Introduction to 3D printing

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, revolutionizes product development by enabling rapid prototyping and on-demand production of end-use parts. It offers unmatched design flexibility, faster iteration cycles, and more efficient material usage than traditional methods. This section explains the fundamentals of 3D printing, its evolution, and its role in modern manufacturing. We also examine its key benefits and limitations in comparison to subtractive and formative techniques.

Table of content

  1. What is print 3D? Concept of 3D printing
  2. What does “3D printed” mean?
  3. Example of 3D printing

Other sections

Icon showing a 3D printer symbol with a cursor. Represents a glossary of key 3D printing terms and definitions.

3D printing definitions

Magnifying glass over a 3D cube. Illustrates various types of 3D printing technologies and how they differ.

3D printing technologies

Icon showing material containers. Refers to types of filaments and powders used in additive manufacturing.

Materials for 3D printing

Production line icon. Highlights the industrial and everyday uses of 3D printing across different sectors.

Applications of 3D printing

3D block structure icon. Emphasizes CAD principles and best practices for designing printable objects.

Design for 3D printing

Person at computer icon. Depicts slicing tools, modeling software, and workflow automation in 3D printing.

Software for 3D printing

Gears and conveyor icon. Represents the end-to-end workflow of the 3D printing process from file to part.

3D printing process

Brush and scalpel icon. Refers to post-print finishing techniques like support removal and surface treatment.

Post-processing in 3D printing

ROI and dollar icon. Represents economic considerations, including ROI and maintenance costs of printers.

Costs of 3D printing

Person examining a machine. Guide on selecting the right 3D printer based on needs and use case.

How to choose a 3D printer

Leaf icon. Points to environmental impact, recyclability, and energy consumption of 3D printing processes.

Sustainability of 3D printing

Globe and magnifier icon. Envisions trends, emerging technologies, and predictions for the future of additive manufacturing.

Future of 3D printing

Light bulb icon. Alternative focus on pricing strategies, cost-saving tips, and investment insights.

FAQ