3D Printing: An Overview of Additive Manufacturing Technology
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a modern production technology that creates three-dimensional objects by building them layer by layer from a digital design. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that involve cutting or molding materials, 3D printing adds material only where needed, making the process efficient, flexible, and highly customizable.
At the core of 3D printing is a digital model, typically created using computer-aided design (CAD) software or obtained through 3D scanning. This model is sliced into thin horizontal layers by specialized software, and the printer follows these instructions to deposit or solidify material layer upon layer until the final object is formed. A wide variety of materials can be used, including plastics, resins, metals, ceramics, and even bio-based materials.