The forming of shapes, possibly incorporating irregular and variable cross-section, by the application of localised heat which allows relatively easy transformation by mechanically- or physically-applied effort.

The heating or bonding of materials to form shapes which can then be finished to provide a 3 dimensional representation of a CAD image.

Milling: The removal of material to provide a finished form of close tolerance and good surface finish. Milling may be used to form flat surfaces, grooves or recesses.

Turning: The production by turning, facing, boring, screw cutting, centre drilling and knurling of primarily cylindrical or spherical forms from both ferrous and non-ferrous raw material, or appropriate plastics possibly using oil-based coolants.