Subtractive Manufacturing is a process where material is removed from a solid block to create a part.
Subtractive Manufacturing (SM) involves cutting, drilling, and grinding away material from a solid block, known as a workpiece, to produce a component with the desired shape and dimensions. This process is critical in industries requiring precision parts, such as aerospace and automotive, where high-tolerance parts are essential for performance and safety.
An aircraft component created using a CNC milling machine to reduce a titanium alloy block from 5 kg (11 lbs) to a finished part weighing 2 kg (4.4 lbs).
Used in the aerospace industry for making complex, high-strength parts like turbine blades and airframe components.
Automotive engine block machined from a 300 kg (661.4 lbs) cast iron block, resulting in a 150 kg (330.7 lbs) finished product.
Common in the automotive sector for manufacturing engine components, where exacting dimensions and surface finishes are necessary.
Precision watch components manufactured by removing 70% of material from stainless steel using a Swiss-style lathe.
Widely used in the watchmaking industry for producing intricate parts like gears and shafts to precise dimensions.