This technology lets manufacturers translate digital designs directly into physical products with minimal time and cost. For instance, a robot arm that would take four weeks and $10,000 to manufacture using traditional methods can be produced with fused deposition modeling, a type of 3-D printing, in 24 hours for just $600, according to Stratasys. An automated turntable that would normally take eight weeks and $50,000 to produce can be made in two weeks for $8,800 with 3-D printing.