There are similarities and differences between CNC and rapid prototyping in terms of machining functions. The selected processing technology is different, mainly based on the needs of one's own products and the actual situation.
Since the appearance of RP, due to the threat of certain competitions, CNC Machining has improved its speed, and it can also bring well-known benefits. Similarly, RP has also been improved in terms of accuracy, material function and surface polishing.
Understanding these two techniques is particularly important for choosing precise processing tools for the job. The following counseling can assist in the selection of things. Technical experts guide us to set sail from multiple levels and perspectives, and analyze the connections and differences between the two.
First and foremost, talking is the material. RP processing technology has been restricted to a large extent; the research and experience of processing raw materials has gone through a long period of time. The material selection plan has been enlarged, and the rapid prototyping function has been ensured. Currently available materials include metals, plastics, ceramics and composite materials, and the choice of materials is still subject to some constraints. Moreover, the functions of most materials are not very compatible with the functions of material processing, molding, and pouring. In contrast, China CNC machining technology is hardly bound by any restrictions; machining centers can cut almost all materials.
Secondly, it is the question of the biggest standard of machining parts; the biggest standard of RP is 600 x 900 x 500mm
Although the existing industrialized equipment cannot process dashboards or baffles, the existing prototypes can be used to produce most daily necessities and industrial products. Suppose that the parts to be produced by the equipment are too large to produce its various components first, and then finally connect them to form a complete part. It is necessary to note that standards have an impact on time, and it takes longer to manufacture larger parts. CNC machining uses a wide range of plans to produce aircraft parts; the standards for practical parts and modules that can be produced by CNC machining range from desktop equipment to bridge equipment. It can be said that the constraints of CNC standards only come from the mechanical things used.
After all, it comes down to the degree of disorder of the processed parts; the degree of disorder processed by RP is basically unconstrained; assuming a sample can be molded with planning software, then the manufacturing time or cost is almost unaffected. One of the biggest advantages of RP is that it is sensitive and sells messy parts cheaply. However, CNC machining is constrained; CNC machining must deal with all the details of the part. When the messiness of parts increases, the number of required equipment and changes to things will increase accordingly. Large aspect ratios, deep grooves, deep holes, and square corners will increase the cost of CNC cutting equipment. Five-axis machining tools and some know-how can defeat these lacks, but simple operations such as undercutting can also cause questions.
