What type of manufacturing involves cutting or drilling away material?

The type of manufacturing that involves cutting or drilling away material is referred to as "Wasting." This process encompasses various techniques such as machining, where material is systematically removed from a workpiece to achieve the desired shape, size, and surface finish.

In Wasting manufacturing, tools like lathes, mills, and drills are utilized to selectively remove material in specific patterns, thereby sculpting the original material into the final product. This subtractions technique is fundamental in traditional manufacturing, particularly for metals and other solid materials, allowing for high precision in the creation of parts and components.

Other forms of manufacturing typically do not involve the removal of material. Additive Manufacturing, for example, builds components layer by layer, adding material rather than taking it away. Casting involves pouring liquid material into a mold where it solidifies into the desired shape, thus not employing a cutting or drilling process. Finishing refers to processes that improve the aesthetics or surface properties of a completed part but do not involve the initial shaping through material removal.