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1. Additive vs. Subtractive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing processes build objects by adding material layer by layer, while subtractive
manufacturing removes material to create parts. Though these approaches are fundamentally different,
subtractive and additive manufacturing processes are often used side by side due to their overlapping
range of applications.
It can initially be difficult to understand how to make the most of each type of technology to optimize
product development and manufacturing. Both have cases where it makes sense to use one approach
over the other, for example, one process can be more useful for a certain production volume, or at a
specific stage of product development.
In this guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at the various additive and subtractive manufacturing
techniques and applications to help you decide how to leverage them for your own processes.

3. Subtractive Manufacturing
Subtractive manufacturing is an umbrella term for various controlled machining
and material removal processes that start with solid blocks, bars, rods of plastic,
metal, or other materials that are shaped by removing material through cutting,
boring, drilling, and grinding.
These processes are either performed manually or more commonly, driven by
computer numerical control (CNC).
In CNC, a virtual model designed in CAD software serves as input for the
fabrication tool. Software simulation is combined with user input to generate
toolpaths that guide the cutting tool through the part geometry. These
instructions tell the machine how to make necessary cuts, channels, holes, and
any other features that require material removal, taking into account speed of the
cutting tool and feed rate of the material.
CNC tools manufacture parts based on this computer-aided manufacturing
(CAM) data, with little or no human assistance or interaction.