Distributed manufacturing also known as distributed production, cloud producing and local manufacturing is a form of decentralized manufacturing practiced by enterprises using a network of geographically dispersed manufacturing facilities that are coordinated using information technology. It can also refer to local manufacture via the historic cottage industry model, or manufacturing that takes place in the homes of consumers.
Additive manufacturing metal parts on a distributed scale across the globe with similar results has the potential to revolutionize the industry. IMI Critical and Velo3D tested this method with satisfying results, producing a metal choke valve that met quality standards between U.S., South Korean and Austrian print sites.