RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY
P.M.B 5080, NKPOLU-OROWORUKWO,
PORT-HARCOURT
ENGINEERING DRAWING
&
SOLIDWORKS MODELLING
NAME MICHAEL SAVIOUR
DEPARTMENT MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
MATRIC NO DE/2023/3892
LEVEL 200
DATE 16th MAY, 2025
ISSUES
State the meaning, similarities and differences between 3D printing, laser
cutting and CNC machinery (Computer Numerical Control)
Explain the meaning and applications of additive and subtractive
manufacturing
1.0 3D PRINTING
3D printing is an additive manufacturing process where material is added layer
by layer to build a three dimensional object. Such materials could be plastic,
resin or metal.
In practice, a 3D model is visualized usually using a computer aided design
software (CAD) and communicated to the printer directly or through a file. The
model is then sliced into thin horizontal layers. The printer deposits or solidifies
material layer by layer following the digital slices from the bottom to the top to
form the complete object.
1.1 TYPES OF 3D PRINTING
1. FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): FDM deposites melted thermoplastic
through a nozzle. It is applicable for materials such as PLA, ABS, PETG
2. SLA (Stereolithography): SLA applies an Ultra-voilet (UV) laser to cure
liquid resin, e.g Photopolymer resin
3. SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): Selective Laser Sintering fuses powdered
material e.g TPU, with a laser.
4. DMLS/SLM (Metal 3D Printing): This method melts metal powder with a
highpower laser.
1.2 APPLICABLE AREAS OF 3D PRINTING
1. Prototyping (rapid and cost-effective)
2. Medical (custom implants, dental models)
3. Aerospace (lightweight components)
4. Consumer products (toys, accessories)
5. Education (models, demonstrations)
1.3 LASER CUTTING
Laser cutting is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses a highpowered
laser beam to cut or engrave materials by melting, burning, or vaporizing them.
In laser cutting, a focused laser beam is directed by computer numerical control
(CNC) to trace a design. The beam cuts by heating the material to its melting or
vaporization point. A gas (e.g., nitrogen or oxygen) blows away the molten
material.
1.4 TYPES OF LASER CUTTERS
1. CO2 Laser: It is a gas based type of laser cutting using carbon (IV) oxide. It is
a common method used with materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, paper,
etc.
2. Fiber Laser: It is a high precision, solid-state of laser cutting, usually suitable
for metals such as steel, aluminum, brass.
1.5 APPLICABLE AREAS OF LASER CUTTING
1. Industrial manufacturing (metal parts, enclosures)
2. Art and design (jewelry, decor)
3. Signage (cut lettering, logos)
4. Electronics (PCB cutting, enclosures)
5. Prototyping (precise and clean part outlines)
1.6 CNC MACHINERY
CNC machinery employs machines that are computer-controlled to precisely cut,
mill, drill, or shape material (wood, metal, plastic). It is a subtractive
manufacturing method where computer-controlled tools (like drills, mills, or
lathes) remove material from a solid block to form a part.
1.7 SIMILARITIES BETWEEN 3D PRINTING, LASER CUTTING AND CNC
MACHINERY
1. They are all computer controlled
2. They are precision based
3. They are based on digital design, CAD files for 3D modeling/printing, Vector
files for laser cutting, CAM/CAD files for CNC machinery
4. They all support automation
5. They are all used in prototyping and manufacturing
6. They are all part of digital fabrication technologies and rely on automated
systems for accurate and repeatable production
1.8 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 3D PRINTING, LASER CUTTING AND CNC
MACHINERY
The differences between three parts of digital fabrication are summarized in
the table below.
CNC
FEATURES 3D PRINTING LASER PRINTNG
MACHINERY
Subtractive Subtractive
Process Type Additive (adding)
(cutting) (removing)
2D shape or
Dimension Output 3D object 3D object
surface engraving
Material Waste Minimal Moderate High
Sheet materials Solid blocks
Plastic, resin, metal
Material Used (woods, metals, (metal, wood,
powders
acrylic) plastic)
Medium
Slower (layer by Fast (especially for
Speed (depends on
layer) flat surfaces)
the material)
Setup Complexity Easy Moderate Complex
Precision
Custom parts, Engraving, flat parts,
Typical Usage
prototyping, etc parts, signage industrial
tools, etc
2.0 ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a process where material is added layer by layer
to build a threedimensional object from a digital model. It is often referred to as
3D printing.
It involves the modeling and creation of an object from its base to completion.
2.1 FIELDS AND APPLICAIONS OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
1. Prototyping - Quickly building product models for design evaluation.
2. Medical - Custom prosthetics, implants, dental crowns.
3. Aerospace - Lightweight parts with complex internal structures.
4. Automotive - Rapid tooling, functional parts, and concept models.
5. Education - Teaching design, engineering, and manufacturing principles.
6. Consumer Goods - Custom jewelry, eyewear, and household items.
2.2 SUBTRACTIVE MANUFACTURING
Subtractive manufacturing is a process where material is removed from a solid
block (workpiece) using cutting, drilling, milling, or grinding to create a final
object.
It begins with a larger piece and subtracts material to reach the desired shape
using machines such as CNC mills, lathes, grinders.
2.3 FIELDS AND APPLICAIONS OF SUBTRACTIVE MANUFACTURING
1. Machining - High precision metal parts for engines, turbines, etc.
2. Tool & Die Making - Molds, dies, and jigs for production.
3. Automotive & Aerospace - Structural and engine components with tight
tolerances.
4. Furniture & Woodworking - Custom parts from wood or composite
boards.
5. Jewelry - Shaping metals for detailed ornamentation.
