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One major difference between 3D printing and CNC is that 3D printing is standardized and simple enough that the steps from a 3D model to a printout are mostly a
by tgsovlerkhgsel 4y ago
One major difference between 3D printing and CNC is that 3D printing is standardized and simple enough that the steps from a 3D model to a printout are mostly automated. The workpiece is held by sticking to the print bed, print paths are autogenerated and layer by layer.
With CNC, you have to figure out how to hold the workpiece, often with multiple setups (which have to be done precisely), machining strategy (toolpath design) is non-trivial and depends on the exact tools you have (so not trivially automated), and it requires quite a bit of knowledge to properly design a toolpath.
- jononor 4y agoThese are all things that I believe can be improved by better software and machines that are designed to teach people how to do it. Current software is still mostly designed for the experts, assuming a whole lot of knowledge exists from before or is built up separately.
- HeyLaughingBoy 4y agoSure, but now you're talking about what could be vs what's available right now! And what "could be possible" will always be a lot better.
- jononor 4y agoSure, it is aspirational - but at least doable. Others in sibling threads are claiming that CNC machining will never be safe, affordable or approachable due to fundamental reasons. Which I do not agree with.