1. Material differences, 3D printing materials mainly include liquid resin (SLA), nylon powder (SLS), metal powder (SLM), gypsum powder (full color printing), sandstone powder (full color printing), wire (DFM), sheet (LOM) and so on. Liquid resins, nylon powder and metal powder account for most of the industrial 3D printing market. And CNC machining materials are all a piece of plate, that is, plate material, by measuring the length, width and height of the parts + consumption, and then to cut the corresponding size of the plate for processing.
CNC machining material selection is more than 3D printing, general hardware and plastic plates can be CNC machining, and the density of molding parts is better than 3D printing.
2. Parts differences caused by the forming principle, 3D printing is an additive manufacturing. Its principle is to cut the model into N layers /N points, and then pile up layer by layer in sequence/bit by bit, just like building blocks. Therefore, 3D printing can effectively process and produce parts with complex structure, such as hollow parts, while CNC is difficult to achieve hollow parts processing.
CNC machining is material reduction manufacturing, through high-speed operation of a variety of tools, according to the programming knife path cut out the required parts. Therefore, CNC machining can only process a certain radian rounded corner, and can not directly process the inner right Angle, to achieve through wire cutting/sparks and other processes. Outside right Angle CNC machining is no problem. Therefore, parts with inner right angles can be considered for 3D printing. There is a curved surface, if the surface area of parts is more recommended to choose 3D printing, CNC machining surface processing is very time-consuming, and if the programming and operating machine master experience is not enough, it is easy to leave obvious lines on the parts.
3. Differences in operating software
3D printing slicing software is mostly simple to operate. Even laymen can skillfully operate slicing software in one or two days under professional guidance. Because slicing software is now optimized to be very simple, the support can be generated automatically, which is why 3D printing is popular for individual users.
CNC programming software is much more complex, need professional personage to operate, the person of zero foundation should learn the time of half a year or so commonly. Also need a CNC operator master to operate CNC machine. More commonly used UG, MASTERCAM, CIMATRON, and domestic fine carving. These software are difficult to learn.
4. Differences in post-processing 3D printing parts post-processing options are few, generally grinding, oil spraying, deburring, dyeing and so on. And CNC Machining Parts post-processing options are varied, in addition to grinding, oil spraying, deburring, electroplating, screen printing, pad printing, metal oxidation, radium carving, sandblasting and so on. Listen to the way has successively, the skill profession has specialized. CNC machining and 3D printing each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right processing technology plays a vital role in your hand plate project.
