What is the term for a process that removes excess material from a part?

The correct terminology for a process that removes excess material from a part is "separating." This term encompasses various techniques used in manufacturing and machining to achieve the desired shape or dimensions of a component by cutting away material. Processes like machining, drilling, and milling fall under this category, where material is removed from a workpiece to create a specific geometry.

In contrast, "joining" refers to processes that combine two or more parts together, "forming" involves reshaping materials without removing any material (such as bending or molding), and "finishing" usually pertains to processes that enhance the surface quality or appearance of a part rather than altering its shape through material removal. Understanding these distinctions is vital for grasping how various manufacturing techniques are applied within the field of computer integrated manufacturing.