Additives and Subtractive Processes

Question 1

Turning (Metal, Plastic, Wood)

Answer 1

Material is spun quickly while a stationary cutting tool shapes it.

Used to Make: Cylindrical objects: chess pieces, bannisters, baseball bats.

Identifying Features: Cylindrical shape, excellent finish, solid throughout.

Used if: I wanted a solid, cylindrical component with an excellent surface finish.

Question 2

Drilling (Metal, Plastic, Wood)

Answer 2

A round, spinning drill bit creates circular holes.

Used to Make: Holes of any size, threads for screws.

Identifying Features: Round holes, sometimes threaded.

Used if: I wanted to create circular holes in another part.

Question 3

3D Printing (Plastic, Composites)

Answer 3

A component is built layer by layer directly from a CAD file.

Used to Make: Complex, one-off or low volume parts, biomedical, prototypes.

Identifying Features: Visible ridges or layers, infil patterns, supports for overhangs.

Used if: I wanted a relatively quick complex component for a specialist reason.