Air Transat Reaches Tentative Agreement With Pilots, Avoids Strike and Restores Normal Operations 
ANZ Faces Legal Battle as Former CEO Shayne Elliott Sues Over A$13.5 Million Bonus Dispute 
SK Hynix Considers U.S. ADR Listing to Boost Shareholder Value Amid Rising AI Chip Demand 
Evercore Reaffirms Alphabet’s Search Dominance as AI Competition Intensifies 
Intel’s Testing of China-Linked Chipmaking Tools Raises U.S. National Security Concerns 
Azul Airlines Wins Court Approval for $2 Billion Debt Restructuring and New Capital Raise 
GameStop Misses Q3 Revenue Estimates as Digital Shift Pressures Growth 
SoftBank Eyes Switch Inc as It Pushes Deeper Into AI Data Center Expansion 
Gulf Sovereign Funds Unite in Paramount–Skydance Bid for Warner Bros Discovery 
JD.com Pledges 22 Billion Yuan Housing Support for Couriers as China’s Instant Retail Competition Heats Up 
Trump’s Approval of AI Chip Sales to China Triggers Bipartisan National Security Concerns 
ADB Approves $400 Million Loan to Boost Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines 
Rio Tinto Signs Interim Agreement With Yinhawangka Aboriginal Group Over Pilbara Mining Operations 
Air Force One Delivery Delayed to 2028 as Boeing Faces Rising Costs 
EU Court Cuts Intel Antitrust Fine to €237 Million Amid Long-Running AMD Dispute 
Microsoft Unveils Massive Global AI Investments, Prioritizing India’s Rapidly Growing Digital Market 
Mizuho Raises Broadcom Price Target to $450 on Surging AI Chip Demand 
The price range of both CNC machines and 3D printers can vary depending on the brand, features, functionalities, and so on. However, the base price for a solid 3D printer is at $500 while getting a functional CNC machine will cost you $2000. CNC mills are larger machines that require more materials to be built. Therefore, their prices are higher.
CNC or 3D printing: Which one to choose?
There is no universal answer when choosing between CNC machining or 3D printing. It all depends on your application and understanding of your operational needs. Here are some general rules that can help you make the right choice:
- CNC mills are better for high and medium quantities. They are best suited for machining simpler workpieces in terms of their geometry.
- 3D printers are better in applications where small quantities are needed. They excel in manufacturing more complex and sensitive workpieces.
- If you are space limited, then a 3D printer is a better option.
- CNC machining works better for tougher materials, even in lower volumes.
Conclusion
The choice between these two isn’t obvious. Both have their advantages and different applications. You need to consider your process, budget, materials, volume, and complexity to make the right decision. Look at your needs and, if you must, make a list of pros and cons for your application.
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This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.
