Created by Chuck Hull in 1984, the 3D printer is a device that creates a physical object from a digital model by layering materials (e.g., filament). 3D printers use polymers, plastics, metal alloys, or food ingredients.

Application of 3D printers

3D printers are used in many industries, like aerospace engineering, dentistry, archaeology, biotechnology, and information systems. For example, a 3D printer might be used in the field of archaeology to physically reconstruct ancient artifacts that were damaged over time.

If you don’t plan on printing objects frequently, there are many 3D printing services online that 3D print almost anything for you.

How does it work?

An object’s design usually begins in a CAD (computer-aided design) software system, where its blueprint is created. The blueprint is then sent from the CAD system to the printer in a file format known as STL (short for “stereolithography”). The printer then reads the blueprint in cross sections and begins recreating the object layer-by-layer, as it appears in the CAD. Pictured below is a model of a 3D printer called the FlashForge.

Computed axial lithography, Computer-aided design, Hardware terms, Printer, Printer terms

  • Printer help and support.