AM Friday Episode 2 – Understanding the Cost‑Volume Curve in Additive & Subtractive Manufacturing

In this week’s episode of AM Friday, industry experts Daniel Leong and Nick Martin unpack the cost‑volume curve that governs additive and subtractive manufacturing. As more companies adopt in‑house 3D printing, understanding this relationship has become essential.

The cost‑volume curve illustrates how the cost per part changes with production volume. It combines two key components: the upfront overhead of setting up a part for manufacturing and the variable cost of producing each unit. Traditional machining methods typically exhibit high overhead, making economies of scale a prerequisite for cost‑efficiency. Additive manufacturing flips the script—low‑volume parts can be produced affordably because the setup cost is minimal.

Free Sample Part

Leong and Martin also clarify that 3D printers are not intended to replace conventional tooling. High‑volume, repetitive parts still benefit from CNC machining or turning, while complex, low‑volume geometries are ideal candidates for 3D printing.

The discussion then turns to the initial investment for 3D printing compared with conventional manufacturing, followed by a deep dive into metal additive manufacturing. Advancements in metal 3‑D printing technology are driving down costs, making it increasingly viable for businesses to integrate metal printing into their production lines.

Watch the full episode below, and feel free to leave comments or ask questions.

Tune in next week when we discuss how to determine which parts are best suited for metal 3‑D printing.

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