What type of manufacturing process do 3D printers perform?

3D printers utilize an additive manufacturing process. This means that they work by adding material layer by layer to build up a three-dimensional object from a digital model. Unlike subtractive manufacturing processes, which involve cutting away material from a solid block to achieve the desired shape, additive manufacturing creates objects by sequentially adding material. This technique allows for greater design flexibility, complex geometries, and often reduces material waste since only the necessary amount of material is used to create the part.

In contrast to other processes such as subtractive manufacturing, where the focus is on removal of material, additive manufacturing enables the production of intricate designs that would otherwise be challenging or impossible to achieve. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and automotive, where custom or lightweight components are in demand. Additionally, while flexible and batch processes relate to manufacturing methodologies, they do not directly describe the nature of how 3D printing functions in terms of material usage and object creation.