gen-define-additive-versus-subtractive-manufacturing-and-give-on-16e8

Define additive versus subtractive manufacturing and give one short worked example.

# Additive vs Subtractive Manufacturing ## Definitions **Subtractive Manufacturing**: Creating parts by removing material from a solid block (workpiece) through cutting, drilling, milling, or grinding. **Additive Manufacturing**: Building parts layer-by-layer by adding material only where needed, such as 3D printing. ## Worked Example: Making a Hollow Cube **Goal**: Create a 10cm hollow cube with 1cm wall thickness ### Subtractive Approach: - Start with: 10×10×10 cm solid aluminum block (1000 cm³) - Machine out the interior, leaving 1cm walls - Final part: 1000 cm³ - 8×8×8 cm³ = 1000 - 512 = **488 cm³** - **Material waste**: 512 cm³ (51.2% wasted as chips/scrap) ### Additive Approach: - Start with: Metal powder or filament - Print only the walls layer-by-layer - Final part: **488 cm³** - **Material waste**: ~2-5% (only support structures or failed prints) **Key Takeaway**: Additive manufacturing uses ~50% less material for this hollow geometry, though subtractive is typically faster and better for high-precision solid parts.