A Guide to Printing vs. CNC Machining
When manufacturing components for industrial applications, it can be challenging to determine whether a production process meets your needs. For plastic components, 3D printing and CNC machining are popular fabrication methods, each offering its own advantages and disadvantages. We’ll review the pros and cons of both processes, when one process may be more suitable than the other, and considerations to meet your project specifications.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Additive Manufacturing
3D printing is an additive manufacturing process where plastic materials are precisely added layer by layer. This process can be used across industries to produce complex or simple parts with reduced waste. Fully customizable, 3D printing delivers quick turnarounds for prototypes and plastic components.
Complex Advantages of 3D Printing
Perfect for intricate geometries, 3D printing is an alternative to traditional machining and fabrication methods. 3D printing is versatile and highly flexible, producing end-products to your specifications. This method offers low-waste operations for more environmentally responsible manufacturing. It is ideal for:
- Cost-effective solutions in small volumes
- When fewer than 10 identical parts are needed
- Working with challenging materials.
Disadvantages of 3D Printing for Your Parts
Despite its advantages, 3D printing may not be the right manufacturing solution for your project. Parts made with 3D printing feature a rough finished surface, which is unsuitable for liquid flow applications, as well as other disadvantages, such as:
- Limited material choices that reduce flexibility and performance
- Overall design has a lower tensile strength
CNC Machining Benefits & Drawbacks
Conversely, CNC machining is a subtractive process that shapes and forms components by removing layers of material. It is cost-effective and highly repeatable for complex parts in various industries. CNC machining can be achieved with milling, turning, and 5-axis technologies for precision fabrication with tight tolerances in high-performance components.
CNC Machining Parts for Precision Benefits
As a manufacturing process, CNC machining is the preferred method for low-effort production. Using a subtractive process, CNC machining provides various benefits to your finished component, including:
- Higher precision for tighter tolerances and more accurate parts
- Produces parts with enhanced mechanical properties
- Better dimensional accuracy for increased range of complexity
Drawbacks of CNC Machining Your Plastic Parts
CNC machining has fewer disadvantages. Due to its subtractive nature, CNC machining produces more waste during the manufacturing process. In some instances, it is also less cost-effective, with higher setup costs for small-quantity production runs.
When to Choose CNC Machining or Additive Manufacturing
The demands of your project are essential to determining whether CNC machining or 3D printing is the correct method to manufacture your specifications. While both processes offer significant advantages, one may provide more applicable benefits. Deciding between 3D printing and CNC machining to produce your components may explore these factors:
Additive Manufacturing may be best for your project if:
- Chosen materials are more difficult to machine
- Component has intricate geometries, complex configurations, or internal 3D structures
- Fast turnarounds are required
- Small quantities or prototype runs are required
CNC machining is better suited for your project when:
- The production run is high- or medium-volume
- When precision details affect functionality and performance
- A component needs resistances, certifications, or features that printed materials don’t offer
Things to Consider When Choosing a Fabrication Method
The right fabrication process for your project will meet your specifications, budget, and production requirements. It’s essential to explore the various needs of your project to determine whether 3D printing or CNC machining is more suitable for your finished components. Considerations for selecting a fabrication method include the following:
- Project specifications and demands
- Material requirements and options
- Production quantities
- Cost evaluation and budget
- Fabrication technology and expertise
