Which type of AM process typically provides for high-level design freedom?

Additive manufacturing is known for offering a high level of design freedom due to its unique layering process. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, which often involve removing material or shaping it into molds, additive manufacturing builds objects layer by layer, allowing for complex geometries and intricate designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with other techniques. This process enables the creation of lightweight structures with optimized shapes, internal lattice formations, and bespoke features tailored to specific requirements.

Moreover, additive manufacturing permits rapid prototyping and design iterations, allowing engineers and designers to experiment with different concepts quickly. This flexibility in design, combined with the lack of tooling restrictions, positions additive manufacturing as a powerful tool for innovation in various industries, including aerospace, medical devices, and consumer products. Such capabilities render it superior in terms of design freedom compared to subtractive manufacturing, traditional molding, and standard machining processes, all of which typically conform to more rigid design constraints.