CNC Machining and Additive Manufacturing Hybrid Workflows

  • Date:
  • Views:10
  • Source:VeloMach



The manufacturing landscape is no longer a choice between subtractive and additive technologies. The future, and a significant competitive advantage, lies in their strategic integration. Hybrid workflows that combine CNC machining and Additive Manufacturing (AM) are revolutionizing how complex, highprecision parts are produced, offering unparalleled design freedom, accelerated timelines, and superior finalpart quality. For businesses seeking a reliable onestopshop for precision components, understanding this synergy is key to unlocking nextlevel performance.


cnc machining center
At its core, this hybrid approach leverages the unique strengths of each technology. Additive Manufacturing, particularly metal 3D printing, excels at creating highly complex, lightweight, and consolidated geometries that are impossible with traditional machining. It allows for the production of intricate internal channels, lattice structures, and topologyoptimized forms that minimize weight while maintaining strength. However, AM parts often require postprocessing to achieve the necessary dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and tight tolerances for functional applications.

This is where CNC machining enters the workflow as the perfect complement. 5axis CNC machining provides the ultimate solution for adding critical features with micronlevel precision. It is used to finish functional surfaces, create precise threads, achieve perfect sealing faces, and hold tight geometric tolerances on the 3Dprinted substrate. This twostep process ensures that the final part benefits from both the design freedom of AM and the reliable, highperformance surface integrity of CNC machining.

The business benefits of adopting a hybrid model are substantial. It drastically reduces lead times by enabling rapid prototyping and production of complex jigs and fixtures. More importantly, it allows for part consolidation, transforming multicomponent assemblies into a single, robust part, which simplifies supply chains, reduces potential failure points, and lowers overall assembly costs.

Our company is at the forefront of this manufacturing evolution. As your onestop solution for CNC machining and additive manufacturing, we possess the expertise and advanced equipment to seamlessly manage these hybrid workflows. From advising on the optimal design for manufacturability (DFM) to executing precise postprocessing, we ensure you receive a finished component that leverages the best of both worlds. Partner with us to transform your designs into highperformance, innovative parts that drive your business growth.