CNC machining Vs. 3D printing, who will replace whom in the future of rapid prototyping industry| 24 December, 2019
There's a place for both methods, but the advancements made year on year in 3D printing technology and quality give it the edge I reckon. We use 3D printing a lot and do it 'in house'. There's very little waste compared to machining a part from a block - and the filament is dirt cheap so tweaks to designs don't cost much in material. If we need a metal part it's easy to finalise the design in plastic then get it cast as the plastic vaporises like lost wax