3D Printing

What Does 3D Printing Mean?

3D printing is a manufacturing process through which three-dimensional (3D) solid objects are created. It enables the creation of physical 3D models of objects using a series of additive or layered development framework, where layers are laid down in succession to create a complete 3D object.

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3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing.

Techopedia Explains 3D Printing

3D printing is an alternative to the traditional product manufacturing process, where objects were designed by cutting and forcibly shaping raw material and constructing an object through the use of molds and dies.

The 3D printing process is completed in various stages. First, it takes graphical data input from the computer, which is often created using a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) tool, and cuts the data to accommodate separate object layers or components. The segmented/layered graphical data is sent to the 3D printer, which applies the required combination of raw material for that particular layer. The printer then adds up the product development layer by layer until it is completely designed and finished according to the design criteria.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…