If you are passionate about creating unique designs and growing as a creator, then you must have stumbled upon at least one of the following machines: 3D printer/CNC/laser cutting machine. All these machines are used for creation, but their way of creation is quite different. 3D printers are the latest technology, used to "3D print" new designs of 3D objects by extruding molten plastic through narrow nozzles controlled by specialized software. CNC and laser cutting machines work by subtractive methods.

Now, this is subdivision; 3D printers work by gradually adding multiple layers until the desired design is completed. Although the CNC/laser cutting machine works like a chisel, removing excess material from existing objects to create entirely new objects.

But this is not all, there are key differences between CNC/laser cutting machines. The CNC cutting machine uses a router to cut and must have physical contact with the target material. The laser cutting machine does not need to physically contact the target material; instead, it emits a thin laser beam to engrave and cut. Just as a CNC has a router for cutting, a laser cutting machine uses its laser head for cutting. Now we can distinguish these three machines, let's take a look at their different characteristics and advantages.

This machine may be the most advanced of the three machines, plus the innovative technology behind it is relatively new. In summary, the working principle of a 3D printer is simply called the ultimate additive manufacturing machine. It builds a product through a series of processes involving a 3D model from a computer and an appropriate filament from scratch.

The process of creating a part starts with completing your favorite design on your CAD software. Then, you feed a roll of filament you like into the printer. The filament used can be ABS, PLA, nylon, PETG and other plastics, as well as a mixture of metals and ceramics. After the filament of your choice is fed into the printer, it starts to heat to a semi-melted state, and then is distributed through the output nozzle, and then the parts are made into thin layers until completion.

If you want, the finished prototype may go through some post-processing stages, such as filing or polishing, to smooth out the points where the layers slightly overlap to provide an attractive appearance.

This particular machine also creates a great design, but it is completely different from the way a 3D printer works. It is used in subtractive manufacturing, and some people even call it a "3D remover" because it is the exact opposite of a 3D printer. This is an advanced computer-driven machine that performs repeated cutting to engrave the objects you want according to the cutting instructions and designs you enter. The advent of CNC routers ushered in the possibility of cutting in the X, Y and Z directions at the same time.

This machine also works on the principle of subtractive manufacturing, but the main difference between it and the CNC machine tool lies in its cutting media. Instead of using a router, a laser cutting machine uses a single powerful laser beam to cut, which burns and evaporates the material to create the desired design. The important point to note here is that heat is the main source of CO2 laser cutting machine capabilities. CO2 laser engraving machine can cut, engrave and mark on glass, wood, natural leather, acrylic, stone and other materials.

3D printers/CNCs/laser cutting machines have their own specialties, and their operating modes are also different. As an end user, you are most qualified to determine which of these three is suitable for your intended application. Try not to get confused or discouraged by the price, but pay close attention to the features you want. Remember, the goal is to keep your machine functional and reliable while producing amazing results at any time. Therefore, it is in your best interest to remain objective and pay close attention to the list throughout the search process. If you choose CO2 laser cutting machine, please learn about OMTech and its diversified laser engraving machine and fiber laser engraving machine product line.

About Manufactur3D Magazine: Manufactur3D is an online magazine about 3D printing. It publishes the latest 3D printing news, insights and analysis from all over the world. Visit our 3D printing education page to read more such informative articles. Keep up to date with the latest developments in the 3D printing world, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn.