Will 3D printing replace all the CNC machining and Molding?
With the invention and development of 3D printing technology,people have been expecting the extinction of CNC machining, especially on prototyping industry.
However, CNC machining prototyping is still surviving well and there is no sign of disappearing in short time. Why?
3D printing is a fantastic technology in making complicated parts.It is fast and saves labor.The new material developed these years has improved the performance of 3D printed parts.
However, it still has some weak points:
1.The surface quality of 3D printed part is far from the human polished CNC parts.
2.For large prototype, the cost is far more expensive than CNC machining.
3.The performance and variety of 3D printing resin is not so good as the natural material used in CNC machining and molding.
4. Some features as movement mechanism cannot be printed directly.
5. For large volume application, 3D printing is not at all competitive.
Our point is: 3D printing will replace some CNC machining jobs, but will not replace all the machining jobs. For molding technology, 3D printing cannot compete.
