Which statement is true regarding the integration of AM mass customization with traditional manufacturing?

The statement that manufacturers must adapt the basic CAD design to specifications is true because integrating additive manufacturing (AM) with traditional manufacturing processes often requires customization to meet specific customer needs or product applications. AM allows for greater flexibility in design, enabling the production of tailored components that meet unique criteria. This necessitates modifications to the basic computer-aided design (CAD) models, incorporating specifications such as size, shape, and functionality that align with individual customer preferences or specific functionality requirements.

In contrast, options that suggest eliminating CAD designs or not needing to adjust existing processes do not accurately reflect the integration of AM with traditional methods. AM complements traditional manufacturing rather than replaces the design aspect entirely; if CAD designs are not adapted, the custom benefits of AM are lost. Similarly, stating that no adjustment to existing processes is required overlooks the fact that integrating AM may necessitate changes in workflow, production techniques, and overall processing to accommodate the additive technologies effectively. Lastly, the notion that products are standardized across the board contradicts the essence of mass customization that AM facilitates, which focuses on creating products tailored to individual requirements rather than uniformity.