CNC vs 3D Printing – How to Decide September 7, 2023May 4, 2021 Subtractive manufacturing (computer numerical control, or CNC machining) has been one of the most preeminent manufacturing methods for the past several decades. Introduced in the 1940’s, subtractive manufacturing was used as a tool to machine highly complex parts that require optimal precision. Essentially, the process involves subtracting or cutting from a block of material to create an end product. Today, subtractive manufacturing comes in many different forms (milling, turning, laser cutting, wire EDM, and carving) and is used for a wide variety of prototyping, production and assembly line applications. Additive manufacturing (3D printing or rapid prototyping) is a newer fabrication process, and is experiencing significant growth due to technology and material advancements. Introduced in the 1980’s as a tool for product developers to physically reproduce prototypes from their digital designs, 3D printing has become commonplace due to its speed, flexibility and cost advantages. Antithetical to subtractive manufacturing, AM deposits materials only where it is necessary on the build platform and typically does so layer-by-layer. AM comes in many different technology forms (FFF, SLA, DLP, MJF, etc.) and is capable of printing a plethora of polymer and metal materials. Both technologies have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to a product development and the manufacturing environment. There are certainly arguments to be made to determine which process is ideal for your business or application, but it’s important to note that these technologies are oftentimes complementary and can exist side-by-side. You can identify ways for these technologies to benefit your department by looking at several factors, such as business model, company maturity, design development or production process. For example, a machine shop will use CNC machining for voluminous production requirements and alternatively, use 3D printing to produce parts that are designed with advanced complexities or geometries that are just not possible with subtractive technology. To better understand how your department can optimize current and new technologies, we have provided a brief guide to help discover which technology will provide the most benefit to your application. Subtractive and additive manufacturing is very broad so, for reference, this guide will compare general CNC machining vs. FFF thermoplastic 3D printing. Prototypes of Office Furniture at Steelcase Prototyping When to use subtractive manufacturing? CNC machining equipment can be expensive and is typically reserved for production purposes. Due to setup time and operator oversight, CNC machining requires a more hands-on approach. However, if the equipment is available - subtractive technology is a viable option due to part precision and build tolerance. It’s an excellent piece of machinery but could be considered overkill due to the cost or time associated for setup. When to use additive manufacturing? 3D printing was strategically designed for rapid prototyping because CNC equipment was either unavailable or too expensive to operate. Although some subtractive technologies are theoretically faster, additive manufacturing provides an advantage when it comes to design and cost efficiency requirements. Many product developers will create several iterations of a prototype and print them overnight for review the next day. In addition, the cost is significantly lower than subtractive manufacturing—especially when it comes to revisions. It’s always important to compare speed, quality and cost. While the act of fabrication with CNC is faster than AM, set up time is an important consideration and holistically, will take longer compared to 3D printing. It’s possible to argue that subtractive manufacturing may produce higher tolerance parts (not always the case), but additive manufacturing is certainly the ideal choice when it comes to cost and multiple revisions. And let’s face it—no one gets their prototype perfect the first time. Check Mark Prototyping. Subtractive Manufacturing Additive Manufacturing Speed to Build Quality of Build Cost Effectiveness Overall Production When to use subtractive manufacturing? As previously mentioned, subtractive manufacturing technologies such as CNC are predominantly used for voluminous production. Setting up a CNC machine requires collecting stock, writing G-code, tooling and post processing so the labor time is longer compared to AM. However, once the machine is operational, it is considerably faster and part size will no longer be a factor. It’s always important to consider the breakeven cost point when it comes to technology comparison, but for the most part, CNC is a great tool for production purposes. When to use additive manufacturing? Material advancements in AM have led to fascinating production applications with many companies operating in the automotive, aerospace and consumer product markets. For example, the aviation industry has adopted 3D printing to print lighter weight frames, doors and brackets that capitalizes on the advantages of selective material deposition. These advantages enable the production of highly complex designs that are traditionally not possible with CNC. Customized components and short run production requests are also possible with 3D printing. However, the major limitation for high volume production with 3D printing remains to be the cost per part. JK Automotive 3D printed this center console for a classic Ford Bronco If you are looking for assistance to determine which technology is right for your production application, we recommend benchmarking your part for a cost and time analysis. This is common in the marketplace, and will help you better understand the technological and economical benefits associated with either subtractive or additive manufacturing.There are many factors such as size, quantity, time, materials and post processing that need to be accounted for and we suggest contacting the experts. Intangibles What is the intrinsic value of subtractive manufacturing? Next to injection molding, subtractive machining is the most cost effective mass production technology in the industrial world. It’s been a tried-and-true method for generations. There isn’t a machine shop or service manufacturer that doesn’t either operate or outsource subtractive manufacturing for production purposes. It’s commonality within industry means that it is easier to find technically competent resources. Just by sheer volume, subtractive manufacturing is inherently more accessible. What are the advanced benefits of additive manufacturing? The limitless design freedom available with AM is unparalleled to any other fabrication technology. The ability to strategically deposit material and design with support structures breaths life to innovation and engineering possibilities. Working gears, complex airflow channels, lightweighting with honeycomb structures and many more applications are possible with additive manufacturing. It enables engineers to think outside the traditional box of machining and identify new ways to produce better and higher performing parts. Conclusion One size does not fit all when it comes to fabrication technologies. Injection molding and CNC machining have been the most cost effective mass production methods available to industry, while 3D printing adoption has grown significantly within the past decade. Amongst other variables, it’s important to compare size, quantity, functionality and purpose to establish what makes the most sense for you. If you address these questions by industry, you may want to consider the following: The consumer product industry is experiencing massive growth with personalized footwear, accessories and electronics with the use of 3D printing. The automotive and transportation markets have invested significant time and resources to identify large format 3D printers that can replace bonding, welding and tooling requirements necessary on the production floor. Custom AM materials with superior mechanical properties have led to major advancements in biomedical and healthcare approved medical devices and applications. What industry are you in? Want to Learn More About 3D Printing vs CNC Milling? CNC has been the backbone of manufacturing for decades. While more recently, additive manufacturing has started to gain traction. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of both manufacturing methods in terms of cost, materials, lead times, and more. Don't miss out, read the eBook here: CNC AND 3D PRINTING - TWO MANUFACTURING METHODS Talk to an expert to learn more about how 3D printing can benefit your prototyping or production needs today. Get In Contact Now FAQs Is CNC better than 3D printing? Both technologies have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to a product development and the manufacturing environment. There are certainly arguments to be made to determine which process is ideal for your business or application, but it’s important to note that these technologies are oftentimes complementary and can exist side-by-side. You can identify ways for these technologies to benefit your department by looking at several factors, such as business model, company maturity, design development or production process. For example, a machine shop will use CNC machining for voluminous production requirements and alternatively, use 3D printing to produce parts that are designed with advanced complexities or geometries that are just not possible with subtractive technology. Will 3D printing replace CNC machining? One size does not fit all when it comes to fabrication technologies. Injection molding and CNC machining have been the most cost-effective mass production methods available to industry, while 3D printing adoption has grown significantly within the past decade. Amongst other variables, it’s important to compare size, quantity, functionality and purpose to establish what makes the most sense for you. If you address these questions by industry, you may want to consider the following: The consumer product industry is experiencing massive growth with personalised footwear, accessories and electronics with the use of 3D printing. The automotive and transportation markets have invested significant time and resources to identify large format 3D printers that can replace bonding, welding and tooling requirements necessary on the production floor. Is CNC same as 3D printing? The basic difference between 3D printing and CNC is by its principles. 3D printing works on additive manufacturing principle. Whereas CNC works on subtractive manufacturing principle. CNC machining is a subtractive process, starting with a chunk of metal and using programming controls (CNS Computer Numerical Control) which controls the machine tools movements in three dimensions, removing material until the object is complete. 3D printing is additive, and the most common sort uses a plastic filament and melts it’s via a hot end extruder. The movement of the extrude are controlled by the printer so that a line of plastic is laid down in a programmed shape, layer by layer. What are some advantages of 3D printing over CNC? Today, more companies in a variety of industries are embracing the 3D printing process as it presents many significant advantages over the more traditional manufacturing methods of subtractive manufacturing and injection molding: Speed Cost Flexibility Competitive advantage Tangible design and product testing Quality Consistency Risk Reduction Accessibility Sustainability Is CNC or 3D printing cheaper? Though on average 3D printing is cheaper, costs depend on how many parts are required and how quickly you need them. For larger quantities (higher double digits to 100s) CNC is likely to be more appropriate. For low volumes, 3D printing is more appropriate and lower cost. 3D printing is also more appropriate if you need your prototypes or parts very quickly. There are additional factors however that make comparing the two technologies more difficult. These include materials varying in cost (from cheap materials like ABS to materials that can cost $500/kg like PEEK) and repairing and changing machinery (such as CNC heads). What is the difference between CNC machining and 3D printing? 3D printing is known to be simpler to use than CNC machining. This is because once the file is prepared, you just need to choose the part orientation, fill, and supports if needed. Then once printing has commenced, no supervisor is required, and the printer can be left until the part is finished. Post-processing requirements depends on the technology. However, CNC machining is a far more labour-intensive process. A skilled operator is required to choose between different tools, rotation speeds of tools, the cutting path, and any repositioning of the material the part is being created from. There are also post-processing techniques which can require more time. Will metal 3D printing replace CNC machining? CNC and 3D printing use the same core technologies, so advances in one also pushes advances in the other. If considered whole manufacturing process of metal parts, it will appear that metal 3D printing and CNC machining are somehow two different things, and one cannot replace the other. Metal 3D printing is constantly improving and can replace some of the processes but can still require CNC machining. Should I buy a 3D printer or CNC machine? It depends on what you want to do. The short answer can be “3D printer”, because it is very versatile. Long answer is that there are dozens of factors that could affect your decision. In general, if you are undecided, you would probably be happier with a 3D printer. CNC routers need highly skilled specialists, they produce a lot of noise and waste and can only be used in a workshop environment. A 3D printer is slower, but producing low volumes is a lot cheaper. 3D printers can be operated after basic training and with lower emissions they can also be placed in an office surrounding. About the author: Dominik Stürzer Head of Growth Marketing Dominik is a mechanical engineer whose passion to share knowledge turned him to content creation. His first 3D prints started in university. Back then the 3D printers were big on the outside and small on the inside. With BigRep the machines are finally big in their possibilities.
