The Development and Applications of 3D Printing Technology

Abstract

3D printing is a revolutionary new way to create objects that are first designed and modeled using 3D software before using a printing machine to create objects. Original development began as early as 1986 and has continued to grow and evolve since then. In our paper, we explore the creation, development, and future aspects of 3D printing. 3D printers can create a physical 3-dimensional object ranging from toys to prosthetic limbs. Many types of materials and printing methods are used depending on the intended use or purpose of the object. 3D printed objects are first modeled in a computer program that then converts that design into an STL file. This file is read by a machine that uses successive layers of material to create the final object. Additive manufacturing is widely used in the fields of biotechnology and many other fields. These applications continue to increase, and additive manufacturing is proving to be an exciting technology for the future.