The processes involved in rapid 3D printing have become more adequate in recent years. While a lot of these processes are competent, we will be focusing on only one of them for this article. The different rapid prototyping techniques will allow you to make your prototype fast. However, they all have preferential uses or applications. We will be singling out CNC prototyping as an essential rapid prototyping technique.
Getting to know these preferential applications and uses could save one a ton of money. More than that, time and quite a few resources could be saved. Once one is properly acquainted with the intricacies of these rapid printing techniques, they realize a vital truth. Using certain rapid printing techniques for certain jobs is nothing short of overkill.
3D Prototyping Technique Available
However, we will outline the few available 3D prototyping techniques before proceeding. This will help our readers to know what to look for when making further research. The techniques include but might not be limited to:
- CNC Prototyping
- Rapid Tooling
- Metal Casting
- Additive Manufacturing Technique
- Sheet Metal Printing
For this article, we will consider just one of them. We will now turn our attention to CNC prototyping technology and its benefits.
CNC Prototyping
CNN (computer numerical control) prototypes are made via a carefully controlled computer system. This system integrates human efforts and ingenuity with computer precision to function. The entire process is aimed at getting g or printing models of outstanding qualities and integrity. The use of CNC machines has gone a long way in modern-day manufacturing.
So far, the limits of the technology have not yet been discovered. That is of course within the realm of material or designs with definite shapes. After all, the term 3D in its name means that the printed models have to be in 3D. In simpler terms, the models would be viewable from all sides as well as top and bottom.
Are CNC prototyping and 3D printing the same?
However, CNC prototyping is quite different from 3D printing. Granted their final results are all 3D-created models. However, the two techniques employ different approaches to reach their aim. While 3D printers majorly use a kind of additive method, CNC machines do not. 3D printing usually involves stacking the “ink” materials to form a larger 3D shape or prototype.
The CNC prototypes are made by a more subtracting method. The material used is usually whole. A block shape of whatever material the person would like to use is first prepared. Then the CNC machines work by sort of carving the block into the desired 3D prototype.
An advantage of the CNC prototypes over other 3D rapidly printed models is that they are more compact. Because they are cut from a whole material, they have a higher structural integrity. They are more ideal for large-scale or factory 3D printing. They could work on various sorts of metals as well as plastics.
Conclusion
The CNC prototyping technique is the best choice when large-scale printing is required. Other techniques might still be effective. But this is more precise and prints more durable models.
