As technology advances, there are now different manufacturing processes used to produce parts. Although these two manufacturing processes are different, they are both innovative and have had a significant impact on the manufacturing industry. Although there are other manufacturing techniques, most parts are made using these two processes. This article explores the differences between Subtractive vs Additive Manufacturing services. Read on!
Subtractive manufacturing, as the name suggests. It refers to the removal of pieces of work or materials in order to create something new. It is a process of reduction, usually starting with a large piece of work, plate or solid block, and then going through a series of cutting techniques to achieve the desired shape, size, geometry and product features.
The technology starts at the design and prototyping stage and then moves into the actual manufacturing or fabrication process. Subtractive manufacturing technology is widely used and supports various material options including metals, alloys, plastics, resins, composites, glass, etc. It is also the mainstream of various manufacturing industries due to its powerful features.
As the name suggests, additive manufacturing is the process of creating parts by bringing together pieces of material. Often referred to as 3D printing, it is a computer-controlled manufacturing technology that deposits materials to form a predetermined shape and structure of a part. However, it also includes a wide range of other manufacturing technologies used to produce parts. Like subtractive technology, it is compatible with a wide range of materials – plastic polymers, metal alloys and composites. In addition, it can be applied to various industries, particularly aerospace and medical, which require extremely high levels of manufacturing precision.
CNC machining uses computer programs and codes to direct a series of cutting tools to move across a workpiece. The software is the brains of the operation. Once configured, the equipment goes to work to achieve the machining objectives, producing the shapes and structures you need. This method is popular across all industries because it places great emphasis on precision and dimensional accuracy, even when producing complex parts. However, CNC machining has different modes of operation, such as milling, turning and drilling. Therefore, you need to understand the suitability and purpose of each technology, including the machines, to ensure manufacturing success.
Laser cutting is the use of a highly focused beam of light (laser) to cut and shape materials. The technology typically uses CNC operations to control, focus and direct the laser path to ensure and increase the accuracy of the laser as it vaporises the workpiece according to the designed tool path. The process is not as versatile as conventional CNC machining. However, it is compatible with plastic polymers and metals, especially sheet metal. However, laser cutting is suitable for general industrial fabrication and decorative purposes such as engraving as a surface treatment.
As the name implies, water jet cutting uses high-pressure water to cut materials. The water is usually mixed with abrasive particles (primarily fine garnet) to increase cutting efficiency. The process is beneficial for cutting materials and workpieces that are sensitive to the high temperatures generated by other subtractive manufacturing processes.
Grinding is another subtractive manufacturing method that uses abrasive materials to improve cutting capabilities. It is an abrasive machining process that transforms a grinding wheel into a cutting tool. The process is well suited for achieving smooth surfaces and dimensional accuracy in workpieces. This feature sometimes makes grinding suitable as a surface finishing process for metal parts.
As the name implies, electrical discharge machining converts electrical discharges into a cutting tool. This unconventional machining method machines parts by directing an electrical current into a cutting tool to create sparks. Sinking EDM is often used to cut hardened metal workpieces that may be challenging to cut using conventional methods.
We already extensively discussed subtractive manufacturing, including some of the methods adopted for this technique. Below, we will examine some of its benefits and shortcomings.
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