What is one major factor that differentiates additive manufacturing from traditional manufacturing?

One major factor that differentiates additive manufacturing from traditional manufacturing is the concept of material layering. In additive manufacturing, components are created by adding material layer by layer, which allows for greater design freedom, complexity, and the ability to produce parts with intricate geometries that may be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional methods. This layer-by-layer approach enables the production of customized products and can also reduce material waste, as only the material necessary for the part is used.

In contrast, traditional manufacturing typically involves subtractive processes, where material is removed from a solid block to create a part. This fundamental difference in how parts are made is a key aspect that sets additive manufacturing apart, highlighting its potential for innovation in design and fabrication.