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To: Lurkina.n.Learnin

Hehe...stick to plastics and chocolate figurines with 3-D printers. I am still waiting for the flying car I was promised.

By the way Computer numerical control (CNC) machining goes back to the 1980’s if not the 1970’s. I spent a career in using those machines making parts of alloy steel material (very hard, very tough, very high strength and very tough to machine) used in making cold extrusion metal forming machines. CNC machines can basically cut any 3-D shape desired.


7 posted on 06/11/2014 9:40:35 PM PDT by entropy12 (Term limits is the right (may be only) way to eliminate corrupt politicians via seniority system.)
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To: entropy12
"CNC machines can basically cut any 3-D shape desired."

Well, I used to run CNC's around 1980. They can't do "additive manufacturing" which is quite different. They're significantly more accurate in lathe / milling functions than 3D printers, and they have great dexterity, but they can't build layer upon layer - they do the opposite. So, you can't create the intricate internal structures like 3D printing. Also, 3D printing can combine multiple materials within a layer.

On youtube - TED (a channel) has some really good videos that show the difference between milling and additive manufacturing.

12 posted on 06/15/2014 1:13:41 PM PDT by uncommonsense (Liberals see what they believe; Conservatives believe what they see.)
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