CNC machining, clubbed with 3D printing, represents a more efficient approach to production and is fast becoming the method of choice in a wide variety of industries. By instructing a lathe, milling machine or one of many other machines to perform its processes automatically, with input from a CAD software system, the manufacturing process is significantly improved in terms of speed, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Use in the automotive and aerospace industries, by heavy industry, in the medical world and more, CNC and 3D printing are the way to go, but how do you ensure you are keeping your costs as low as possible?
There are a number of ways you can reduce CNC machining costs, some of which take place during the machining processes, and we will look at those first before we talk about how to make 3D printing more cost effective.
3D printing involves employing the manufacturing process that is employed to create a solid three-dimensional model based on a digital model by deposition of 3D printing materials layer-by-layer. These materials include metals, ceramics among others.