"What's the difference between CNC precision machining and 3D printing?"

The most straightforward answer: 3D printing is a kind of additive technology, CNC precision machining is a kind of reduction technology. Which is better?

Differences in parts due to forming principles

Since 3D printing is additive manufacturing, the principle is to cut the model into N layers /N more points and then stack them up in sequence, layer by layer/bit by bit, like building blocks. Therefore, 3D printing can effectively process and produce parts with complex structure, such as hollowed out parts, while CNC is difficult to realize the hollowed out parts processing.

CNC machining is the reduction of material manufacturing, through the high-speed operation of a variety of tools, according to the programming knife path cutting out the required parts. Therefore, CNC precision machining can only process the rounded corner with a certain radian, but can not directly process the inner right Angle, which should be realized through wire cutting/sparking and other processes. External right Angle CNC machining is fine. Therefore, parts with inner right angles can be considered to choose 3D printing processing production. There is the surface, if the parts surface area is more also recommended to choose 3D printing, CNC machining surface is very time-consuming, and if the programming and operating master is not enough experience, it is easy to leave obvious lines on the parts.

No wonder some people say that 3D printing uses cake mix to make a cake, while CNC cuts a big cake into smaller pieces. It's really easy to understand.