Which of the following statements about additive manufacturing (AM) is true?

Additive manufacturing, often referred to as 3D printing, is a process that builds parts by joining together layers of material. This technique involves depositing material layer by layer until the final object is created, which allows for highly complex geometries and designs that may be challenging to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods. The layer-by-layer approach enables additive manufacturing to create intricate structures, optimize material usage, and reduce waste, which is a significant advantage over subtractive manufacturing methods that remove material to achieve a desired shape.

The incorrect options provide inaccurate representations of additive manufacturing. One option incorrectly suggests that AM operates by subtracting material, which aligns with traditional manufacturing methods rather than additive processes. Another option claims that AM only utilizes metal, which is not true, as it can use a variety of materials, including plastics, ceramics, and composites. The final incorrect statement implies that AM is less flexible than traditional methods, while in reality, AM is often more adaptable, allowing for rapid prototyping and customization without the need for complex tooling. This flexibility makes it particularly valuable in fields such as aerospace, healthcare, and automotive design.