3D Printing or CNC Prototyping
3D printing is the new technology developing more and more popular in recent years, while CNC rapid prototyping is a mature technology for many years already. So what is the difference between 3D printing and CNC prototyping? How to choose?
Comparison between 3D printing and CNC prototyping
1.The most advantage for CNC is efficient and economic, and for3D printing is high degree of freedom. It can make the complex shape or feature which can not be manufactured by the traditional processes(including CNC).
2. 3D printing technology, such as selective laser melting (SLM),must need the support structure to fix the model when processing.The parts can not be manufactured without any supports, which is a major bottleneck for the further development in the manufacturing industry.
3.The traditional CNC prototyping has developed fora long period, which has a mature standard already, including spindle, tool interface, control system, etc. While the field of 3D print services are currently lack of such standard, and it will take a very long time to estimate the industry standard.
4.3D Printing has higher degree of freedom, which can print a variety of strange and impossible model or product, while CNC processing has much limit for this.In a word, the scope of 3D printing is much larger than CNC prototyping, as CNC is limited by the tool interface, etc.
5.Moreover, 3D printing is not as good as
6.Prototype CNC machining should be cheaper than 3D printing generally.
7. The result comes from the difference between these two processes is that 3D printing allows you to make the parts as you like without any shape or structure limit, while CNC Prototyping has the more advantages is in the economy and large models.
Main Difference Between 3D Printing and CNC Prototyping
Apart from the difference mentioned above, let’s find the most obvious difference between 3D printing and CNC prototyping:
6.CNC prototyping should be cheaper than 3D printing generally.
7. The result comes from the difference between these two processes is that 3D printing allows you to make the parts as you like without any shape or structure limit, while CNC Prototyping has the more advantages is in the economy and large models.
Main Difference Between 3D Printing and CNC Prototyping
Apart from the difference mentioned above, let’s find the most obvious difference between 3D printing and CNC prototyping: 3D printing is a type of additive rapid manufacturing, to do "add"on the model, similar to squeeze the tooth paste to make the final part by piling up the materials; while CNC prototyping is a type of subtractive manufacturing, to do subtraction on the workpiece by cutting or removing the materials from the model, then to have the final part.
3D Printing or CNC Prototyping?
Of course, we just talk the obvious difference between the 3D printing and CNC prototype. At TEAM Rapid, we provide both affordable 3D printing service and cnc prototyping services for your product development. Not sure about the best and cheapest way to make a prototype? Just to contact us, we will help you to find out it.
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