3D Printers

3D printing is a manufacturing process where successive layers of material are laid down on top of each other in an additive process. Although 3D printing is often spoken of as a new technology, it has actually been around for over 30 years. Around a decade ago, patents around 3D printing began to expire and it was opened up to mass audiences, with previously large industrial machines now being available in more compact desktop designs.

3D printers enable cost-effective modelling and prototyping from digital design applications. They vary in size and speed of printing and the types of filaments they take.