Which process involves removing material from solid blocks to create shapes?

Which process involves removing material from solid blocks to create shapes?

• A. Additive manufacturing
• B. Subtractive manufacturing
• C. Mold forming
• D. Hybrid manufacturing

Answer: (B)

The process that involves removing material from solid blocks to create shapes is known as subtractive manufacturing. This technique is characterized by starting with a solid block of material—such as metal, plastic, or wood—and then using various tools and machinery to cut away or carve out the desired shape. This can be done through methods such as machining, milling, turning, or drilling, where material is systematically removed to achieve precise dimensions and complex geometries. Subtractive manufacturing is commonly used in traditional manufacturing environments and is essential for applications that require high precision and accurate tolerances. The material removal process distinguishes this technique from other methods such as additive manufacturing, which builds components layer by layer, or mold forming, which shapes materials using molds without removing material. Hybrid manufacturing combines aspects of both additive and subtractive processes, further differentiating it from the straightforward material removal approach characteristic of subtractive manufacturing.

The process that involves removing material from solid blocks to create shapes is known as subtractive manufacturing. This technique is characterized by starting with a solid block of material—such as metal, plastic, or wood—and then using various tools and machinery to cut away or carve out the desired shape. This can be done through methods such as machining, milling, turning, or drilling, where material is systematically removed to achieve precise dimensions and complex geometries.

Subtractive manufacturing is commonly used in traditional manufacturing environments and is essential for applications that require high precision and accurate tolerances. The material removal process distinguishes this technique from other methods such as additive manufacturing, which builds components layer by layer, or mold forming, which shapes materials using molds without removing material. Hybrid manufacturing combines aspects of both additive and subtractive processes, further differentiating it from the straightforward material removal approach characteristic of subtractive manufacturing.