CNC Machining vs. Additive Manufacturing – Which Do You Need 2022?

Additive manufacturing is evolving quickly. And this evolution has led manufacturers across industries to evolve their manufacturing processes and even choose between different kinds of printing processes. Choosing between it and additive manufacturing has become a hot topic. Many believe this machining is still the go-to process, while others are leaning more towards printing. There are many reasons why this debate has become a hot topic in recent times.

In this blog, we will discuss reasons whether this printing is preferable over CNC and which process you should be adopting going forward. 

Let’s take a look at some key areas before you decide between the two processes.

Physical Considerations

Geometry

Machining and additive manufacturing are both limited by their tool size. But the key difference is that the CNC tool has a limit of how small of a negative feature it can create, and this printing technique has a limitation of how small of a positive feature it can create. 

Its limit usually lies between a minimum of 3.2 mm and 1mm. In comparison, 3D printers can go a step further. Their limit lies between 0.8 mm and 0.25 mm. 

Surface Finish

For a smooth surface finish, it may be preferable as the tools that this machining uses are adept at producing a fine surface finish. On the other hand, additive manufacturing is much more preferable for producing parts that fit with accuracy. Exceptional smoothness is only achievable with CNC. For now. 

Tolerances

Though tolerance varies according to the machine that you are using, it is generally evident that dimensional tolerance features are the best in 3D printers. 3D printers’ tolerance can go down to a margin of 0.005. Give or take. But it is good to remember that it also depends on the part being produced, the material being used, and the part’s geometry. 

Loading

Structural parts have, for a long time, been much more convenient to produce through it. That is because it can usually produce load-bearing parts much more efficiently than this printing technique. That is why non-structural parts are a much more convenient option to produce through additive manufacturing.

Environment

In this circumstance, both processes stand equal. They are both capable of producing parts in metals and polymers. So, the process that is used depends upon which process is readily available. 

Temperature

Again, both are capable of handling the temperatures required to produce metals and polymers required. So, the process that you utilize depends upon which process is available first.

Economic Considerations

In-house

If the availability of the part is needed urgently, then it is the best process. This is considering all materials, operators and machines are available for use.

If the part can wait or if it isn’t urgent, then additive manufacturing is the preferable option, as it can open up the other machines to more urgent tasks or productions that might need attention.

This machining technique is much quicker at carving out the desired part than printing is capable of producing it. So, your choice depends on the urgency of the part production.

But additive manufacturing is quicker in the sense that you don’t have to do much compared to it to get the printer to produce a part. Whereas, CNC requires getting stock, writing the appropriate G-code, work holding, and much more before the part production process can begin.

Out-of-House

Outsourcing has its advantages. Additive manufacturing and CNC Machining services can take up the workload from you. Though the processes used to be lengthy, they have shortened considerably to where out-of-house machining or printing has become quite the preferable option. Especially to those that can’t accommodate their workload on their in-house machining or printing processes.

Conclusion

Though this printing technology has evolved quite a bit, there is something to be said about machining and its advantages. And so, until this printing technique evolves even further in those aspects, it will keep the edge in certain areas. But slowly, it seems as though additive manufacturing is making other processes more redundant due to its low costs of operation and efficiency.
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