How does indirect additive manufacturing differ in process?

Indirect additive manufacturing is characterized by its process of producing molds or patterns, which are then used in other manufacturing processes to create final parts. This technique does not create the final parts directly; instead, it focuses on generating intermediate components that facilitate the eventual production of the desired item.

This often involves techniques where a mold or pattern is crafted using additive methods, and the final part is formed through subsequent processes like casting or injection molding. The distinct advantage of this approach is that it can allow for complex geometries and designs that might be more challenging or less efficient to produce in a single step with direct manufacturing methods.

In contrast, the other options describe characteristics that do not align with the indirect method. Direct additive manufacturing, for instance, does create final parts from digital designs, emphasizing the immediate realization of specified components. The comparison to processing time would vary depending on specific applications and technologies but isn't a defining characteristic of indirect methods. Lastly, digital files are an essential part of the additive manufacturing workflow, whether direct or indirect, as they guide the creation of physical objects from virtual models.