CNC Milling vs. 3-D Printing
CNC Milling or 3-D Printing?
Which is the right choice for your design?
By Shawna Kulpa
For someone new to the jewelry industry, the sheer assortment of tools and equipment in the typical workshop can be overwhelming. That’s especially true when it comes to technology, which changes so rapidly. If you’ve invested in your own computer-aided design (CAD) software program and you’re ready to produce your own models, you have two computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) methods to consider: CNC mills and 3-D printers.
To help you decide on which is best suited for your operation, we’ve assembled a short “primer” on the basics of each method; it covers where they shine, where you might need to make accommodations, and what to expect in quality, time savings, and cost. First, though, you must look at the type of work you produce—for instance, do you specialize in small, hollow earrings, or are your best sellers larger personalized pieces with lots of lettering? Your answer will help to determine the technology that’s right for you and your business.
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