What are the limitations of CNC machining when fabricating stainless steel figurative sculptures?

CNC machining offers precision and efficiency in metal fabrication, but it faces several limitations when used for stainless steel figurative sculptures.

1. Material Constraints: Stainless steel is hard and abrasive, causing rapid tool wear and increasing machining costs.

2. Design Complexity: Intricate details and organic shapes in figurative sculptures may be difficult to achieve due to CNC's reliance on rigid tool paths.

3. Size Limitations: Large sculptures require massive CNC machines, which are expensive and less accessible.

4. Surface Finish: Post-processing (e.g., polishing) is often needed to achieve a smooth, artistic finish, adding time and labor.

5. Cost Factors: High material and machining expenses make stainless steel sculptures less economical for small-scale artists.

While CNC machining excels in industrial applications, its constraints in artistic fabrication often necessitate hybrid techniques or manual finishing.