CNC machining or 3D printing? which better?

Sure! Let's discuss the differences between 3D printing and machining today. And which manufacturing technology is better?

This is a topic we often see online, but in fact, the processing methods of these two technologies are completely different. CNC machining is subtractive manufacturing while 3D printing is additive manufacturing.

Let's analyze these two technologies from four aspects: material, precision, speed, and operability.

Firstly, in terms of materials, CNC machining has been around for over a hundred years and can be widely used for both metal and non-metal materials, while 3D printing is more suitable for engineering plastics and a small amount of metal powder.

Secondly, in terms of production speed, CNC machining uses subtractive production and can manufacture a product in just a few minutes, while 3D printing requires layer-by-layer construction. Even the fastest industrial 3D printer requires several hours to produce a product, which is very time-consuming.

Next is operability. It only takes a few months or even weeks for an ordinary adult to learn CNC machining, which determines that CNC machining has a wide range of practitioners. However, 3D printing requires more professional knowledge, such as film pressing, structure, materials, etc., which is not easy to cultivate talents and has a long cycle and low universality.

Finally, in terms of precision, a good CNC machine tool can achieve a machining accuracy of 0.005. In theory, 3D printing can also achieve this level of machining accuracy. However, in practice, due to the current materials and production technology limitations, 3D printing cannot achieve the same level of precision as CNC machining.

Now do you know which technology to choose?