Process5 min read
Often, yes — but usually only in specific places. Most industrial additive components are hybrid: the complex form is built additively, and the features that carry tolerance, sealing or assembly function are machined afterwards.
Features that are normally machined
- Bearing and dowel bores requiring close fit.
- Sealing and mating faces requiring flatness and finish.
- Threads, particularly load-bearing or repeatedly assembled threads.
- Datum surfaces used for assembly or inspection.
- Interfaces where position must be held relative to other features.
Features that are often left as-built
- External aerodynamic or organic surfaces.
- Internal channels and lattice structures.
- Non-critical webs, ribs and clearance features.
- Cosmetic surfaces where a blasted or tumbled finish is acceptable.
Plan the allowance, not the rework
Adding stock to critical features at the design stage is inexpensive. Discovering after the build that a bore cannot be finished because there is no material to cut is not. Machining allowance, fixturing access and a workable datum structure should all be decided before the part is built.