A machine or process that integrates two fundamentally different methods into a single operation. The most common industrial application is a CNC machine that performs both additive metal deposition and subtractive milling in the same work envelope. This allows operators to build up complex geometries and instantly machine them to tight tolerances without moving the part.
The new hybrid cell lets us print the rough bracket and machine the mounting holes in a single setup.
Maintenance on these machines requires technicians cross-trained in both processes, as the failure modes of one system often affect the other.
Related terms
3D printer
A machine that builds solid objects layer by layer from a digital file.
CAD/CAM
Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing software used to design parts and generate machining instructions.
Process
A defined sequence of operations that transforms raw materials into a finished product.