Additive vs Subtractive Manufacturing - what's the difference?
As the names suggest, additive processes create objects by adding material layer by layer (ie. 3D printing), while subtractive removes material to create parts.
Both types of manufacturing are often used to complement each other, depending on the stage of production. Additive methods are commonly used for fast prototyping or low volume runs, as it avoids incurring heavy tooling cost; whereas subtractive metal processes are generally preferred for higher volumes and higher strength requirements.
AFSB's team of geeks acquired a Prusa i3 to experiment & better understand the nuances of additive manufacturing. Take a look at some of the stuff we printed!
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