Traditional manufacturing includes a variety of processes, such as machining, cutting, and grinding, that turn raw materials into finished parts. Typically, these methods are referred to as subtractive manufacturing, because they remove material from the raw block. Subtractive manufacturing methods have been utilized to create efficient mass production methods, but mass production tends to limit part complexity, functionality and customization.

Additive manufacturing refers to any manufacturing process that involves adding material to create a part. The most common example of additive manufacturing is 3D Printing. Additive manufacturing results in less waste material and allows for additional benefits, including greater degrees of freedom in part design.

Below is an example of a 3D printed part with an internal lattice structure, a common feature on 3D printed parts, which maintains the strength and integrity but reduces the weight of the part significantly.

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