What is a disadvantage associated with using AM as a secondary process?

Using additive manufacturing (AM) as a secondary process can lead to slower production rates compared to traditional manufacturing methods. This is particularly important to consider when evaluating the efficiency of production workflows. Traditional processes, such as subtractive manufacturing, often have established throughput rates that allow for quicker mass production due to the optimized tooling and material handling systems in place.

In the case of AM, the layer-by-layer approach can introduce time constraints, especially for complex geometries or larger parts, resulting in longer lead times. While AM offers significant advantages in design flexibility and customization, these benefits can come at the cost of speed. Therefore, understanding the slower production rates helps in assessing when and how to effectively integrate AM within a broader manufacturing strategy, especially when high volume and rapid throughput are required.

The other options reflect various challenges associated with additive manufacturing, but they do not directly address the production speed aspect, which is critical in many manufacturing environments.