Which manufacturing process is characterized by adding layers of material?

Additive manufacturing is defined by the process of creating objects by adding material layer by layer. This approach contrasts with other manufacturing methods, which typically involve removing material or shaping it without adding new material. In additive manufacturing, materials such as plastic, metal, or even biological substances are deposited in precise patterns to build up the desired shape, enabling complex geometries and custom designs that are often difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional methods.

The hallmark of additive manufacturing lies in its efficiency and flexibility, allowing for rapid prototyping and producing unique items or intricate structures while minimizing waste. This is especially advantageous in fields such as aerospace, healthcare, and customized consumer products, where tailored solutions are often required.

Other manufacturing processes, like subtractive manufacturing, involve cutting away material from a solid block to achieve the final shape, while formative manufacturing typically involves shaping material through processes like molding or forging without adding new material. Quantitative manufacturing isn't a recognized term in standard manufacturing processes, further distinguishing the unique attributes of additive manufacturing as the correct answer.