When creating a new product or part, you can use two different tools: a CNC machine or a 3D printer. Both are standard tools and have advanced to meet various production needs. However, you must understand how each works to choose the most suitable one for your needs.

CNC machines

CNC machines are popular manufacturing tools for small to medium and big-volume production. A CNC machine such as the X-carve carves the needed components from a large chunk of material. It produces robust parts with precise dimensions and is popularly useful in manufacturing industries such as woodworking, engraving, lettering, engines, and machinery. To create a part, the user first designs a 2D or 3D model through computer-aided software. After inputting the instructions, they are converted into specific commands by a software program that sends them to the CNC machine for execution. A CNC machine uses tools such as saws and drills to make the needed cuts. Standard CNC machines include drills, mills, routers, laser cutters, plasma cutters, lathes, and grinders.

3D printers

On the other hand, 3D printers are used in additive manufacturing to build products from the bottom to the top by adding layers. Creating parts such as implants and prosthetics is mostly useful in the medical industry. The food industry also uses 3D technology to process foods by squeezing food products layer by layer. Fashion designers and artists also use it to create art pieces. To create a part, the user first creates a 3D design using CAD or a 3D scanner. A 3D scanner analyzes the design and shape of the actual 3D item and creates a digital version from it. Photogrammetry software can also be used to examine photographs and create 3D objects. The design is then analyzed to spot any errors, such as holes.

A program converts the 3D model into a series of 2D layers to prepare it for the 3D printer, producing a G-code file with instructions for the printer to follow. The 3D printer reads the instructions and layers the material to create a 3D final product. Depending on the complexity of the project, the printing procedure may take hours to days.

Common differences between CNC machines and 3D printers

Size of parts

CNC machines can make a wide variety of parts, from small and delicate to high-volume. A 3D printer cannot create a larger part than its printing bed.

Materials

CNC easily adapts to new materials and works with various materials, from metal, wood, plastic, acrylics, thermoplastics, wax, alloys, and modeling foam. With 3D printers, you can only use plastics, metals, and polymers.

Speed

CNC machines are faster in large-scale production because they use an assembly line of machines producing each part. On the other hand, printers process each piece from start to finish, making it unsuitable for large-scale production.

Production

CNC machines are highly heat tolerant, achieving high accuracy and precision. However, 3D printers are still far from achieving that kind of precision.

Quality

CNC machines produce more polished parts since the materials are not deformed during the process. 3D printers sometimes fail, producing parts that tend to bend and warp.

The final take

Although CNC machines and 3D printers meet various needs, CNC machines are cost-effective, faster, and produce high-quality parts.