Which of the following statements describes additive manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing is characterized by its distinct approach of fabricating parts by adding material layer by layer. This process allows for the creation of complex geometries and designs that traditional manufacturing methods may struggle to achieve. By building parts through the stacking of successive layers, additive manufacturing enables significant design flexibility and efficiency, often reducing waste material as only the necessary amount of material is used in the production process.

In contrast, cutting materials to shape and machining materials from a solid block involve the removal of material from a larger piece, which is fundamentally different from the additive approach. Similarly, joining parts using welding techniques is a method focused on assembling existing components rather than creating new ones through an additive process. Thus, the description of layering material accurately encapsulates the essence of additive manufacturing.