Question

Why is 3-D printing considered additive manufacturing?

A) It manufactures small objects.
B) It builds objects out of plastic.
C) It is a new way to manufacture objects.
D) It creates objects by adding layers.

Answer 1

3-D printing is considered additive manufacturing because it builds objects layer by layer, unlike traditional methods that shape or remove material.

Step-by-step explanation:

3-D printing is considered additive manufacturing because it creates objects by adding material layer by layer until the entire object is formed. This is different from traditional manufacturing techniques such as injection moulding, where molten material is injected into a mould, or extrusion and drawing, which shape material by pushing or pulling it through a die. Additive manufacturing with 3-D printing offers the advantage of building complex shapes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with subtractive or formative processes.