Digital Fabrication
Digital fabrication is a manufacturing process that uses computer-controlled tools and machines to create physical objects from digital designs. It encompasses technologies like 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting, enabling rapid prototyping, customization, and on-demand production. This approach bridges the digital and physical worlds, allowing for precise, automated creation of complex geometries.
Developers should learn digital fabrication for applications in hardware prototyping, product development, and IoT device creation, as it accelerates iteration cycles and reduces costs. It's essential in fields like robotics, wearables, and smart manufacturing, where custom components or enclosures are needed. Knowledge of digital fabrication tools (e.g., CAD software, 3D printers) enhances a developer's ability to build and test physical systems.