CNC Router vs 3D Printer

[techhelpbb]

The value of 3D printing depends on the lens you consider it with.

There are many more applications for this technology than what most people consider because they approach it with the lens of PLA, ABS and say carpentry or metal working.

The idea of a small X/Y/Z robot able to deposit finite amounts of material extend into biosciences, aerospace, nuclear engineering and so many other fields. Hence why Dean himself referenced the technology when communicating with the Coca-Cola corporation.

By increasing the size of the community with that know-how the odds of pollinating major changes in technology are extremely high.

However in a consumer society running down and buying the latest off-the-shelf is the way most people are comfortable acquiring technology.

So it all depends on the viewer and their intentions.

As a 'do-it-yourselfer' from early in the RepRap project my expectations differ dramatically from other people.

[JamesCH95]

You could always try a totally different approach to get machine shop access.

Throughout college I got jobs working in and running labs and shops. Not only did I have fun jobs during the school year that paid decently, but I developed good relationships with the machinists and other lab/shop personnel. I (and a few others like me) were allowed to use various shops after hours and on weekends, when they were not normally open. One year I ran the ME prototyping lab (talk about unfettered access!) and my senior year I was empowered to start a welding lab. I wound up teaching a number of faculty and many students how to weld and was invited to sit in on the ME staff meetings as an adviser. I never had any issues getting anything made in a timely manor. It's amazing what a good relationship with the powers that be will get you.

TL;DR: turn your cash flow around by getting a job at a shop or lab in your school, play nice and earn trust to get expanded access, learn how to manage a shop (schedule, budget, safety, etc), balance competing interests, and wind up with some great experience.

I assume, of course, that this sort of thing is an option for you. You might need to set a precedent, but you'll never know if you don't try.

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by DampRobot

Lots of people are making a huge deal out of the "3D printing revolution," but the truth of the matter is 3D printers are only good for very small run, complex, non structural plastic parts, like trial electronics cases or miniature sculptures. There will be no real manufacturing revolution (as some reporters and politicians are hoping for) unless 3D printers start printing much more durable materials, become much much faster, or become able to print electronics as well as plastic materials. For the moment though, I'd prefer using a subtractive CNC tool (like a router) any day of the week.

You are looking at the "3D Printing Revolution" through a very jaded lens. Allow me to walk you through the process I'm going through right now for some structural parts:

Step 1: CAD Parts
Step 2: Print Parts
Step 3: Assemble parts
Step 4: Simulate loading to failure
If acceptable failure continue, else go back to Step 1 and iterate.
Step 5: Depending on part produce part a mold or make on router/mill

Because I have the 3d printer (and can run it unattended) I can hit print and go work on other things. This means I can iterate a lot faster on parts. And sometimes it's far easier to see problems with a design when you can hold it in your hand.

If you look at it as the end of the manufacturing process it's fairly useless. If you look at it as a step in the engineering process it's much more useful.

[audietron]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

You are looking at the "3D Printing Revolution" through a very jaded lens. Allow me to walk you through the process I'm going through right now for some structural parts:

Step 1: CAD Parts
Step 2: Print Parts
Step 3: Assemble parts
Step 4: Simulate loading to failure
If acceptable failure continue, else go back to Step 1 and iterate.
Step 5: Depending on part produce part a mold or make on router/mill

Because I have the 3d printer (and can run it unattended) I can hit print and go work on other things. This means I can iterate a lot faster on parts. And sometimes it's far easier to see problems with a design when you can hold it in your hand.

If you look at it as the end of the manufacturing process it's fairly useless. If you look at it as a step in the engineering process it's much more useful.

I agree with you here, that is why they are referred to as a "rapid Prototyping machine" meaning they are not meant for major parts only quick samples and models of a practical part.

I would also like to mention that a CNC router can be really noisy and depending on where you live in college (i.e. A dorm or apartment) this may be a problem. I would also say that a router is more 2D objects that you would have to use other tools for to bend and shape defeating your purpose. 3D printing would most likely be the best way to go for college at least.

[ptitchener]

Have you considered a roland SRP? http://www.rolanddga.com/products/scanners/mdx15/

The mdx15 is roughly in the range of the 3d printers that you're looking at. It might be a bit out of your budget, but it can do aluminum, and according to the manufacturer produces better tolerances/surface finish than a 3d printer, especially the ones that you can afford

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by ptitchener

Have you considered a roland SRP? http://www.rolanddga.com/products/scanners/mdx15/

The mdx15 is roughly in the range of the 3d printers that you're looking at. It might be a bit out of your budget, but it can do aluminum, and according to the manufacturer produces better tolerances/surface finish than a 3d printer, especially the ones that you can afford

I used this machine several years ago. Honestly, it's a joke. Your money is better spent elsewhere.

[Ian Curtis]

Originally Posted by IanW

At this point, I envision myself using the device as a tool for personal and school projects (I'm a junior in college), as well as possibly for FRC. I would like a personal router or printer as opposed to using the tools at my college's machine shop because I would like to have unfettered access. That is, I want to be able to use it for projects outside of classes without having my motives questioned, so to speak.

What is the problem with using school equipment for your own projects? I would think most schools would be ecstatic to have students doing cool stuff with their machinery. At RPI the hand tools were free, and the 3D printers/router/laser/water-jet was available to us at cost, which is stupid cheap compared to buying it yourself. It seems like it might be worth talking to a Dean about student access to machines, because most schools are ecstatic to have students doing their own projects on top of classwork.