What is additive manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing is best defined as a process that creates objects by adding material layer by layer. This technology stands in contrast to traditional manufacturing methods, such as subtractive manufacturing, which involves removing material from a solid block. In additive manufacturing, materials like plastics, metals, and ceramics are deposited in precise amounts to build up an object, allowing for greater design flexibility and the ability to create complex geometries that may be difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional methods.

The layer-by-layer approach enables the fabrication of intricate structures that can include features like internal cavities or lattice designs, which contributes to weight reduction and improved performance in many applications. This method is widely used across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer products, because it allows for rapid prototyping and customization.

The other options present alternatives that do not accurately represent additive manufacturing. For instance, the idea that it is solely a method for metal fabrication is limiting, as additive manufacturing encompasses a variety of materials. Similarly, the notion that it is exclusive to large-scale manufacturing ignores its applications in small-scale and even individual custom projects.