Subtractive Manufacturing
Subtractive manufacturing is a production process where material is removed from a solid block or workpiece to create a desired shape, typically using machining tools like mills, lathes, or routers. It contrasts with additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing) by starting with excess material and carving it away, often resulting in high precision and surface finishes. Common applications include metalworking, woodworking, and plastic fabrication in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and prototyping.
Developers should learn subtractive manufacturing when working on hardware projects, robotics, or IoT devices that require custom mechanical parts, as it enables precise fabrication of components from materials like metal, plastic, or wood. It's particularly useful for creating durable, high-tolerance parts in low to medium volumes, such as in prototyping or small-batch production, where strength and accuracy are critical. Knowledge of this process can aid in designing for manufacturability and collaborating with engineering teams.