5. Glossary

additive manufacturing; additive manufacturing

A method of manufacturing a part by continuously adding material that consolidates to form a rigid object. This manufacturing method is often carried out layer by layer, to simplify the programming of the consolidation path (Gcode file) and the manufacturing technology. 3D printing is part of additive manufacturing, but this terminology is more commonly used by the general public, whereas additive manufacturing is a term used by manufacturers in opposition to material removal techniques such as machining.