Metal processing methods, including additive manufacturing, offer a number of advantages over traditional manufacturing methods, such as casting, forging, and machining. Some of the key advantages of metal processing methods include: Complex geometries: Additive manufacturing and other metal processing methods can create complex geometries and internal features that would be difficult or impossible to produce using traditional methods. Customization: Metal processing methods can be used to create customized parts that are tailored to specific needs or applications. Material efficiency: Metal processing methods can minimize material waste by using only the amount of material needed to create the final product. Speed: Additive manufacturing and other metal processing methods can be faster than traditional manufacturing methods, particularly for small batch sizes or custom parts. Cost: Metal processing methods can be more cost-effective than traditional manufacturing methods for low-volume production of custom parts. Design flexibility: Metal processing methods offer greater design flexibility, allowing engineers to create parts with complex shapes and internal features that would be difficult or impossible to produce using traditional methods. Lightweighting: Metal processing methods can be used to create lightweight parts with high strength-to-weight ratios, which can be beneficial in aerospace and other applications. Short lead times: Metal processing methods can have shorter lead times than traditional manufacturing methods, making them well-suited for prototyping and short-run production.