Direct Manufacturing
Direct Manufacturing is a production methodology that involves creating physical objects directly from digital designs, typically using additive manufacturing technologies like 3D printing. It eliminates traditional intermediate steps such as tooling or molds, enabling rapid prototyping and on-demand production. This approach is often associated with digital fabrication and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
Developers should learn Direct Manufacturing when working in fields like product design, robotics, or custom hardware development, as it allows for quick iteration and testing of physical components. It's particularly valuable in industries requiring low-volume or highly customized parts, such as aerospace, medical devices, and automotive prototyping, where traditional manufacturing methods are too slow or expensive.