Additive Manufacturing vs. CNC Machining: Which is Right for You?

 

There are two common ways of making things: Additive Manufacturing (AM) and CNC Machining. Each has its advantages and can be preferable to do some types of work. It’s worth understanding how they’re different, so you can pick the right one for your project. AM constructs objects by adding material bit by bit, whereas CNC Machining Products whittles material away from a solid block to, bit by bit, bring a part into existence. As the industrial manufacturer,Yinchen will tell you how to select and use the method.

Additive Manufacturing Process vs. CNC Machining

Additive Manufacturing, the formal term for 3D printing, makes things by building up material, such as plastic or metal powder. This is an amazing technique to create intricate shapes that would be difficult to accomplish otherwise. CNC Machining on the other hand involves the material removal from a solid block using drills and lathe. It is highly precise and can produce strong, smooth parts.

A comparison of cost and time efficiency costs for AM and CNC Machining

CNC Machining is normally faster to utilise for a small number of parts as it does not require as much setup time. For bigger volumes, however, AM might be more cost competitive, because it can fabricate several parts at a time without requiring new tooling for each part. And, depending on the application, AM may not require as much material, which can be a cost-saver if materials are pricey.

When You Should Use Additive Manufacturing Instead of CNC Machining

As long as you require a complex design, or a lightweight part, going with AM might be your preference. It’s useful when you need to iterate quickly, too: You can update the digital model and print a new version in no time. But if you require parts that are very strong, or that have particularly smooth surfaces, CNC Machining Aviation Parts is likely the way to go.

Additive Manufacturing’s freedom of functionality and design unlocked

One neat feature of AM is that you can tailor each part without much added effort or spend. This has the advantage of being great for precise things such as medical implants that need a perfect fit, or for creating prototypes to test out new ideas. AM can also work with a bunch of different materials, so there are tons of options for what you can make.

Thinking about quality and accuracy of CNC Machining for your project

CNC Machining is famously accurate and precise. It’s a suitable option when you require very accurate parts and can withstand stress, such as in cars or planes. Although AM is improving at producing strong parts, CNC still rules when it comes to jobs that require the utmost strength and durability.

In considering whether to go with AM versus CNC machining Auto Parts, consider what factors are important for your project—be it customization, speed, cost, or strength. That way, you can see which method is right for you.