When should I choose 3D printing over CNC machining?

 When should I choose 3D printing over CNC machining?

Opt for 3D printing when:

You need complex geometries (lattices, internal channels, organic shapes).

Production volume is low (1-500 units).

Rapid prototyping or design iteration is critical.

Example: Surgical tool prototypes with hollow structures are 5x cheaper with SLS 3D printing vs CNC.