Blanking is the correct answer.

Explanation:
Blanking is a common manufacturing process in mechanical engineering. It involves cutting a flat sheet of material into a desired shape or profile. Let's delve into the details of this process:

1. Definition of Blanking:
Blanking is a shearing process in which a flat sheet of material is cut to produce a desired shape. The process involves removing the desired shape from the larger sheet, leaving behind the waste material or scrap.

2. Purpose of Blanking:
Blanking is typically used to create individual parts or components from a larger sheet. It is commonly employed in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and appliance manufacturing. The final products can range from simple geometries like rectangles to complex shapes such as gears or brackets.

3. Steps Involved in Blanking:
The blanking process generally follows these steps:

a) Material Selection: The first step is to select the appropriate material for the blank. The material can be metal, plastic, or any other sheet-like material.

b) Design and Layout: The desired shape is designed and laid out on the sheet. This involves determining the dimensions, angles, and curves required for the final part.

c) Tooling Selection: Proper tooling is crucial for a successful blanking operation. This includes selecting the appropriate cutting tool, die, and punch based on the material and shape requirements.

d) Fixturing: The sheet is securely fixed in place to prevent movement during the cutting process. This ensures accuracy and repeatability of the final cut.

e) Cutting Operation: The cutting tool, typically a punch, is forced through the sheet material. This shears the desired shape from the larger sheet, leaving a scrap piece behind.

f) Finishing Operations: After blanking, additional processes such as deburring, cleaning, and surface treatment may be required to achieve the desired final product.

4. Advantages of Blanking:
Blanking offers several advantages in manufacturing processes:

a) High Precision: Blanking can produce parts with high accuracy and tight tolerances, ensuring the desired shape and dimensions are achieved.

b) Material Efficiency: The blanking process minimizes waste material by cutting only the desired shape from the sheet, maximizing material utilization.

c) Cost-Effective: By efficiently using raw materials and reducing waste, blanking can be a cost-effective manufacturing method.

d) Versatility: Blanking can be used for a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites, making it a versatile process in different industries.

In conclusion, blanking is the process of cutting a flat sheet into a desired shape or profile. It is widely used in various industries for the production of individual parts or components. The process involves careful material selection, design and layout, tooling selection, cutting operation, and finishing steps. Blanketing offers advantages such as high precision, material efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and versatility.