3D printing is a type of rapid prototyping technology, which is a technique of constructing objects by printing layer by layer, based on a digital model file, using a bondable material such as powdered metal or plastic.
3D printing is usually realized using digital technology material printers. Often in the mold making, industrial design and other fields are used in the manufacture of models, and then gradually used in the direct manufacture of some products, there has been the use of this technology printed parts.
3D printing technology is used in jewelry, footwear, industrial design, architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), automotive, aerospace, dental and medical industries, education, geographic information systems (GIS), civil engineering, firearms, and other fields.
Expanded Information:
The technical principle of 3D printing:
Ordinary printers used in daily life can print computer-designed flat items, while the The so-called 3D printers and ordinary printers work on basically the same principle, only the printing material is a little different, ordinary printers print material is ink and paper.
While the 3D printer is equipped with metal, ceramics, plastic, sand and other different "print materials", is the actual raw materials, the printer is connected to the computer, through the computer control can be "print materials" layer by layer stacked up, and finally The blueprints on the computer into a physical object.
In layman's terms, a 3D printer is a device that can "print" real 3D objects, such as printing a robot, printing a toy car, printing various models, and even food. The reason why it is commonly referred to as a "printer" is that it is based on the technical principles of a normal printer, as the layering process is very similar to inkjet printing.
Baidu Encyclopedia - 3D printing