What are the differences between 3D printing and CNC prototyping?
In the field of rapid prototyping, 3D printing and CNC prototyping are two mainstream technologies that differ greatly in their manufacturing principles, material applicability and process characteristics:
1.Manufacturing principles
3D printing (additive manufacturing): By stacking materials (such as plastics and metal powder) in layers to form 3D, JS Precision utilizes metal laser melting (SLM) and polymer SLA techniques for complex geometric structures.
CNC machining (subtractive manufacturing): Cutting raw materials (such as metal and plastic) with cutting tools to remove excess parts, relying on tool path programming, suitable for high-precision functional parts.JS Precision is equipped with five axis CNC machine tools, which can realize complex contour machining of precision die steel, aluminum alloy and other materials.
2.Material Applicability
3D printing: Material options are limited (commonly ABS, PLA, titanium alloys, etc.), and some materials have weak mechanical properties.
JS Precision provides more than 50 materials (metals, plastics, composites) such as aerospace grade aluminum alloys and high temperature resistant engineering plastics to meet industrial grade strength and corrosion resistance requirements.
CNC machining: has a wide range of material adaptability, can process hard alloys (such as stainless steel, titanium alloys) and high-toughness materials (such as carbon fiber).
JS Precision technology Highlights: Its CNC equipment supports complex surface machining, in which case it achieves a 0.02mm thin-walled structure for medical equipment, demonstrating material processing capabilities.
3.Differences in process characteristics
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Dimensions
Advantages of 3D Printing
CNC advantages
JS Precision Technology Balance Point
Material utilization rate
Reduce material waste (only what is needed).
High material waste (processing allowance required).
JS Precision reduces CNC waste rate through smart path planning, and 3D printing supports metal powder recycling.
JS Precision's specialized post-processing equipment can optimize the surface roughness of 3D printed parts to Ra 1.6 μm.
Processing accuracy
± 0.1-0.5mm (depending on model).
± 0.02-0.1mm (up to ± 0.005mm high-precision machine tools).
Adopts error compensation algorithm to improve CNC machining accuracy by 30%, and 3D printing optimizes dimension stability through thermal bed calibration.
Complexity adaptability
Able to manufacture complex structures, such as hollow grids and irregular surfaces, that traditional processes cannot.
Suitable for general geometry and requires additional thin wall/suspension support.
JS Precision Innovative hybrid manufacturing Model: CNC rough machining + 3D Printing Fine Features, Balanced Efficiency and Accuracy.
Choose 3D printing:When requirements focus on quick iterations, complex structure validation, or low-cost trial and error.
Select CNC prototyping:When the goal is functional testing, high precision production preparation, or material performance validation.
Figure 2:Explain the core differences between additive manufacturing (rapid prototyping) and subtractive manufacturing, emphasizing their advantages of material accumulation and near zero waste.
Which industries rely the most on rapid prototyping technology?
According to the characteristics of online CNC processing and 3D printing business of JS Precision, the application of rapid prototyping technology is analyzed below:
Automotive industry
1.JS Precision technology association:
Lightweight aluminum alloy/carbon fiber prototypes available to support quick iterations of streamlined components.
3D printing of complex pipeline systems reduces verification cycle by 80%.
CNC precision machining of Automotive Electronic connector molds.
2.Industry demands:
Structural verification of battery assembly of new energy vehicle.
Rapid testing of self-driving sensor bracket.
Conduct exterior reviews of internal parts prior to mass production.
Rapid casting master mold production (silicone mold/resin mold).
2.Industry demands:
Home product ergonomics testing of household products.
Verification the interior color scheme for transport vehicles.
Robot joint motion simulation.
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Our company's rapid prototype services have served over 1000 complex orders, covering these high demand areas.Submit your industry requirements immediately to schedule an appointment with industry experts and obtain customized solutions.
Why Do Industry Leaders Choose JS Precision As Their Custom Prototype Manufacturer?
As a comprehensive custom prototype manufacturer, we pride ourselves on deep collaboration capabilities and engineering experience in solving complex problems. We are not just a manufacturing service provider, but rather a technology partner from concept to mass production.
How do we achieve true "customization"?
In-depth needs analysis: We work in close cooperation with our customers' engineering teams to explore "why it's needed," not just "what it needs to be done," hence providing innovative solutions.
Multi-technology platform integration: The company has the capability to conduct CNC machining, 3D printing, molding, and sheet metal processing, thus, it is able to objectively recommend the best technical routes without considering limitations in production capacity.
Strong project management and technical support: An account manager is assigned to each project to assure smooth communication and rapid resolution of any issues.
Case Study: Customizing a high-sealing shell prototype for a medical device company
Challenge: The customer requires a transparent shell prototype with complex internal flow channels and high pressure resistance, requiring materials that are biocompatible, completely transparent, and highly sealed.
JS Precision Customized Solution: We are not constrained to one process or another. The final solution integrates a high-precision CNC-machined body to ensure dimensional accuracy and sealing surfaces, along with photopolymer 3D-printed internal components for which integrated molding reduces assembly steps.
Results: The prototype passed the pressure test on the first attempt, which lessened the client verification time by at least two weeks. Therein lays the true value of a custom prototype manufacturer.
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Do you have complex customization needs?By informing you of your project challenges, you can apply for a free case study to learn how industry leaders can reduce costs through us.
Figure 3:Customized high sealing shell prototype
How to control the cost of prototype production?
Rapid prototyping cost control requires comprehensive consideration of materials, production, post-production maintenance and other factors, the following are the main strategies:
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Indicators
Industry average
JS Precision technical indicators
振幅を大きくする
Single prototype cost
$120
$72
40% ↓
First time yield
68%
91%
34% ↑
Environmental impact factors
0.72 (high energy consumption/pollution)
0.35 (Green Manufacturing)
51% ↓
Material utilization rate
45%-60%
85%-92%
35%-50% ↑
Processing cycle
12-24 hours
6-18 hours
30%-50% ↓
Scrap rate
8%-15%
≤1%
85%-94% ↓
As a proportion of labour costs
25%-35%
12%-18%
30%-45% ↓
Maintenance costs (10,000/year)
15-25
8-12
40%-55% ↓
Core Technical of Cost Control in JS Precision Company
1.Material recycling system
Metal powder recycling line established (92% SLM process waste powder reuse rate)
Engineering Plastic Regeneration particle technology Developed (ABS/PC recycled material performance retention rate ≥90%)
2.Intelligent process optimization
AI parameter recommendation system: Automatically selecting the optimal processing parameter combination based on historical data.
Dynamic cutting force compensation: Reduce tool wear and prolong tool service life by 3 times.
3.Digital quality control
Online Coordinate Measuring: First inspection time reduced from 2 hours to 15 minutes.
Digital twin analogue: 87% of potential design defects identified early.
4.Green manufacturing technology
Dry cutting techniques: 100% reduction in coolant usage and 28% reduction in energy consumption.
Low temperature sintering process: Sintering temperature from traditional 1200°C to 600°C, energy saving 45%..
5.Flexible production system
Fast die changing device: CNC die changing time from 4 hours to 30 minutes.
Intelligent warehouse management: Material turnover efficiency increased by 60%.
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According to the ISO 14001:2015 environmental management system standard, our green manufacturing practices reduce environmental impact factors by 51%.Do you want to obtain a detailed cost analysis table? Contact customer service immediately to customize your cost reduction and efficiency improvement plan for free.
FAQs
1.Does prototype production require the addition of supporting structures?
Whether to add support structures to prototype production depends on the type of process.For example, when FDM and SLA are used to print suspension structures, temporary brackets need to be added to prevent deformation and should be removed and polished upon completion.Due to the self-supporting nature of the powder, SLS technology usually does not require additional support, but it can affect the smoothness of the surface and requires reprocessing.
2.What should we do if the surface of the rapid prototyping is rough?
Rapid prototyping rough surfaces can be treated by grinding, sandblasting or chemical polishing.For example, 3D-printed parts use sandpaper or chemicals to remove layered patterns, CNC machining and polishing to improve smoothness and ensure that functional or appearance requirements are met.
3.How long does it take for prototype production?
prototype production time vary according to process and complexity: simple plastic components (e.g. FDM) can be completed in a matter of hours, metal components or precision structures (e.g. CNC) require 1-3 days, and post-processing (polishing/coating) takes 1-2 days.Small batch customization or complex design may prolong the cycle, and advance communication of specific requirements is recommended.
4.Can prototypes be used directly in mass production?
Prototypes usually need to be adjusted before mass production can begin.For example, 3D-printed parts may need to replace mass-produced materials,such as metals, while CNC prototypes may need to optimize molds.Direct conversion may cause performance or cost problems, and gradual verification is recommended.
5.How can I get an accurate quote? Is the quote free?
A5: You only need to upload your 3D files online, and we will provide transparent pricing in terms of materials, labor, and post-processing. All quotes are absolutely free and without obligations. We believe clear costs are the first step toward any collaboration.
6.Is there a minimum order quantity limit? Can single-piece prototypes be made?
There are no limits to MOQ whatsoever. We focus on supporting your innovation validation, from single-piece prototypes to small batches, no matter the quantity.
7.How are my design drawings and intellectual property protected?
We consider client IP protection our lifeline. We can sign a legally binding Non-Disclosure Agreement before starting work on the project. Our data management system is ISO certified, so your designs are absolutely secure.
8.Do you provide Design Optimization Factors (DFM) to help reduce costs?
Yes, we do a free DFM analysis for each inquiry. Our engineers will suggest optimizations for manufacturability, cost efficiency, and performance, thus helping you save money right from the start.
Summary
In the process of modern product development, rapid prototyping redefine the transformation path from concept to reality by iterating the prototyping model. Whether additive manufacturing or subtractive processes, the core rapid prototyping meaning is to verify the feasibility of design with the most minimum cost and shortest cycle, and accelerate innovation loop cycle.
From the sleek appearance of consumer electronics to high-performance components in aerospace, rapid prototype technology continues to push the boundaries of materials and processes, visualizing complex structures and making functionality testable.
In the future, prototyping models will become a strategic tool for enterprises to deal with market uncertainty and continuously push industry innovation to agility and precision.
Your creativity deserves to be turned into reality in the most professional way possible.
Upload your 3D design file immediately to obtain rapid prototyping service quote. Our expert team will assist throughout the entire process to ensure that your project runs smoothly from concept to finished product, helping you take the lead towards market success.
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