Learn about additive manufacturing in the aerospace industry. Additive manufacturing is the modern way of printing solid 3D objects for any type of project. Learn about additive manufacturing in the aerospace industry. Additive manufacturing is the modern way of printing solid 3D objects for any type of project. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is the exact opposite of the traditional way of making objects. Instead of machining or “subtracting” material to form an object – much like how a sculptor cuts away clay – 3D printing adds layer upon layer of material to build an object. Product designers and engineers upload a digital (CAD) file to a 3D printer, which then prints a solid 3D object.