What is the difference between 3D printing and numerical control machine tool processing (CNC)?

3D printing is a new technology that has become popular in recent years, while CNC numerical control machine tool processing is a technology that has been used for many years. So what is the difference between 3D printing and CNC Machining? Which is better?

First of all, let‘s take a look at the characteristics of 3D printing prototype model proofing and numerical control machine tool machining CNC:

The first advantage of CNC is its efficiency, accuracy, and economy, while the advantage of 3D printing is its high degree of freedom, allowing it to create geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional processes, including CNC.

Second, 3D printing technologies, such as selective laser melting (SLM), require support structures during implementation, without which they cannot be manufactured, which is also a major bottleneck for their further development in the manufacturing industry.

Third, the traditional CNC machining industry has undergone a long period of development and now has a mature set of standards, whether it is a spindle, a tool interface, or a control system. However, the 3D printing field currently lacks such standards, and the establishment of standards often takes a long time.

To sum up:

1. 3D printing has a higher degree of freedom, allowing it to print a variety of bizarre and fantastical prototype models or product models. However, the degree of freedom of CNC machining has certain limitations. In short, the sample range of the prototype model should be larger than that of the prototype model. CNC is limited by tool interfaces, etc., and its range should be smaller than that of 3D printing.

2. What is not mentioned is that, in fact, 3D printing is not as good as CNC machining in printing whole parts, especially for super-large parts, which are generally difficult to achieve with 3D printing, while CNC machining does not have this problem.

3. CNC machining prototype samples offers more price advantages than 3D printing.

4. The difference between the two results in that 3D printing allows your imaginative work or product to be smoothly processed and displayed in front of you, while CNC has more advantages in terms of economy and large-scale prototype production proofing. You can make a comprehensive comparison.

With that said, let‘s take a look at another of the most obvious different areas of 3D printing prototype machining and CNC numerical control machine tool prototype machining: (additive manufacturing and subtractive manufacturing)

1. The 3D printing prototype model belongs to additive manufacturing, and the model is "added", similar to squeezing toothpaste, and the model prototype is piled up.

2. The CNC machining prototype model belongs to subtractive manufacturing. To "subtract" the model is to continuously cut, cut, and remove the entire raw material, and finally process the model.

OK, that is already very clear, I believe you also understand the 3D printing prototype production model proofing processing VS numerical control machine tool processing (CNC) What is the difference between the two, who is additive manufacturing, who is subtractive manufacturing.