Aluminum prototype cnc machining 3d service

3D printing is a rapidly developing technology with many advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. However, it also has its problems, including 3D printing not being effective for mass production and having limited speed and accessibility. Another manufacturing technique at the lower end of the scale is CNC machining (computer numerical control), a fairly common technique for parts fabrication. We decided to compare the pros and cons of each approach to determine where these techniques fit best.


The main difference between 3D printing and CNC machining is that 3D printing is additive manufacturing, while CNC machining is additive manufacturing. This means CNC machining starts with a piece of material (called a blank) and then cuts away the material to create the finished part. To this end, knives and rotary tools were used to shape the piece. Some of the advantages of CNC machining include high dimensional accuracy and many compatible materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.


3D Printing and CNC Machining: Materials


Both 3D printing and CNC machining are compatible with a variety of materials, including plastics and metals. However, 3D printing, in general, focuses more on plastics.


The plastics most commonly used in CNC include ABS, nylon (PA66), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic acid (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), POM, and PEEK. A very common metal used in CNC machining is aluminum, which prototyping companies use to create high-quality prototypes in a variety of industries. Aluminum is recyclable, has good protection quality, and can create effective machining prototypes. Other commonly used metals include stainless steel, magnesium alloy, zinc-alloyed titanium, and brass.


Thermoplastics commonly used in 3D printing include ABS, PLA, nylon, and ULTEM, as well as photopolymers such as waxes, calcined or biocompatible resins. Some niche 3D printers can also print parts in sand, ceramics, and even living materials. The metals most commonly used in 3D printing include aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and Inconel. It's also worth noting that 3D-print metal requires expensive ($100,000 +) industrial machines. Some materials such as superalloys or TPU(flexible materials) cannot be manufactured with CNC, so 3D printing or rapid mold technology must be used.

Often ask questions

Q1: What information is required for a quotation?

You can provide 2D/3D drawings or send samples to our factory, then we can make them according to your samples.

Q2: Can we sign an NDA?

Of course. We will never disclose our customers' information to anyone else.

Q3: Do you provide samples?

Yes, we can provide you with samples before we order in bulk.

Q4: How to guarantee the quality?

We have a professional QC department to ensure quality.

Q5: Delivery time?

If available: about 3 days after payment. Mass production: 20~25 days after receiving the deposit (accurate delivery time

Depends on the specific project and quantity)

Q6: How about shipping?

You can choose any mode of transportation you want, sea, air or door-to-door express.

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Why us?

We have many years of experience in sheet metal, CNC processing production, has an advanced sheet metal processing production line, equipped with laser cutting, CNC shear, CNC punching, CNC bending, automatic riveting, automatic welding, automatic spraying, tooling, polishing, screen printing, assembly and another large workshop, has all kinds of advanced testing equipment, perfect testing process.