3D printing vs CNC machining: which costs less?
Short answer: 3D printing wins on one-offs and complex geometry; CNC wins on precision, materials and often on batches of simple parts. The crossover usually sits between 10 and 100 units for small parts.
Cost comparison at a glance
| FDM 3D Printing | CNC Milling | |
|---|---|---|
| One-off part | $8-30 | $40-150 |
| Batch of 100 (per part) | $4-10 | $15-60 |
| Production volume (per part) | $3-8 | $8-30 |
| Typical lead time | 1-3 days | 2-5 days |
| Tolerance | ±0.3 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, nylon, CF blends | aluminum, steel, brass, titanium, plastics |
These are indicative service-market ranges for a palm-sized part — your own costs depend on your machines, rates and region. Both calculators below let you price the same part both ways with your numbers and see the crossover for yourself.
Choose FDM 3D Printing when…
- complex internal geometry or organic shapes
- one-offs and fast iterations
- part cost dominated by machining time
- lightweight lattice or hollow parts
Choose CNC Milling when…
- tight tolerances (±0.05 mm or better)
- engineering metals with certified properties
- surfaces that must be flat, threaded or sealed
- batches where cycle time drops per part
Price your part in seconds with the free FDM 3D Printing cost calculator — upload your file, quantities and machine time are estimated automatically.
Open the FDM 3D Printing cost calculator →Price your part in seconds with the free CNC Milling cost calculator — upload your file, quantities and machine time are estimated automatically.
Open the CNC Milling cost calculator →Put AI-powered instant quoting on your own website
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