3D Printing
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file by depositing material layer by layer. It enables rapid prototyping, custom manufacturing, and complex geometries that are difficult or impossible with traditional subtractive methods. Common technologies include Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).
Developers should learn 3D printing for hardware prototyping, creating custom enclosures for electronics projects, and exploring IoT or robotics applications. It's valuable in fields like product design, engineering, and education, allowing for iterative testing and low-volume production without expensive tooling. Skills in 3D modeling and slicing software complement this tool for effective use.