3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing technology where a three dimensional object is created by laying down or build from successive layers of material.
3D printing is a great way to create objects because you can create objects that you couldn't make otherwise without having complex expensive molds created or by having the objects made with multiple parts. A 3D printed part can be edited by simply editing the 3D model. That avoids having to do any additional tooling, which can save time and money. 3D printing allows ideas to be tested without having to go through the production process.[8]
In recent years, there has been an upsurge in the number of companies offering personalized 3D printed models of objects that have been scanned, designed in CAD software, and then printed to the customer's requirements. As previously mentioned, 3D models can be purchased from online marketplaces and printed by individuals or companies using commercially available 3D printers, enabling the home-production of objects such as spare parts,[9] mathematical models,[10] and even medical equipment.[11]
