- [Narrator] There are many factors to consider
when deciding which fabrication method
to use in your project.
I'll talk about some of the best uses
of 3D printing and CNC carving technology.
Both methods can come from 3D models, are highly accurate,
can use a variety of materials, are well suited
for both prototyping and mass production,
and are considered agile production methods.
When choosing between them, you have to consider
the size, the speed, and the end use of your process.
3D print technology is limited mostly by size.
You can print parts and assemble them into a larger whole,
but you will still have to factor in
the maximum size you can print.
Within those size limitations, 3D printing,
like SLA, or DLP, can be extremely accurate
and well-suited for visual prototype samples.
With the right settings, you can test for fit-up,
get feedback from focus groups,
or get a hands-on look at your project.
It's a good idea to utilize 3D printing technology
before moving to batch or mass production,
especially if you're still working out the details.
It's one of the most agile production methods possible.
You can edit iterations of your design with ease
before finalizing it in hard steel.
Keep in mind that 3D printing is still quite
a slow production method, and therefore, is poorly suited
for mass production of identical products.
The flip side of this is that you can create
custom prosthetics that match the patient exactly
and cost significantly less, while still being able
to create shapes that would be nearly impossible
using other production methods.
One of my favorite uses for 3D printing
is the ability to create customized surgical inserts.
The quality of a CNC part is highly dependent
on the quality of the starting material block.
You have to be careful that the process of shaping
does not introduce any material stresses in your part.
If your material block is continuous,
your resulting part will be, too.
CNC is incredibly well-suited for creating molds,
whether they be high-volume steel dice,
or short-run aluminum molds for testing.
Because it can be such an agile production method
CNC is great for prototyping as well.
It's smart to work out volume metric details
and cheaper materials or smaller sizes
prior to doing production runs.
It's also great for doing highly repetitive cutting tasks
and can place precision holes and notches
for assembled construction and sheet goods.
One of the best uses in CNC may be carving molds
for use in secondary forming operations.
Between these two scale is one of the
most important factors.
CNC can accomplish quality small parts
all the way to parts on an eight by four bed.
3D printing is generally limited by bed size,
measured in inches not feet.
You can stretch those limits by printing parts
and assembling them later,
but these added steps and time ad cost.
The CNC moving carving head limits the kind of
interior structures that are possible.
No curving interior channels for example.
Cost again is a factor.
If you need something carved or printed
with a fine macron accuracy it can be expensive.
With higher resolution comes higher cost.
Material is also an important factor.
Both in terms of what your project needs
and what you have access to.
You can CNC metals, plastics, and even organic materials
so as long as they start in a semi rigid block form.
You can CNC materials and retain their integral strength
and even combine materials into composites.
In block form the possibilities are extensive.
3D printing is a newer technology.
Restricted by materials that could be astruted, centered,
or cured in layers.
At the time of this recording you still can't print
in structural plywood.
3D printing is also limited by the strength of the bonds
between the layers of material.
To improve this companies are working on increasing
the strength of these materials in a variety of ways.
Markforged is doing exciting things
with composite materials and metals.
And Shapeways link is combing the technology of 3D printing
and wax for metal casting.
And you can even print in ceramic.
Finally 3D printing achieves
what no other manufacturing process can match.
The ability to weave in interior lattice structures
in details in solid parts.
And the technology just keeps getting better.