What’s the difference between CNC machining and 3D printing?
The most straightforward answer: 3D printing is a additive technology, CNC machining is a material reduction technology.
Differences in Material
Materials for 3D printing 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 so on.
Liquid resins, nylon powders and metal powders account for most of the market for industrial 3D printing.
Materials for CNC machining are mainly block material. By measuring the length, width and height of the components, then cut the corresponding size of the block material for machining.
Materials for CNC machining have more choice than 3D printing, most billet metal and plastic can be CNC machined, and the density of CNC machined parts will be better than 3D printing.
Parts differences due to different forming process
3D printing is a additive manufacturing, the principle is to cut the model into N layers / N multipoint, and then in order layer by layer / bit by bit to pile up, like building blocks.
Therefore, 3D printing can effectively process and produce structurally complex parts, such as hollow parts, while CNC is difficult to achieve hollow components processing.
CNC machining can’t machine right angle internally, which may have to consider the WEDM. So 3D printing can be helpful for parts with internal right angle.
If a parts have many curved surface, 3D printing will be a good choice.
Differences in post-processing
There are not many options of post-processing for 3D printed parts, generally are polishing, powder coating, deburring, dyeing and so on.
If you have inquiries about 3D printing and CNC machining, please feel free to contact us.