3D Printing is a process of making solid three dimensional objects from a digital file, where an object is created by building up successive layers of material.

3D printers employ a variety of materials (such as plastic or metal) and techniques. They share the ability to turn digital files containing three-dimensional data—whether created on a computer-aided design (CAD) or from a 3D scanner—into physical objects.

With 3D printing, designers have the ability to quickly turn concepts into 3D models or prototypes (a.k.a. "rapid prototyping"), and implement rapid design changes. It lets manufacturers produce products on demand rather than in large runs, improving inventory management and reducing warehouse space. People in remote locations can fabricate objects that would otherwise be inaccessible to them.

Video of an open air 3D printer printing Gru in purple filament, layer by layer.

Among the items made with 3D printers are shoe designs, furniture, wax castings for making jewelry, tools, tripods, gift and novelty items, and toys. The automotive and aviation industries use 3D printers to make parts. Artists can create sculptures, and architects can fabricate models of their projects. NASA's 3D printing research has included food printing, such as 3D-printed pizza.

Nervous System's Kinematics Dress

SQ4D uses 3D printing to build infrastructure.

Hershey's Chocolate 3D Printer

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