Which commonly used technique involves the layering of materials to create a three-dimensional structure?

Additive manufacturing is the technique that involves layering materials to create a three-dimensional structure. This process, often referred to as 3D printing, builds objects by adding material layer by layer, based on digital models. This method allows for high precision and the ability to create complex geometries that may be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing techniques.

Additive manufacturing is especially relevant in tissue engineering, where it can be used to fabricate scaffolds that mimic the natural extracellular matrix, supporting cell growth and tissue development. This customizable approach makes it ideal for applications in regenerative medicine and the production of bio-printed tissues and organs.

The other options involve different manufacturing processes. Subtractive manufacturing focuses on removing material to shape objects, while traditional casting involves pouring materials into molds. Welding is a process that joins materials, usually metals, through heat. None of these methods utilize a layering technique to build three-dimensional structures in the same way that additive manufacturing does.