CNC Machining vs 3D Printing: The Advantages of CNC Machining over 3D Printing

Why Choose CNC machining for your project? 

1. Better surface finish
CNC machines can provide a better surface finish than 3D printer, because the material will not deform in the machining process, rigid material and cutting motion keeps the part together, there is little error or deformation. While the surface finish of 3D printing is relatively poor due to the laminated heated plastic material.

1. 2. Improved prototype integrity
   The CNC machine does not heat the material, the created component can remain better structural integrity, while the 3D printer must heat the material to build the expected product, sometimes other materials need to be added and mixed to make prototypes.
2. 3. Prototyping is easier
   CNC machining is more suitable for prototypes that can withstand structural testing, it can build prototypes with the exact material used to create the final product. Structural tests and changes will be more accurate as they use the same material, this can speed up the production process, the change is in design rather than materials. 3D printers do not build prototypes with structural strength, so they can’t be physically tested
3. 4. Cost-effective
   The cost of 3D printing determined by the volume of material required, but the amounts of final product do not determine the price of CNC machines, for larger volume orders, CNC machining is more cost-effective.
4. 5. High precision
   CNC machining has higher precision, so the CNC machined parts have better tolerance than 3D printed products. Prototypes with shafts or connected to other parts will have higher quality and more likely to fit other parts.
5. 6. Reduce cost
   If you are going to choose a manufacturing method for your products, CNC processing is usually cheaper than 3D printing, also with high efficiency, accuracy, and economy.