Additive manufacturing is a synonym for 3D printing and any process in which technology building 3D are adding layer on top of layer [1], regardless of the material being used. 3D modeling is achieved using a computer, using Computer Aided Design (CAD) machine equipment and layering material. When a CAD sketch is produced, the additive manufacturing equipment then analyzes the data on the CAD file and begins the process of layering the needed material.

Additive manufacturing is currently being used as a way to produce complex and customizable parts that have no joints and are organic [2]. Additive manufacturing builds parts in a less time consuming manner compared to subtractive manufacturing methods. Printer complexity allows the additive manufacturing equipment to prototype in a relatively cost effective manner with accuracy and a quick turnaround. Anything designed using a CAD program can be produced using the additive manufacturing method [3].

Subtractive manufacturing is the process of cutting away material from a solid block of material; this task is completed through the work of a CNC machine. The advanced CNC machines are able to cut around the X, Y, and Z axes by using multiple tools and decreasing the need to flip the solid block of material [4].

Subtractive manufacturing often begins by subtracting material from a solid block of material. The process to decrease the block and create the desired part includes milling, turning, and/or sawing [5]. The material must go through several steps of machining and assembly before it can be finalized. Even though the subtractive manufacturing process may include multiple steps, there are a wide variety of materials that they are able to use. These materials are more durable and have the ability to be produced in large quantities.

Mass production requires the ability to manufacture large quantities of products efficiently. While both additive manufacturing and subtractive manufacturing have their pros and cons in terms of mass production, subtractive manufacturing is the most cost efficient and faster option. The material does not fill additive manufacturing parts and the dimensions vary [6]. Additive manufacturing may be able to produce more geometrically flexible parts in a faster time-line; but subtractive manufacturing produces the highest quality parts with exceptional surface finish and dimensional accuracy. The only downside is that the excess material will likely be wasted. In most cases, excess material is often collected and recycled as aggregate for other projects.


[1] http://additivemanufacturing.com/basics/
[2] http://www.protomatic.com/about-­‐us/newsletters/3d-­‐printing/2015/10/are-­‐additive-­‐or-­‐subtractive-­‐manufacturing-­‐methods-­‐best-­‐when
[3] http://www.protomatic.com/about-­‐us/newsletters/3d-­‐printing/2015/10/are-­‐additive-­‐or-­‐subtractive-­‐manufacturing-­‐methods-­‐best-­‐when
[4] https://www.engineeringclicks.com/additive-­‐or-­‐subtractive/
[5] https://www.engineeringclicks.com/additive-­‐or-­‐subtractive/
[6] http://compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com/2014/10/pros-­‐cons-­‐additive-­‐manufacturing/

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