Additive Manufacturing (AM) is increasingly used for the manufacture of parts in different industrial sectors and, therefore, it becomes relevant to evaluate the mechanical performance that can be achieved with this process and the possible impacts on the environment compared to traditional processes. In this paper, two alternative production methods for fabricating a standard stainless steel tensile specimen are compared: Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and machining. Functional tests were carried out until the fracture of the pieces. The amount of material used was measured. In addition, the energy consumed to produce the pieces was estimated. Both production processes were compared concerning the measured tensile properties, material consumption, and additional data from the literature. The results obtained from generative design and topological optimization of a part are discussed, as well as the implications regarding the sustainability of the processes.