How Much Does It Cost To Manufacture Parts With 3D Printing Vs. CNC Machining?

Choosing between 3D printing and CNC machining can be confusing. Making the wrong choice costs time and money. Let's look at the costs to help you decide.

Generally, 3D printing has lower upfront costs, great for complex prototypes. CNC machining often becomes cheaper for simpler shapes in larger numbers or when you need specific strong materials like the ones we work with at Worthy Hardware.

Deciding which process is best really depends on the details of your project. There isn't one simple answer that fits every situation. Let's dive deeper into comparing these two popular manufacturing methods. We'll start by looking directly at which one might be cheaper.

Is CNC machining cheaper than 3D printing?

Need the most affordable parts for your project? Assuming one method is always cheaper can lead to overspending. Let's see when CNC costs less than 3D printing.

It depends. CNC can be cheaper for simpler parts in large quantities or specific strong metals. 3D printing is often cheaper for complex one-off prototypes or very small batches.

The truth is, the cheaper option changes based on what you need. At Worthy Hardware, we handle a lot of CNC machining, so I see these cost differences daily. Let's break down the main things that affect the price comparison between CNC machining and 3D printing.

Volume is Key

For just one or a few parts (like prototypes), 3D printing often wins because there's minimal setup cost. CNC machining requires programming and machine setup, which costs the same whether you make 1 part or 100. So, for low volumes, that setup cost makes each CNC part expensive. But as you increase the quantity, that setup cost gets spread out. CNC machines are also usually faster per part once running. So, for hundreds or thousands of parts, CNC machining almost always becomes much cheaper per piece.

Part Complexity

3D printing builds parts layer by layer. This means very complex shapes, internal channels, or organic forms don't add much difficulty or cost compared to simpler shapes. With CNC machining, complexity directly increases cost. More complex shapes require more programming time, potentially special tooling, longer machine run times, and maybe even 5-axis machines like we have. So, for highly intricate designs, 3D printing can be more cost-effective, even at slightly higher volumes sometimes.

Material Choices

Material costs vary hugely for both methods. Standard 3D printing plastics (like PLA or ABS) can be relatively cheap. However, high-performance engineering resins or metal printing powders are very expensive. CNC machining can use a wide range of materials, from inexpensive plastics and aluminum to costly titanium or specialized alloys. Often, a block of raw aluminum for CNC is cheaper than the equivalent amount of high-strength 3D printing filament or resin. We machine over 100 materials at Worthy, so we know material cost is a big factor.

Labor and Setup

CNC needs skilled programmers and operators for setup. This initial labor cost is significant. 3D printing setup is simpler – load the file, prep the printer. However, 3D printed parts often need post-processing (cleaning, support removal, curing) which adds labor time after printing. CNC parts might need deburring (we do this standard) or other finishing, but complex post-processing is less common.

Is 3D printing cheaper than traditional manufacturing methods like CNC?

Thinking about making parts a new way? Just sticking to old methods like CNC might mean you miss chances to save money. Find out where 3D printing saves money.

For prototypes, custom jigs, or very complex low-volume parts, 3D printing is often cheaper. For mass production of simpler parts, traditional methods like CNC machining are usually better value.

Comparing 3D printing to all "traditional manufacturing" is broad, but focusing on CNC helps. They serve different purposes well. I've seen clients like Mark Chen from Canada benefit from both, depending on whether he needs prototypes quickly or cost-effective production parts. The key is understanding where each technology shines from a cost perspective.

Prototyping Advantages

This is where 3D printing really stands out. You can design a part in CAD and have a physical version in your hands in hours or a day. The cost per prototype is relatively low compared to setting up a CNC machine for a single piece. This speed allows for quick design checks and changes. Making multiple design iterations with 3D printing is much cheaper and faster than doing the same with CNC machining. You avoid the significant programming and setup costs each time you tweak the design.

Low-Volume and Custom Parts

If you only need a handful of parts, or if each part needs to be slightly different (customization), 3D printing is often the winner. Think about custom jigs and fixtures for a production line, or personalized medical devices. Setting up a CNC run for just 5 unique parts would be very expensive per piece. 3D printing handles this easily, as the cost is mainly driven by material used and print time, not complex setup for variations.

Geometric Complexity for Less

As mentioned before, 3D printing handles complex internal structures or organic shapes without a major cost increase. Trying to machine the same complex part using CNC could involve multiple setups, 5-axis machining, and long run times, driving the cost way up. If your part needs that complexity, 3D printing might be the only affordable way, especially at low volumes.

When Traditional CNC Wins

Despite 3D printing's strengths, CNC machining remains king for many applications. If you need thousands of identical parts, especially if they are relatively simple shapes, the per-part cost of CNC machining drops significantly due to economies of scale.

Also, if you need parts made from specific engineering metals (like high-strength steel, aluminum alloys, titanium) with very tight tolerances (we can hold +/- 0.001" or better at Worthy), CNC is usually the better, and sometimes the only, option. Material properties from CNC machining are often more predictable and robust than current 3D printed equivalents, especially for metals.

How much does it cost to get a part CNC machined?

Need strong, precise parts made of metal or plastic? Getting quotes for CNC machining can seem complicated. Let's break down what really drives the cost for you.

CNC costs vary a lot based on machine time, material, complexity, quantity, and required precision. A single part might cost under $100 or thousands, depending heavily on these details.

As someone running a CNC machining business, Worthy Hardware, I prepare quotes constantly. It's not a simple price list; every part is custom. Understanding the cost factors helps customers like you optimize designs for manufacturing and budget effectively. Let's look at the main components that make up the final price.

Key Cost Drivers for CNC Machining:

• Machine Time: This is often the biggest factor. It depends on:
  • Part Size & Complexity: Larger, more intricate parts take longer to machine.
  • Material: Harder materials (like steel, titanium) machine slower than softer ones (like aluminum, plastic).
  • Machine Type: Simple 3-axis work is faster than complex 5-axis contouring. Our machines run at an hourly rate, covering operation, maintenance, and depreciation.
• Material Cost: The type of material (aluminum, steel, brass, plastic, titanium) and the amount needed significantly impact cost. Raw material prices fluctuate. Waste material (chips) also has to be accounted for. We handle over 100 materials, each with its own price point.
• Programming & Setup: A skilled programmer needs to create the toolpaths (CAM programming). Then, a machinist sets up the machine, fixtures the workpiece, and loads tools. These are often one-time costs per batch, so they make low-volume runs more expensive per part. Our engineers help optimize designs to reduce this where possible.
• Quantity: Higher volumes allow the setup costs to be spread across more parts, drastically reducing the per-part price. Material costs might also decrease slightly with bulk purchases. We handle everything from single prototypes to high-volume production.
• Tolerances & Finishing: Tighter tolerances (like the +/- 0.001" we can achieve) require more careful machining, potentially slower speeds, and definitely more inspection time (we do 100% inspection). Specific surface finishes (like anodizing, powder coating, polishing – we offer 50+ options) add extra steps and costs after machining. Our standard finish is a good quality 125 Ra or better.

How much does it cost to make things with a 3D printer?

Thinking about using a 3D printer for your parts? The low price of some desktop printers can be deceptive. Let's look at the actual costs involved in 3D printing.

3D printing costs mainly depend on the amount of material used (filament or resin cost), how long it takes to print, and any necessary cleaning or finishing steps afterward.

While we focus on CNC at Worthy Hardware, understanding 3D printing costs helps compare the technologies fairly. The cost structure is quite different from CNC. It's less about complex setup and more about material consumption and machine time in a different way. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into the cost of a 3D printed part.

Main Costs in 3D Printing:

• Material Cost: This is a primary driver. You pay for the plastic filament (for FDM printers) or liquid resin (for SLA/DLP printers) by weight or volume. Different materials have vastly different costs – basic PLA is cheap, while engineering-grade or flexible materials cost much more. You also need to account for support material, which is printed alongside the part but removed later, adding to the material used.

• Print Time: How long does the part take to print? This ties into the machine's operating cost. While running, the printer uses electricity, and its lifespan is finite (depreciation). Longer print times mean higher costs. Print time depends on part size, complexity (though less impactful than CNC), print resolution (finer layers take longer), and infill density (how solid the inside is).

• Post-Processing: Most 3D printed parts require some work after printing. This can include:

  • Cleaning: Removing leftover resin or powder.
  • Support Removal: Carefully breaking or dissolving away support structures. This can be time-consuming.
  • Curing: Some resins need UV curing to reach full strength.
  • Finishing: Sanding, painting, or smoothing surfaces if needed for appearance or function. This labor adds to the cost.

• Machine Investment & Maintenance: If you own the printer, the initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance (replacement parts, calibration) factor into the overall cost per part over the machine's lifetime. If you use a printing service, these costs are built into their pricing structure.

• Failed Prints: Sometimes prints fail mid-process due to various issues. This wastes material and time, adding to the overall operational cost.

Generally, for one-offs and prototypes, the lower setup effort makes 3D printing seem cheaper initially, but material costs and post-processing can add up, especially for larger or higher-quality prints.

Conclusion

Choosing between 3D printing and CNC machining depends on your project's volume, complexity, material needs, and budget. Understand these cost factors to pick the most effective manufacturing method.