Which statement about selecting an AM process is true?

The statement that engineers can choose among multiple methods including powder bed fusion is accurate because additive manufacturing encompasses a variety of processes that can be applied to different materials and geometries. Powder bed fusion, which includes techniques like selective laser sintering (SLS) and electron beam melting (EBM), is one of the multiple available methods for producing metal parts, but it is not the only one. Engineers have the flexibility to select appropriate AM processes based on factors such as material properties, desired part characteristics, and production requirements. This choice can lead to optimization in terms of performance, cost, and scalability when fabricating metal components.

Other options make assumptions that limit the understanding of additive manufacturing processes or compare them inaccurately to traditional manufacturing methods. For instance, suggesting that only one AM method is suited for metal parts overlooks the diversity available in metal AM technologies. Claims that all AM processes are the same for different materials are incorrect, as various processes are tailored for specific material behaviors and characteristics. Additionally, asserting that all AM processes are cheaper than traditional manufacturing methods ignores the variability in cost associated with different processes, setups, and materials used.