What does the term 'additive manufacturing' imply about product creation?

The term 'additive manufacturing' specifically refers to a process where products are created by adding material layer by layer, rather than removing material from a solid block as seen in traditional manufacturing methods. This approach allows for complex geometries and designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with subtractive methods. As a result, additive manufacturing is particularly known for techniques such as 3D printing, where each layer is formed sequentially, eventually culminating in the completed product.

This layering technique not only contributes to more efficient use of material but also enables rapid prototyping and customization in production. Therefore, the concept of building from layer to layer is fundamental to additive manufacturing, distinguishing it clearly from other manufacturing processes that rely on subtractive or stamping methods.