Manufacturing Showdown

You have a part design in CAD. How do you make it?

1. 3D Printing (Additive)

• Best For: Complex 3D geometries, mounts, pulleys, weird intake shapes.
• Speed: Slow (Hours/Days).
• Strength: Medium (Anisotropic - weak along layer lines).
• Cost: Low ($1 of plastic).

2. CNC Routing (Subtractive)

• Best For: Aluminum plates, Polycarbonate sheets, Drivetrain rails.
• Speed: Medium (Setup takes time, cutting is fast).
• Strength: Maximum (Solid metal).
• Cost: High (Tools, stock).

3. Laser Cutting (Subtractive)

• Best For: Flat plates of Wood, Acrylic, or Delrin.
• Speed: Instant (Seconds/Minutes).
• Strength: Depends on material.
• Constraint: 2D only.
• Warning: Never laser PVC or Polycarbonate.

The Golden Workflow

1. Prototype the part on a 3D printer (PLA).
2. Test fit and function.
3. Finalize the design.
4. Manufacture the final version on the CNC (Aluminum/PC) for durability.

Conclusion

Use 3D printing for complexity. Use CNC for strength. Use Laser for speed.