Additive manufacturing is a process that adds material, usually on a layer-to-layer basis, to make a 3D object based off the interpretation of 3D computer-aided-design (CAD) data. Additive manufacturing is also called 3D printing or rapid prototyping.
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is an additive manufacturing method that builds prototype and production metal parts using a laser to selectively fuse a fine metal powder.
Traditional manufacturing techniques remove material from a piece of stock to create the desired geometry. Additive manufacturing is capable of producing highly complex features and all-in-one assemblies that would be difficult to achieve with subtractive manufacturing techniques.