a car or bike, yet both are vehicles, they are used for different purposes. Similarly, CNC machines and 3D printers make up for different purposes and quality assurance.

Hatfield Machinery For Premium Milling Machine Here In Pennsylvania

They sell new and old CNC machines in the Delaware Valley for over 25 years now. Milling machines, Boring mill, Bandsaws, Cold saws, CNC high production lathes, Vertical milling lathes and many more can be found right here at Hatfield Machinery.