The Top Hybrid 3D Printers on the Market - 3Dnatives

Additive manufacturing has become a production tool that more and more companies and manufacturers are embracing. It often complements more traditional manufacturing methods such as machining or injection molding. But what if there was a machine that could combine two manufacturing processes, or even three, to multiply the possibilities and design even more complex parts? Well in fact it’s been a reality since 1990: hybrid machines. In these, additive and subtractive manufacturing are combined for a more versatile solution. Some machines also offer laser engraving, cutting or paste extrusion. We’ve put together a list of hybrid 3D printers, classifying them by type: desktop solutions don’t have the same scope and functionality as industrial machines. They are listed in alphabetical order.

The 5AXISMAKER solution was launched in 2015 by UK-based manufacturer 5AXISWORKS. This machine is available in two versions, the 5xm400 and 5xm600 according to the maximum manufacturing size. Both support any CAD/CAM software (provided a post processor is available) and include a one-year commercial subscription to Autodesk® Fusion 360 TM Ultimate. They include a set of tools including a 5-axis CNC router, touch probe, 3D printer, 3D scanning and measurement, and hot wire cutter, plus the potential to add more items via their adapter. As we have said they have a printing volume of 400mm3 or 600mm3 depending on the version, and are compatible with engineering thermoplastics, such as nylon, PC, etc.

Photo Credits: 5AXISWORKS

Creality 3D, a low-cost 3D printer manufacturer, has unveiled its Creality CP-01, a hybrid printer that can be used as a 3D printer, CNC milling machine, and laser engraving machine. The integrated FDM-based 3D printer prints with ABS, PLA, PVA, TPU and wood components at a maximum print speed of 80 mm/sec. The heating plate can be heated up to 100°C. The maximum volume is 200 x 200 x 200 mm and it must not be exceeded even for components that are milled or engraved. The integrated laser can engrave wood, plastic and paper with a laser power of 500mW. The same materials extended by printed circuit boards can also be milled with a maximum spindle speed of 4,800 rpm. The three individual modules of the hybrid printer (extruder, CNC milling and laser engraving unit) can be easily exchanged as required. By combining three units in one, the CP-01 saves not only space but also costs. However, the CNC milling and laser engraving units are entry-level models, so they do not provide above-average performance. In summary, the CP-01 is a good option for makers and hobbyists, but it is not at an industrial level.

The Snapmaker Artisan is a 3-in-1 machine that enables 3D printing, laser engraving and cutting, and CNC carving. Toolheads and platforms can slide and click into place easily, allowing users to switch functions with ease. The machine features industrial-grade linear guide rails that increase precision, rigidity, and durability. With Snapmaker’s signature all-metal design, the Artisan also comes with a one-piece die-cast baseplate in a larger size. The machine’s dual extrusion heads also support dissolvable support printing and breakaway support printing to make post-processing easier. Additionally, the Artisan comes with an ultra-wide 7″-touch screen with an updated, more intuitive UI design to ensure a smoother workflow.

Photo Credits: Snapmaker

Polish company ZMorph is known to release some of the best desktop hybrid 3D printers available on the market, and the ZMorph Fab is no exception. This multitool product supports single and dual extrusion and a professional CNC work table with a simple solution for materials mounting. It also features a thick paste extruder with a wide potential for experimental applications, materials, research, and custom decorations. The machine’s updates include a brand-new single extruder toolhead, HEPA/carbon air filtration, quiet work, a new cooling fan, and improved flexible materials printing. Additionally, the machine is compatible with a wide range of engineering materials. To ensure a smooth workflow for users, the ZMorph team also created SMART Toolheads that are automatically detected, meaning switching tools can take no more than a minute.

4D Pioneers is a French manufacturer of industrial 3D printing solutions, currently offering two models. One of these is the 4Shit, a hybrid 3D printer that combines CNC and additive manufacturing. What’s particularly interesting is that it can process both filaments and pellets, considerably broadening the spectrum of compatible materials. What’s more, it can extrude polymers up to 500°C. Not to mention, it features a patented automatic tool-changing system, enabling the operator to switch from an additive to a subtractive process without human intervention, and in a very short time. The 4Shit offers a print volume of 485 x 485 x 500 mm and a maximum milling speed of 50,000 rpm. Finally, the hybrid 3D printer is equipped with 5 axes for precise milling and post-processing of inaccessible and complex surfaces.

Photo Credits: 4D Pioneers

The 3D printer AconityMIDI was launched by the German manufacturer Aconity3D in 2018 with the intention of providing a flexible production system to users. AconityMIDI is equipped with an optional second camera that allows for parallel setup times while the main system is still in production. It has a maximum production volume of Ø 170 mm x H 200 mm and a layer thickness of up to 10 μm. In addition, the system integrates process monitoring or high temperature preheating (up to 1200°C). This hybrid 3D printer is also available as a DUAL-Laser system that allows for maximizing productivity. Weighing 1450kg, AconityMIDI can be equipped with the unique vacuum option and Micro-LBM configuration. This is certainly an advanced solution for professionals in the 3D industry.

Photo Credits: Aconity3D

The multitasking system AMBIT Series 7 was developed by the company Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies with the aim of opening up new opportunities in the production of metal parts. It provides a perfect integration of seven production technologies in the same tool. This system integrates DED technology heads with a robust performance to deposit metal from 0.5 to 3mm thickness. It also features a column that functions as a universal docking station to monitor and control manufacturing processes to ensure quality parts. Its main novelty is the subsequent verification of manufacturing quality thanks to the eddy current inspection head, which allows the detection of surface and subway cracks. The AMBIT Series 7 solution is undoubtedly an innovative way to integrate additives in conventional manufacturing!

Photo Credits: Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies

BEAD is a solution that combines additive and subtractive manufacturing on a large scale. It optimizes production processes by reducing material waste, while requiring less manual intervention and shortening lead times. Furthermore, it represents an affordable investment. For users, BEAD offers total design freedom and enables full automation of industrial 3D printing. The solution supports a wide range of materials, including PP, ABS, PETG and PC, as well as high-performance materials and fiber-reinforced composites. Its dimensions are 6 x 5 meters.

Photo Credits: CEAD

The EXT 1270 Titan Pellet (formerly the Titan Atlas 3.6) is 3D Systems’ largest printer. It comes as a large-format industrial 3D printer with a CNC milling option. This versatile industrial additive manufacturing system is designed for thermoplastic pellet raw materials, which also lead to lower costs. According to the manufacturer, the EXT 1270’s pellet extrusion technology allows it to print up to 10 times faster than traditional filament extrusion 3D printing, with deposition rates of up to 13.6 kg per hour. With a print volume of 1270 mm x 1270 mm x 1829 mm (50“ x 50” x 72″), the machine can print large parts in one piece. The EXT 1270 can be upgraded with a second pellet extruder, filament extruder, and/or CNC milling capability, either at the time of purchase or at a later date. The addition of the CNC option enables true hybrid production, allowing 3D printed parts to be machined both during and after the printing process.

Photo Credits: 3D Systems

ADDiTEC is a U.S. company founded in 2015 with a mission to deliver smaller, cost-effective advanced metal additive manufacturing solutions. One of its most popular hybrid 3D printers is the Hybrid3. It is a 3-in-1 solution that combines the resolution of Liquid Metal Jetting (LMJ) with the performance of High-Power Laser Directed Energy Deposition (LDED) and the finishing of CNC machining. With the first two methods, which use inexpensive welding wire to fabricate near-net parts, high resolution and high deposition rate are achieved. Furthermore, the subtractive approach allows subsequent machining, ensuring precise surface finishes and tolerances on parts produced with both additive methods. The Hybrid3 is thus a high-precision 5-axis hybrid manufacturing solution that allows a wide variety of end-to-end needs to be met on a single machine.

Coming from the Additive Manufacturing System Division of German manufacturing Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik GmbH, the HYBRIDX-LT is the base model of the company’s ECO-Hybrid line which combines fused granular fabrication (FGF)-based extrusion with extrusion. This machine has a permanent printing plate that can heat up to 150°C in a protective cabin and the extruder itself is compatible with pellets, increasingly popular for their vast material properties as compared to filament. The extruder can go up to 450 °C with a maximum material output that ranges from 8 kg/h to 30 kg/h. For the machining, there is a milling unit with a cardanic 5-axis working head for three-dimensional machining during and after 3D printing. Learn more in the video below:

Manufactured by the Japanese company MAZAK, the INTEGREX i-400 AM is a hybrid multi-tasking machine that provides additive manufacturing technology and high-precision finish machining operations for large format manufacturing. The AM technology is based on Directed Energy Deposition (DED) process. The nozzle deposits the molten metal layer by layer to build the part. DED is interesting for repair applications of worn or damaged components such as aerospace turbine blades. In terms of its Multi-Tasking capabilities, the INTEGREX i-400 AM provides full 5-axis machining to process prismatic parts from solid billets or castings, round parts, highly contoured parts and AM manufactured parts.

The German-Japanese manufacturer DMG Mori, the result of the merger between the German company DMG and the Japanese company Mori Seiki, offers industrial manufacturing solutions for all industries. Its product range includes hybrid manufacturing machines that can both print and machine parts. Among them is the LASERTEC 65 3D Hybrid, a machine with a spray nozzle that offers additive metal fabrication and milling capabilities. It can create parts up to a maximum size of 735 x 650 x 560 mm and is based on the DED process. Equipped with 5 axes, it can change its laser head to mill the designed part. The LASERTEC 65 3D Hybrid integrates Siemens software solutions to maximize your design and control your manufacturing process.

Photo Credits: DMG Mori

The LENS 860 has been designed by Optomec to provide industrial companies with large metal parts: it combines a DED process and a milling spindle for finishing work. Its maximum printing volume is 860 x 600 x 610 mm and its laser reaches a maximum power of 3kW. Four versions are now available, with or without milling, and with or without controlled atmosphere. Depending on the configuration you choose, you will be able to print non-reactive metals such as steel or flap, or metals such as titanium.

The LUCY range of 3D printers has been developed by French manufacturer NAMMA, and combines CNC machining and FFF 3D printing. Both models offer a 300 x 300 x 300 mm manufacturing volume, a heated enclosure, a filament compartment and a robust chassis for greater precision. The machine can produce parts with surface finishes down to 0.3 microns and dimensional tolerances down to 0.05 mm. As a result, users can design complex, precise parts, with lead times reduced by a factor of 10. As for materials, LUCY is compatible with a wide choice of thermoplastics: PETG, PA (filled or unfilled), ABS, ASA, etc. It’s an ideal hybrid 3D printer for manufacturing pre-production molds, mounting brackets, bearings, etc.

Photo Credits: NAMMA

LUMEX Avance-60 is a hybrid 3D printer developed by Japanese manufacturer Matsuura. It combines metal 3D printing technology with conventional milling and CNC. This solution uses a 1 kW laser and boasts a remarkable sintering speed at 35 cc/h*1. The maximum print volume is 600 × 600 × 500, plus the machine can produce parts with a maximum weight of 1,300 kg. An interesting advantage of this machine is its Automatic Powder Recovery System (APR), which means that powder procurement, collection and reuse can be fully automated without the operator having to come into direct contact with the powder. Excess powder that remains after sintering is automatically sieved and reused for the next sintering.

We have told you about Mantle before. The innovative company has created its own form of metal 3D printing using pastes. Now the manufacturer is also offering a hybrid system, named P-200 printer. This integrates 3D printing with metal pastes with precision machining through a CNC platform. The printer has a build volume of 200 x 200 x 150mm and integrates an inspection camera for build monitoring as well as in-situ machine tool probing and calibration. The printer is available from $250,000 but Mantle also offers an F-200 Furnace for an additional $140,000 which can be used to sinter parts made in the P-200 printer and solidify them into durable, accurate tool steel components.

Photo Credits: Mantle

The next solution is a bit different from the other hybrid 3D printers on the list because, as the name suggests, it is an integration to CNC machining machines. This solution adapts to any CNC machine on the market and allows 3D printing of metal and machining of complex geometries in the same process. The integration is connected to the mechanism of the CNC machine, then the mechanism that contains the laser head makes it deploy when printing and retracts it for machining. All this is done automatically. This combination makes it possible to create complex parts with machining tolerances. The technology is compatible with metals such as steel, titanium or nickel, and work is underway to make it compatible with copper and aluminum.

Photo Credits: Meltio

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