Combining CNC Machining

Hybrid Manufacturing:

Combining CNC Machining

Additive Manufacturing for Aluminum Parts

• When and why hybrid approaches help

  Hybrid manufacturing is changing the way engineers think about aluminium parts. By combining CNC machining with additive manufacturing, manufacturers can create components that would be nearly impossible or prohibitively expensive using a single process alone.

• Examples of complex aluminum geometries made via CNC + 3D printing or additive

  Additive manufacturing (3D printing) allows engineers to build up complex geometries, internal channels, or lightweight lattice structures. However, surface finish and dimensional accuracy often fall short of industry demands. This is where CNC machining enters the picture. By machining critical faces, bores, and mounting features after printing, parts can meet exact tolerances while retaining the unique benefits of additive design.

  
  

• Materials, tolerances, and cost tradeoffs

  For aluminium, the synergy is particularly strong. Aluminium’s low weight and excellent machinability make it a top candidate for high-value applications such as aerospace, medical devices, and advanced electronics. A housing might be printed with integrated cooling channels, then CNC-machined for sealing surfaces and threaded connections.

  The result is faster development cycles, reduced material waste, and improved functionality. Hybrid workflows also enable customization at scale, as parts can be tailored through additive manufacturing while CNC ensures repeatable quality.

  
  

  As industries demand lighter, stronger, and smarter designs, hybrid manufacturing with aluminium provides a new toolkit. It empowers innovation without sacrificing the precision that critical industries require.