3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by depositing successive layers of material under computer control. This technology allows the creation of complex shapes and geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.
3D printing involves a few main steps: first, a digital model of the object is created using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Then, this model is sliced into thin horizontal layers, and the 3D printer builds the object layer by layer, following the instructions from the digital model.
3D printing has a wide range of applications across various industries, including prototyping, product development, customization, rapid manufacturing, and even healthcare, where it's used for creating medical implants and prosthetics.