Additive Fabrication

Definition

Terry Wohlers:

"Additive fabrication refers to a group of technologies used for building physical models, prototypes, tooling components, and even finished series production parts—all from 3D computer-aided design (CAD) data, medical scans, or data from 3D scanning systems. Unlike CNC machines, which are subtractive in nature, additive systems join together liquid, powder, or sheet materials to form parts that may be impossible to fabricate by any other method. Based on thin horizontal cross sections taken from a 3D computer model, they produce plastic, metal, ceramic, or composite parts, layer upon layer. The three primary applications of additive fabrication are design and modeling, fit and function prototyping, and Rapid Manufacturing. " (http://wohlersassociates.com/additive-fabrication.html)