Comparison of CNC machining and 3D printing
material differences
3D printing materials mainly include liquid resin (SLA), nylon powder (SLS), metal powder (SLM), wire (FDM), etc. Liquid resins, nylon powders and metal powders account for the vast majority of the market for industrial 3D printing.
The materials used for CNC machining are all pieces of plates. By measuring the length, width, height and wear of the parts, the corresponding size plates are cut for processing. There are more choices of CNC machining materials than 3D printing. General hardware and plastic sheets can be CNC machined, and the density of molded parts is better than 3D printing.
Part differences due to forming principles
3D printing is to cut the model into N layers/N multi-points, and then pile them up one by one in order, just like building blocks. Therefore, 3D printing can effectively process parts with complex structures, such as hollow parts, while it is difficult for CNC to process hollow parts.
CNC machining is subtractive manufacturing. Through various tools running at high speed, the required parts are cut out according to the programmed tool path. Therefore, CNC machining can only process rounded corners with a certain radian. CNC machining of outer right angles is no problem, but it cannot directly process inner right angles. In addition, for curved surfaces, CNC machining of curved surfaces is time-consuming, and if the programming and operator experience is not enough, it is easy to leave obvious lines on the parts. For parts with inner right angles or more surface area, 3D printing does not have the problem of processing difficulties.
The difference between the process principle of CNC and 3D printing
Some people compare 3D printing to stacking cake flour into a cake, and CNC is to cut a big cake into small cakes, which is a more appropriate analogy.
Differences in operating software
Most of the slicing software for 3D printing is easy to operate, and you can operate the slicing software proficiently in one or two days with professional guidance. The slicing software is currently optimized to be very simple, and supports can be automatically generated, which is why 3D printing can be popularized to individual users.
3D printing data processing software magics
CNC programming software is much more complicated and requires professionals to operate it. People with zero basic knowledge generally need to learn about half a year. In addition, a CNC operator is required to operate the CNC machine. The more commonly used ones are UG, MASTERCAM, CIMATRON, and domestic Jingdiao. The learning of these software has certain difficulty.
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