3D Printing vs. CNC Machining: Differences and Comparison
What’s the difference between these manufacturing processes, and what are they each good for? This article answers these questions.
CNC machining and 3D printing are extremely prominent manufacturing methods today, not only here at Xometry but globally. While they differ in almost every way, they’re direct competitors for the creation of solid parts, and among their biggest differences is that one method works by removing material, while the other adds it layer by layer. Let’s find out more.
What is 3D Printing?
Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing actually refers to a family of processes that work similarly. A model is designed on a computer and then sliced into different parts. The thickness is set according to what machine and settings are used, and the printer will take that information and build each layer until the entire part is finished. That’s how it can turn a series of 2D steps into a 3D object—by adhering each layer to the one beneath it and bonding them internally, too. These machines can usually work with many different materials, some of which include extruded polymer filaments, light-sensitive resins, laser-melted powders, filament feedstock, waves, and biological materials.
To produce parts with additive manufacturing, you’ll need more than just a printer. You’ll also need a CAD (computer-aided design) package to make your design and save it as an STL (stereolithography) file. A slicer software package will then use that STL file to give the printer a series of 2D instructions to make the part. 3D printing systems first started creeping into the market in the late 1980s, though nowhere near as efficient and widely compatible with materials as modern 3D printers are. The following image is an example of an FDM 3D printer:
There are several reasons why 3D printing is so popular, starting with the fact that it’s relatively quick to set up and doesn’t cost crazy amounts of money to make complex shapes. It also doesn’t require any intervention during the process—you can just let it do its thing until it’s finished. Also, many 3D printers are office- and beginner-friendly.
Some potential drawbacks, though, are that 3D-printed parts can vary significantly in strength, especially when compared to the strength of the original material. For example, if you were to use FFF (fused filament fabrication) to print an ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) part, it might only be about 10% as strong as solid ABS. But something like SLS (selective laser sintering) using nylon can result in close to 100% as strong as solid nylon. Also, 3D printing is good for dimensional accuracy but can be tricky when it comes to extremely precise parts and features, and it struggles with smooth surfaces, especially when it comes to the Z-resolution (the layer height), which can create visible steps on sloped or curved surfaces.
What is CNC Machining?
A computerized manufacturing process, CNC (computer numerical control) machining uses software and codes that have been programmed beforehand to control the movement of several cutting and shaping tools like lathes, mills, and grinders and create a variety of parts. The idea is credited to James Parson, who was trying to find a better way to make helicopter and aircraft blades. In 1958, Richard Kegg, along with MIT engineers, created the first CNC milling machine. Even though the process can be rather expensive and complicated to set up, it’s worth it if you want to make high-quality and durable parts with smooth surfaces. You can learn more about CNC machining by reading our dedicated article. Here’s what a CNC machine looks like:
Aside from producing parts that are more precise, CNC machining uses engineering materials that maintain their full properties with no disruptions by the process. As with anything, though, there are a couple of potential downsides to this method. It usually needs fixtures or mounts to hold the workpiece in place securely, and designing and setting up these mounting tools—also called jigs—can be tricky and require both time and money. This is much more complicated than 3D printing, which simply prints on a moving bed. Also, CNC machining cuts away material that’s no longer needed, ultimately creating waste. This doesn’t happen in 3D printing.
| Attribute | 3D Printing | CNC Machining |
|---|---|---|
Attribute Unlimited material availability | 3D Printing No | CNC Machining Yes |
Attribute Part design | 3D Printing Unrestricted by process constraints | CNC Machining Limited by undercut and internal access, tool path and type, axis-defined minimum radii, and the need for repositioning mid-task |
Attribute Precision | 3D Printing Processes vary from 0.016 resolution to 1 mm+. Typically around 0.2 mm. | CNC Machining 0.005 mm precision, especially when using a slow feed, new cutters, and shallow cuts. |
Attribute Operator skill | 3D Printing Usually low | CNC Machining Very high |
Attribute Speed of build | 3D Printing Low setup time, but build time can take hours | CNC Machining Can take ages to set up and program, but cutting can be very fast |
Attribute Surface finish | 3D Printing Grained, rough, and stepped, and features can be blurred quite often | CNC Machining Can create very high-quality surfaces by taking longer to cut |
Attribute Strength | 3D Printing Typically 10–20% of native material | CNC Machining Usually stays at 100% of the native material |
Attribute Cost example | 3D Printing $50 per part for a small, simple design | CNC Machining $250–$500 per part for the same design (unless you use Xometry) |
3D Printing vs. CNC Machining
Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Printing and CNC Machining
Are there any mutual alternatives to these processes?
Yes, of course. An alternative that could potentially fit both of these is injection molding, in that it’s a single-operation process that can produce parts that are identical to their 3D file. But making the molds for this can be rather expensive and time-consuming, so it’s only really worth it if you’re making a ton of parts. So ultimately, especially when compared to day-to-day 3D printing jobs, injection molding isn’t all that practical.
3D printing vs. laser cutting—what’s the difference?
Some types of 3D printing use lasers, like SLS (selective laser sintering), DMLS (direct metal laser sintering), and SLM (selective laser melting), and, just like laser cutting, it’s also used in many industries and works with lots of different metals. But laser cutting uses that same laser to engrave or cut away material from a workpiece, rather than build up. You can read more in our article all about their differences.
CNC machining vs. die casting—what’s the difference?
Similarly to CNC machining, die casting is another great way of making complex metal parts. But die casting is really not cheap, especially when it comes to tooling costs. If you’re interested in huge production runs, though, the cost comes down, making it a more comparable option.
How Xometry Can Help
If anything in this article is unclear to you, or you’d simply like to learn more about either of these methods, other manufacturing processes, or about us here at Xometry, why not reach out to one of our representatives? In addition to CNC machining and 3D printing, we offer a huge range of related services, including laser cutting and powder coating. You can request a free, no-obligation quote directly from our website today!
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The content appearing on this webpage is for informational purposes only. Xometry makes no representation or warranty of any kind, be it expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or validity of the information. Any performance parameters, geometric tolerances, specific design features, quality and types of materials, or processes should not be inferred to represent what will be delivered by third-party suppliers or manufacturers through Xometry’s network. Buyers seeking quotes for parts are responsible for defining the specific requirements for those parts. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.