Comparison of different prototyping processes

Specialize in CNC milling , CNC turning, 3D printing, urethane casting, rapid tooling, injection molding, metal casting,

Process	CNC Machining	3D Printing	Injection Molding	Die Casting	Sheet Metal
Advantages	•Tight tolerance •High quality	•Complex geometry •High resistance •Scalability	•High repeatability •Near-net final shapes	Mass production of thin, complexly shaped products	•Make XL parts easily •Wide range of forming processes
Disadvantages	•Raw materials waste •Slow for large-volume production	Limited surface quality	Part of toolings are relatively costly	•Only support non-ferrous metals •Not suit for small-volume production	Only suit for thin-walled metal prototypes
Materials	Multiple materials	Plastic, metal, elastomers	Thermopolymers, some thermosets	Alloys of aluminum, magnesium, zinc	Many metals
Applications	•Full-functional automotive prototypes • Prototype molds	• Plastic electronics housings • Titanium aerospace components	• Prototypes of small consumer goods • Silicone prototypes	•Parts of the sink faucet •Connector housing	•Prototype brackets and chassis •Enclosures and panels