3D printing and CNC – the right method for every part

3D printing: fast, flexible and affordable

Suits complex shapes, single parts, prototypes and small batches in plastic. No programming or fixturing – the price depends almost only on material and time.

CNC: metal and tight tolerances

When the part needs to be aluminium or steel, handle high loads or hold tolerances of hundredths of a millimetre, CNC is the right choice. Cost is driven by set-up time and machining.

Combine

A project often starts with 3D-printed prototypes to test fit and ends with CNC-machined metal parts. We prepare the documentation for both.

Price at different quantities

With 3D printing each part costs about the same regardless of quantity, apart from the volume discount. With CNC much of the cost goes into preparation, so the unit price drops sharply as quantity grows. That’s why 3D printing is usually cheapest for a few parts and CNC for larger metal batches.

One file for both

With a STEP file the same design can be used for both 3D printing and CNC. We’re happy to design the part so it works for both methods – start with a printed prototype and move on to metal without redrawing.

Rules of thumb

• Plastic, complex shape, few parts → 3D printing
• Metal or tolerances below 0.05 mm → CNC
• Prototype first, series later
• Not sure? We’ll price both