How does a 3D printer work? Current application and future
Metadata:** 3D printing is an automated process of manufacturing objects.
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Updated November 2026. This was first published on 18 September 2021. The idea is the same. Any number below is what the original piece said then. It is not a new count.
Key takeaways
- Metadata:** 3D printing is an automated process of manufacturing objects.
- First commercialized in 1984 by Chuck Hull, it is here to stay and is the future of modern manufacturing as it highly customizable to suit specific requirements.
- It is widely used in the healthcare, automobile, aerospace, construction, and fashion industry, and even in DIY projects.
Metadata:** 3D printing is an automated process of manufacturing objects. First commercialized in 1984 by Chuck Hull, it is here to stay and is the future of modern manufacturing as it highly customizable to suit specific requirements. It is widely used in the healthcare, automobile, aerospace, construction, and fashion industry, and even in DIY projects.
What is 3D printing and how does it work? #
3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing, uses computer-aided design (CAD) software to print (create) three-dimensional objects on a layer-by-layer basis.
It is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing, which involves various processes such as cutting, drilling, milling, machining, etc on a large block of material.
This helps create complex geometries at a typically faster rate than other technologies with negligible setup cost and time making it ideal for prototyping and creating lightweight geometries in the engineering industry.
The 3D printing process was first commercialized in 1984 by Chuck Hull. But, the process has experienced a remarkable expansion in recent years. Some of the products are artificial heart parts, hearing implants, jewelry collection, rocket parts, and other products for the aviation industry and food industry.
What are the different materials used for 3D printing? #
PLASTIC:** Plastic is one of the most commonly used materials for 3D-printed due to its affordability and various colors and textures available.
Polyastic acid (PLA):** Polyastic acids are sourced from natural products like sugarcane and corn starch and are biodegradable, thus the most ecofriendly option.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS):** The material consists of pasta-like filaments, which gives it firmness and flexibility.
Polyvinyl Alcohol Plastic (PVA):** PVA is a low-cost option for temporary use items and is suitable for support materials of dissolvable variety.
Polycarbonate (PC):** They work on 3D printers designed for high temperature and is used to make low-cost plastic fasteners and molding trays.
METAL:** Metal is the second most popular material in the 3D printing industry due to its strength and diverse usability. Its application ranges right from jewelry makers to the aviation industry. Some of the metals used in 3D printing are stainless steel, bronze, gold, nickel, aluminum, and titanium.
POWDERS:** Powder is melted and distributed in layers inside the printer till it achieves the desired result. The most common sources and materials are polyamide (nylon) and alumide (composite of polyamide and gray aluminum).
RESINS:** Resins offer limited flexibility and strength; So, less used in 3D printing. high detail resins, paintable resins, and transparent resins.
CARBON FIBER:** Carbon fiber composites are used as a top-coat over plastic materials to make them stronger.
GRAPHITE AND GRAPHENE:** This is a popular choice because of its strength and conductivity and is ideal for touchscreens due to its flexibility. Graphene is also used for printing building parts and solar panels as they are light and yet strong.
NITINOL:** Nitinol is made from a blend of nickel and titanium and is prized for its super-elasticity. It is commonly used in medical implants due to its flexible qualities and strengths.
What are the different types of 3D printing? #
There are several types of 3D printing available in the market today. So it is important to have a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses while selecting the 3D printing process for your application.
SLA printers produce high-level detailing and smooth surface finishes with tight tolerance. It is widely used in the medical industry for anatomical models and microfluidics.
Tiny particles of plastic, nylons, ceramics are fused by heat from high-power lasers. Parts produced have rougher surfaces and are used for prototyping.
PolyJet:** Polyjet printers jet layers of photopolymers onto a build tray and use UV light for curing.
It is suitable for low-volume production of plastic parts.
Uses inkjet array to apply fusing agent to the bed of nylon powder. The process is faster hence lowering production costs.
Extrudes plastic filament in layers on the build platform and a cost-effective process.
This is a laser-based technology that uses powdered metals and is suitable for medical applications.
Uses electron beams controlled by electromagnetic coils and build is done under vacuum conditions.
What are the common applications of 3D printing? #
Although 3D printing technology has been around for a while, it is only in the recent decade that it has gained popularity and usage. Over the years, with improvements in technology, machinery, variations in usage, and raw materials, 3D printing applications have become affordable and accessible across various industries.
Healthcare and dental: #
The medical sector is one of the early adopters of 3D printing due to its customization capability. 3D printed surgical guides aid surgeons in their work and also aid patient recovery. Products such as hearing aid, orthopedic insoles, hip and knee replacement, dental crowns, aligners, night guards, are some examples. By 2026 the market for 3D Printing Medical Devices is projected to reach USD 5.1 billion.
Aerospace and defense: #
The aerospace sector also adopted 3D printing in its nascent stage for product development and prototyping. These companies work in partnership with academic and research institutes to manufacture applications. Companies like GE, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and Boeing have applied this technology. The aerospace sector represents 16.8% share of the 3D printing market and is estimated to reach USD 6,717.4 million by 2027.
The automotive industry used 3D printing to prototype applications and also to customize numerous parts, jigs, and fixtures. Today, the production of spare parts for after-sales functions is fulfilled by 3D printing, thus eliminating large inventories.
Construction and Architecture: #
3D printing helps architects create models quickly and accurately. It enables clients to visualize a realistic picture of ideas presented by architects; a better idea of what the building will look like. The technology is widely used from building concepts to building entire structures. The ability to change concepts and models quickly benefits designers and clients as they are relatively inexpensive and saves time.
Consumer goods: #
With the consumer market being competitive and with evolving market trends and consumer demands, additive manufacturing provides for cost-effective prototype development and models, which are used for market research and testing before launch.
Future of 3D printing — How will it impact traditional manufacturing? #
Products with superior what it can do:** In the future, we will see superior components in the 3D printing industry. They will be smaller, lighter, more durable, less complex, and easier to maintain.
Quicker to market:** We could see faster design and prototyping cycles. would lead to quicker availability of products in the market. This will be possible by eliminating tooling and setup time in factories.
Shrinking supply chain:**Since most of the products could be produced in-house or closer to point of sale or assembly, this could reduce the need to outsource work to low-cost regions impacting offshore works. With local production and faster response time, this will also reduce warehousing costs and make faster availability of products.
3D printing has made gigantic strides forward in prototyping and customization of functional product parts. But, we are just beginning to see the full potential of the technology with more advanced materials, technology, and machinery being developed. With so many benefits offered by additive manufacturing in almost all sectors, we may witness a gradual switch from traditional manufacturing to 3D printing in the future.
Questions and answers #
What is 3D printing and how does it work? #
3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing, uses computer-aided design (CAD) software to print (create) three-dimensional objects on a layer-by-layer basis.
What are the different materials used for 3D printing? #
PLASTIC: Plastic is one of the most commonly used materials for 3D-printed due to its affordability and various colors and textures available. Polyastic acid (PLA): Polyastic acids are sourced from natural products like sugarcane and corn starch and are biodegradable, thus the most ecofriendly option.
What are the different types of 3D printing? #
There are several types of 3D printing available in the market today. So it is important to have a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses while selecting the 3D printing process for your application.
What are the common applications of 3D printing? #
Although 3D printing technology has been around for a while, it is only in the recent decade that it has gained popularity and usage.