In the article, Personal Fabrication for Dummies: 10 different techniques are explained and shown in video illustrations.

Examples, with linked company sites, are given for each technique. The articles discusses: 3D Scanning, Cut and Sew Construction; CNC Embroidery ; CNC Milling ; Direct to Garment Printing ; Print On Demand ; 2D Plotter Cutters ; Water Jet Cutters; Laser Cutters; 3D Printing

The author, of the Replicator company, writes that:

“Personal Fabrication has the potential to change the way things are made and sold. Mass customization requires a front end solution that allows the customer to configure their product, but also requires specialized machinery to execute those designs. Many people think 3D printers are the way this will happen, but there are half a dozen other amazing technologies that allow people to make anything they can imagine.

While by no means an exhaustive list this is a quick overview for anyone interested in how the idea of “web meets world” might be made possible through advances in custom manufacturing. Combined with web-based design tools these technologies could enable a change as profound as the industrial revolution: increasing the options for customers while reducing the environmental impact.”