Hybrid manufacturing — combining subtractive CNC machining with additive 3D printing — is transforming modern fabrication. This guide explains how hybrid systems operate, the pros and cons of combining technologies, and when to use one over the other. You’ll learn about dual-head machines, firmware compatibility (like Marlin and RepRap), and material transitions between printing and milling. We also cover practical use cases, such as prototyping, mold making, and advanced surface finishing.