AM's ability to create parts with intricate features, such as lattice structures, is an example of what concept?

The ability of additive manufacturing (AM) to create parts with intricate features, such as lattice structures, is best categorized under the concept of part complexity. AM technologies enable the production of geometries that are often impossible or highly challenging to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods.

Lattice structures, for instance, are complex arrangements of material that provide strength while significantly reducing weight. This capability is directly tied to the layered manufacturing process of AM, which allows for the precise placement of material in complex configurations without the limitations of molds or tooling constraints seen in subtractive manufacturing processes.

While part versatility refers to the variety of designs that can be produced, and part cost-effectiveness relates to the economic benefits of using additive manufacturing, the complexity of the parts produced is what truly showcases the strengths of AM in creating unique and intricate geometries. Reliability, on the other hand, deals more with the performance and longevity of the parts rather than their complexity. Therefore, the focus on intricate features aligns clearly with the concept of part complexity.