CNC Milling
CNC milling is a subtractive manufacturing process used in 3D printing to create 3D parts and components from a variety of materials such as plastics, metals, and composites. The process involves removing material from a block or sheet of material using a computer-controlled milling machine. The CNC milling machine uses a series of cutting tools to remove material from the workpiece according to a pre-programmed design. This allows for the creation of complex geometries and shapes with high precision and accuracy. CNC milling is particularly useful for creating high-strength parts and components, as well as those that require tight tolerances and a smooth surface finish. It is often used in the production of functional prototypes, molds, and tooling. CNC milling can also be used in combination with 3D printing, where the 3D printed part is used as a starting point for further machining and finishing. This allows for the creation of parts with intricate details and features that are difficult to achieve with 3D printing alone.
CNC Turing
CNC turning is a subtractive manufacturing process used in 3D printing to create cylindrical parts and components from a variety of materials such as plastics, metals, and composites. The process involves removing material from a rotating workpiece using a computer-controlled cutting tool. The CNC turning machine uses a series of cutting tools to remove material from the workpiece according to a pre-programmed design. This allows for the creation of cylindrical shapes with high precision and accuracy. CNC turning is particularly useful for creating parts and components with intricate features such as threads, grooves, and chamfers. It is often used in the production of shafts, pins, and other cylindrical components. CNC turning can also be used in combination with 3D printing, where the 3D printed part is used as a starting point for further machining and finishing. This allows for the creation of parts with intricate details and features that are difficult to achieve with 3D printing alone.
Injection Molding
Injection molding is a manufacturing process used to produce large quantities of plastic parts with high precision and consistency. It involves melting plastic pellets and injecting the molten plastic into a mold under high pressure. The mold is then cooled and opened to release the final part. While injection molding and 3D printing are both methods of creating plastic parts, they are fundamentally different processes. Injection molding involves using a mold that is created using CNC machining or other traditional manufacturing techniques, whereas 3D printing involves building a part layer by layer from a digital file. However, there are ways in which 3D printing and injection molding can work together. One example is using 3D printing to create a prototype or mold for injection molding. This can be a cost-effective way to test and refine a design before investing in the more expensive injection molding process. In summary, injection molding is a high-volume manufacturing process used to create precise plastic parts, while 3D printing is a versatile technology used for creating prototypes and low-volume production runs.
Vacuum Casting
Vacuum casting is a process used in 3D printing to create high-quality plastic parts and components with a wide range of properties and finishes. It involves creating a silicone mold of the 3D printed part and then casting the desired material into the mold. To create the silicone mold, the 3D printed part is coated in a release agent and then placed in a vacuum chamber. Liquid silicone is poured over the part, which then cures to form the mold. The mold is then cut open, and the 3D printed part is removed. The mold can then be used to cast multiple parts from a variety of materials, such as urethane, epoxy, and silicone. The casting material is poured into the mold and then cured to form the final part. Vacuum casting is a cost-effective and efficient way to produce small to medium batches of parts with complex geometries and intricate details. The process can also be used to create parts with a wide range of properties, such as hardness, flexibility, and transparency.