CNC Machining vs 3D Printing: Which to Use

Two leading technologies stand out when manufacturing high-precision metal parts: Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) 3D printing and CNC machining. Each has unique complexity, precision, cost, and production volume strengths.

At MakerVerse, we offer CNC machining and LPBF metal 3D printing, ensuring you get the right technology for your specific project needs. This listicle breaks down six key differences between these manufacturing processes to help you choose the best option for your application.

1. Manufacturing Process: Additive vs. Subtractive

🔹 LPBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion): A high-powered laser selectively fuses metal powder layer by layer, creating complex geometries.

🔹 CNC Machining: Starts with a solid metal block and removes material using cutting tools through milling or turning.

👉 Best for:

• Use LPBF for lightweight, complex designs with internal structures.
• CNC machining is used for high-precision parts with superior surface finish.

Did you know? LPBF enables weight reduction through lattice structures, which CNC machining cannot achieve.

2. Design Freedom: LPBF Enables Complex Geometries

🎯 LPBF (3D Metal Printing): Can produce intricate, organic designs that CNC cannot achieve.

⚙️ CNC Machining: Best for solid, prismatic, or rotationally symmetrical parts but struggles with complex internal features.

👉 Best for:

• LPBF – Heat exchangers, aerospace brackets, and parts with intricate internal cooling channels.
• CNC Machining – Highly accurate mechanical parts requiring precision-milled surfaces.

📌 Quick Tip: If your part requires internal cavities that cannot be machined, LPBF is the best option.

🔗 Find the Right Manufacturing Process for Your Part at MakerVerse: 

3. Material Efficiency & Waste: Additive vs. Subtractive

♻️ LPBF (3D Printing): Uses only the material needed for the part, with minimal waste.

🚮 CNC Machining: Removes excess material as chips, often leading to significant material waste.

👉 Best for:

• Use LPBF if material efficiency and sustainability are priorities.
• Use CNC Machining if the cost of raw material is not a major concern and high precision is required.

📌 Did you know? Some CNC machining operations remove up to 80% of the original material block.

🔗 Learn More About Sustainable Manufacturing with MakerVerse: here

4. Surface Finish & Tolerances: CNC is More Precise

✔️ CNC Machining: Achieves superior surface finishes and tight tolerances (as fine as ±0.005 mm).

⚠️ LPBF: Typically has a rougher surface finish and requires post-processing (machining, polishing, or blasting).

👉 Best for:

• CNC Machining – High-precision parts needing smooth finishes, such as bearing housings.
• LPBF – Functional prototypes where design complexity is more critical than finish.

📌 Example: CNC machining is commonly used for medical implants and aerospace components requiring ultra-smooth surfaces.

🔗 Get Expert Advice on Precision Metal Manufacturing from MakerVerse: here.

5. Cost & Lead Time: It Depends on Volume and Complexity

💰 LPBF (3D Metal Printing): Best for low-volume production and rapid prototyping since it avoids tooling costs.

💰 CNC Machining: More cost-effective for high-volume runs, as setup costs are amortized over more parts.

👉 Best for:

• Use LPBF for one-off custom parts or small batches.
• Use CNC Machining for bulk production where per-part cost matters.

📌 Quick Tip: If you need 100+ identical parts, CNC machining is usually the more economical option.

🔗 Get a Quote for Your Metal Parts on MakerVerse: here.

6. Best Applications: When to Choose Each Process

🟢 Use LPBF for:

✔️ Lightweight aerospace components and internal lattice structures.

✔️ Heat exchangers with internal cooling channels.

✔️ Rapid prototyping of custom or low-volume metal parts.

🟠 Use CNC Machining for:

✔️ High-precision components with tight tolerances.

✔️ Mass production of identical parts in large quantities.

✔️ Parts that require an excellent surface finish and durability.

📌 Example: A high-performance aerospace bracket might start as an LPBF prototype before transitioning to CNC machining for mass production.

🔗 Compare LPBF and CNC Machining Options at MakerVerse: here.

Conclusion: Which Manufacturing Process is Right for You?

Choose LPBF 3D Metal Printing if you need complex geometries, lightweight structures, and fast prototyping.

Choose CNC Machining if you need high-precision parts, superior surface finish, and cost-effective mass production.

At MakerVerse, we offer both technologies, ensuring you get the best manufacturing method for your project. Whether you need a single custom part or a high-volume production run, our on-demand platform connects you with top-tier metal manufacturing capabilities.

💡 Not sure which process is best for your needs? Get expert guidance and an instant quote on MakerVerse!

👉 Start Your Metal Manufacturing Order Now