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Should You Laser Cut, CNC Machine, or 3D Print?

Answer 6 quick questions about your part and we'll recommend the best manufacturing process — with reasons, cost guidance, and a direct link to get a quote.

Question 1 of 6

What type of part are you making?

Process Comparison at a Glance

FeatureLaser CuttingCNC Machining3D Printing
Best forFlat sheet partsRound/precision partsComplex 3D shapes
Tolerance±0.1–0.3mm±0.01–0.05mm±0.2–0.5mm
MaterialsSteel, stainless, aluminiumAny machinable metal/plasticPLA, PETG, ABS, nylon
Max thickness20mm mild steelNo practical limit300mm build height
Setup costLowMediumNone
Per-part cost at volumeVery lowLowHigh
Turnaround1–5 days3–10 days1–5 days
Surface finishClean edges, oxide possibleExcellentLayer lines visible

Typical Cost Ranges

Ballpark pricing for common parts. Actual prices depend on geometry, material, and quantity. Use our instant quote for exact pricing.

Laser Cutting

  • Simple bracket (3mm mild steel, 100×100mm)$8.4–15.75
  • Medium plate (6mm aluminium, 200×300mm)$26.25–47.25
  • Thick plate (10mm mild steel, 150×150mm)$15.75–31.5

Prices are per part, 1 qty, inc GST

CNC Machining

  • Simple turned part (30mm dia, 50mm long)$26.25–52.5
  • Threaded adapter (50mm dia, steel)$42–84
  • Complex multi-op part$84–210+

Prices are per part, 1 qty, inc GST

3D Printing

  • Small prototype (50×50×30mm, PLA)$10.5–26.25
  • Functional part (100×80×50mm, PETG)$26.25–63
  • Large enclosure (200×150×100mm)$63–157.5

Prices are per part, 1 qty, inc GST

Quick Decision Guide

If your part is flat and cut from sheet metal...

Laser cut it. Fastest turnaround, lowest cost, excellent tolerances for most applications. This covers brackets, panels, plates, gussets, enclosure sides, and most fabrication work.

If your part is round, cylindrical, or needs very tight tolerances...

CNC machine it. Shafts, bushings, adapters, threaded fittings, or any part needing better than ±0.1mm. Higher per-part cost but unbeatable precision.

If your part has complex 3D geometry or you need just 1-2 prototypes...

3D print it. No tooling cost, any geometry possible. Best for prototyping, jigs, fixtures, and plastic functional parts. Not ideal for metal production parts.

If your part is flat but needs bends...

Laser cut + press brake bend it. We laser cut the flat pattern and bend it on our press brake. This is how enclosures, channels, brackets with flanges, and most sheet metal assemblies are made.

Not sure?

Use the interactive guide above, or contact us. We'll recommend the best approach for your part and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose between laser cutting and CNC machining?
Laser cutting is best for flat 2D parts from sheet metal — it is faster, cheaper, and has minimal setup cost. CNC machining is better for 3D parts, cylindrical components, or when you need very tight tolerances (±0.05mm or better). If your part is flat and does not require extremely tight tolerances, laser cutting is almost always the best choice.
When should I 3D print instead of laser cut or CNC machine?
3D printing is ideal for complex 3D geometry that would be difficult or impossible to machine, for one-off prototypes where tooling cost matters, and for plastic parts. For metal parts in production quantities, laser cutting or CNC machining is almost always cheaper per part. 3D printing shines when geometry complexity is high and quantity is low.
What tolerances can each process achieve?
Laser cutting: ±0.1–0.3mm (excellent for most applications). CNC machining: ±0.01–0.05mm (the precision champion). 3D printing (FDM): ±0.2–0.5mm (suitable for form/fit prototypes, not precision parts). Sheet metal bending: ±0.5mm on bend positions. For most fabrication work, laser cutting tolerances are more than sufficient.
Which process is cheapest for metal parts?
For flat parts: laser cutting is almost always cheapest, especially at volume where nesting reduces material waste. For round/cylindrical parts: CNC turning is most cost-effective. For complex 3D parts in small quantities: 3D printing can be cheaper than CNC due to zero tooling cost. At production volumes (50+), CNC and laser cutting are significantly cheaper per part than 3D printing.
Can I combine multiple processes on one order?
Yes — many parts benefit from combining processes. A common example is laser cutting a flat pattern then bending it on a press brake (sheet metal fabrication). You can also laser cut a plate then CNC machine specific holes or features to tighter tolerances. JDL Innovations offers laser cutting, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and 3D printing — contact us to discuss combined-process parts.

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