Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing and the Balanced Approach to Technology
At ReNEW Manufacturing Solutions, our journey has been one of constant adaptation and strategic growth. We see technology as a major enabler of that growth, and as we evaluate new options, we have one focus: Harness advanced technology to deliver parts with unmatched efficiency and value.
One of the developments we monitor most closely is the evolving relationship between additive and subtractive manufacturing.
As 3D printing emerged to become a mainstream manufacturing method over the past decade, many engineers and manufacturers have weighed how to best leverage this technology while avoiding the pitfalls of premature adoption. It’s critical to understand the current state of additive and subtractive manufacturing in order to capitalize on these complementary technologies, both now and into the future.
The Promise of Additive Manufacturing
3D printing has moved from a niche innovation to a mainstream manufacturing method, and its potential continues to grow. The frontier of metal 3D printing presents intriguing possibilities, as we witnessed firsthand at IMTS. The latest generation of printers can achieve far tighter tolerances, while individual machines can seamlessly switch between a variety of materials instead of being restricted to one or two options.
However, key limitations remain: Printing speeds lag significantly behind traditional precision CNC machining for volume production, for instance. And size constraints typically restrict production to smaller parts.
Yet in specific applications—particularly for complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to machine traditionally—additive manufacturing shows remarkable promise.
How Automation Is Speeding Up Traditional Machining
While additive manufacturing may attract more attention, traditional subtractive manufacturing is undergoing its own transformation through automation and cobots. Robotic part loaders have become increasingly versatile as they’ve grown more adaptable and easier to program, offering economic benefits for custom metal machining even in small batches.
Beyond automation, tooling in machining does continue to make strides, but its gains have slowed from the tremendous leaps of the past. Instead, automated systems represent the most significant advances today, dramatically reducing costs.
It’s important to note: The rise of automation in our industry isn't about replacing skilled workers—it's about augmenting their capabilities. Productivity in manufacturing requires a blend of human expertise and the improved efficiency enabled by automation.
Cobots can handle repetitive tasks like part loading, allowing skilled machinists to focus on high-value activities such as set-up and programming. Operators can now supervise more machines at once, with automation having reduced physical strain and operator fatigue.
How ReNEW Is Integrating These Manufacturing Innovations
At ReNEW, we’ve taken a measured approach to 3D printing, focusing primarily on polymer-based printing for internal fixtures and tooling. This strategy enables us to enhance our traditional subtractive manufacturing processes without overextending into applications where the technology isn’t yet practical.
In our subtractive manufacturing, we’ve increased our use of cobots. We're seeing significant improvements in delivery speeds while maintaining our commitment to skilled human operators. These investments in automation technology represent a key part of our ongoing strategy to enhance efficiency without compromising quality.
For most of our customers' current needs, subtractive manufacturing remains the most practical and cost-effective solution, bolstered by the custom fixtures we create through 3D printing. However, we will continue to embrace both additive and subtractive manufacturing innovations in the future that allow us to deliver more value to our customers.
From CNC machining to custom metal fabrication, our relentless focus on efficiency translates directly into competitive pricing and faster delivery times for our customers.
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