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Recycling the shavings isn't a bonus, as there are no shavings to recycle in additive manufacturing! I'd like to see a rebuttal to your argument though, why is

Recycling the shavings isn't a bonus, as there are no shavings to recycle in additive manufacturing! I'd like to see a rebuttal to your argument though, why is 3-d printing better than a "5-axis CNC mill"?

pacala 15y ago
A number of dimensions for a comparison: * How complex an object each technology can produce. Both technologies have various limitations in the shape of the objects that can be produced. 5-axis CNC is limited by the need to find an angle for the arm to hit the shaving point and by the size of the shaving head. 3d-printing is limited by the need to additively deposit on top of existing layers. * How expensive is the manufacturing equipment. Accurately aiming a high speed, high torque spinning arm in 5d is not particularly simple mechanically and it's likely to require expensive calibration. 3d-printing is much simpler mechanically and easier to calibrate. * How fast the production process is. Neither process is particularly fast, both are far behind injection molding. * Strength and strength/weight. 3d-printing has a possible edge for strength/weight because it can print hollow objects.
- forgottenpaswrd 15y ago
  "3d-printing is limited by the need to additively deposit on top of existing layers." Not really, you can use another material as support, then dissolve it. "How fast the production process is. Neither process is particularly fast, both are far behind injection molding." Well, if you consider that injection molding usually require WEEKS or MONTHS to get the first matrix mold done, then 3d printing is super fast.
nrp 15y ago
I have a 3d printer in my bedroom. I don't think one could reasonably run a 5 axis mill inside a house or apartment. Another issue is raw material. For a mill, you need to keep around various sizes and shapes to subtract from. With additive manufacturing, you use the same uniform feedstock of filament or powder for everything.

pacala 15y ago

A number of dimensions for a comparison: * How complex an object each technology can produce. Both technologies have various limitations in the shape of the objects that can be produced. 5-axis CNC is limited by the need to find an angle for the arm to hit the shaving point and by the size of the shaving head. 3d-printing is limited by the need to additively deposit on top of existing layers. * How expensive is the manufacturing equipment. Accurately aiming a high speed, high torque spinning arm in 5d is not particularly simple mechanically and it's likely to require expensive calibration. 3d-printing is much simpler mechanically and easier to calibrate. * How fast the production process is. Neither process is particularly fast, both are far behind injection molding. * Strength and strength/weight. 3d-printing has a possible edge for strength/weight because it can print hollow objects.

forgottenpaswrd 15y ago
"3d-printing is limited by the need to additively deposit on top of existing layers." Not really, you can use another material as support, then dissolve it. "How fast the production process is. Neither process is particularly fast, both are far behind injection molding." Well, if you consider that injection molding usually require WEEKS or MONTHS to get the first matrix mold done, then 3d printing is super fast.

nrp 15y ago

I have a 3d printer in my bedroom. I don't think one could reasonably run a 5 axis mill inside a house or apartment. Another issue is raw material. For a mill, you need to keep around various sizes and shapes to subtract from. With additive manufacturing, you use the same uniform feedstock of filament or powder for everything.