The Benefits of CNC Machining over 3D Carving Machine
By: Jan Hajek | Date Posted: October 2, 2020
Table of Contents
Did you know that the first 3D printer was created in the mid-1980s? 3D printing became very popular because it brought many benefits to the world of manufacturing. Nowadays there is another technology, CNC machining that has a few benefits over a 3D carving machine.
Keep reading to learn the main benefits to see which manufacturing option is best for you and your needs.
1. Speed
One of the major benefits of using a CNC machine like Inventables is the speed. It is a lot faster than 3D printing, making a bigger difference when you are working with larger-scale production.
CNC cutting machine produces very quickly on an assembly line. When you need to produce a large volume of items, you will get much better results with CNC machining. 3D printers, on the other hand, build layer by layer, meaning that it can take a 3D printer the same amount of time to create one piece while a CNC machine creates hundreds of pieces.
2. Materials
Another benefit is that CNC machining works with a much larger range of materials than 3D printers. 3D printers can only work with metals, plastics, and polymers. CNC machining can work with all of those plus metals, wood, acrylic, modeling foam, metal alloys, thermoplastics, and machining wax.
You will need different 3D printing machines every time you will use a different material, but with CNC machining, you can adapt the machine to different materials.
3. Diversity
With CNC machining, you can work with larger parts than 3D printing. 3D printers can only use the area of the printing bed to create parts. The assembly line can be used to create a large number of larger parts quickly.
Although you can create larger parts with 3D printing, you have to break them down into smaller components to print and then assemble them later. Depending on how many large pieces you have to produce, it can end up costing you a lot of time if you attempt to use a 3D printer instead of CNC machining.
The parts that are created with CNC machining are durable, precise, and reliable.
4. Quality
CNC machines can produce products with a more polished look because they have a much higher heat tolerance. Even with high heat, the materials do not get deformed during the manufacturing process. Materials with 3D printers, on the other hand, tend to get warped, and the layer lines might become visible, especially if the product has curves in it.
Now You Are Familiar With the Benefits Of a 3D Carving Machine.
As you can see there are quite a few benefits CNC machining has over a 3D carving machine. You can now make an informed decision about whether CNC machining or 3D printing is best for you.
Did our article help you out today? Please browse around the rest of this section for some more helpful reads.
FAQs
What is CNC machining?
Computer numerical control (CNC) is the automated control of machining tools (such as drills, lathes, mills) and 3D printers using a computer. A CNC machine processes a piece of material (metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, or composite) to meet specifications by following a coded, programmed instruction and without a manual operator directly controlling the machining operation.
What are the advantages of CNC?
1. High Production and Scalability
2. More Capability
3. Lower Costs
4. Better Safety
5. Low Maintenance
6. Versatility
7. Reliable Endurance
3D printing vs. CNC machining
The key difference between 3D printing and CNC machining is that 3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing, whilst CNC machining is subtractive. This means CNC machining starts with a block of material (called a blank) and cuts away material to create the finished part. To do this, cutters and spinning tools are used to shape the piece. CNC machining advantages include great dimensional accuracy and many compatible materials, including wood, metals, and plastics.
Thank you for reading!
