How is additive manufacturing different from traditional manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing is distinctly characterized by the process of creating parts by joining layers of material together. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, which often involve subtractive processes where material is removed (as in cutting or milling), additive manufacturing adds material layer by layer to build up a part. This layer-by-layer approach allows for more complex geometries and designs that might be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional methods.

Additionally, additive manufacturing often utilizes materials such as plastics, metals, or ceramics in a variety of forms (such as filaments or powders) that are precisely deposited or fused together, allowing for efficient material usage with minimal waste. This can also lead to less extensive tooling requirements and quicker turnaround times for prototypes or custom parts.

While traditional manufacturing processes often result in more rigid and predefined shapes, the flexibility of additive manufacturing enables rapid adaptations and customizations, which is particularly valuable in industries that prioritize agility and innovation. Thus, the choice that identifies the layer-by-layer creation process aligns perfectly with the fundamental principle of additive manufacturing.