[potato3732842]

I'd just like to point out how stereotypical of a modern mechanical engineer it is to want to print everything out of plastic and not appreciate the greater versatility of a CNC router.

I can't count the number of times I've converted gasketed joints into O-ringed joints, slotted holes, casting lines and welds I've smoothed out. Yes, there are better machines for performing these tasks in metal but I can just tell the CNC router to go nice and slow and come back hours later. In addition to that there's all buffing and polishing operations you can do with abrasives and the ability to cut cheap wood templates and test parts. The 3d printer can make complex things relatively quickly and easily but it can't work with existing things.

[syntaxing]

I think it really depends. 3D printing allows you to be CAD lazy. Things don’t need to make sense as long as the interface is correct. You can also print another part if you mess up. You need to spend some time to make sure CNC parts are engineering sound. But most “experienced” and respectable engineers know their way around the shop. I have zero issues using a manual/CNC mill, grinders, brakes, or drill press. I did it all the time when the schedule is tight, my electrical engineer counter parts would order some off the shelf parts and I’ll modify it for the projects needs.