Another name for additive manufacturing is 3D printing.
It is also sometimes called rapid prototyping in industrial contexts.
Both terms refer to building objects layer by layer from a digital model.

Additive Manufacturing

The most common another name for Additive Manufacturing (AM) is:

👉 3D Printing

Definition

👉 Additive Manufacturing (AM) is the industrial term, while
👉 3D Printing is the popular/common term used for the same process.

Why It Has Two Names?

1. Additive Manufacturing (Official Term)

Used in engineering, aerospace, and industry
Defined by ASTM/ISO standards
Sounds more technical and professional

👉 Focus: industrial production

2. 3D Printing (Common Name)

Used in:
- schools
- homes
- hobby printing
Easy to understand

👉 Focus: simple visualization (printing 3D objects)

Meaning of “Additive” in AM

👉 “Additive” means:

Material is added layer by layer
Unlike traditional methods:
- ❌ Subtractive (cutting, machining)
- ❌ Formative (casting, forging)

Working Principle (3D Printing / AM)

Step-by-step idea:

Create a CAD model
Slice it into layers
Add material layer by layer
Fuse layers together
Get final 3D object

Common Processes Under 3D Printing (AM)

FDM / FFF (Material extrusion)
SLA (resin curing)
SLS (powder sintering)
Binder jetting
DED (metal deposition)

Why “3D Printing” is the Popular Name

1. Easy to Understand

People imagine “printing objects like paper printers”

2. Media Usage

Used in news, education, and consumer market

3. Desktop Machines

Home printers made the term popular

AM vs 3D Printing

Feature	Additive Manufacturing	3D Printing
Usage	Industrial term	Common term
Audience	Engineers, researchers	Public, students
Formality	High	Informal
Meaning	Broad (all AM processes)	Often desktop printing

Summary:

👉 All 3D printing is additive manufacturing,
but not all additive manufacturing is simple desktop 3D printing.

Conclusion:

Another name for additive manufacturing is 3D printing. It refers to the process of creating objects by adding material layer by layer from a digital model. Additive manufacturing is the technical term, while 3D printing is the commonly used name.