Charles Babbage invented the world’s first computer printer in the 19th century that was basically a series of mechanical rods with type characters attached at the end for his difference engine (mechanical calculator to solve polynomial functions). It wasn’t until 1984 that HP introduced its personal HP Laserjet line that brought low- cost laser printing to desktops around the world. But it wasn’t until the early 1980s that Charles Hull developed the technique called stereolithography (UV laser shined into a vat of UV-sensitive photopolymer and traces the object to be created), thus beginning the age of 3D printing.

3D printing, also called additive manufacturing (AM), is the process in which successive layers of material are created under computer control to produce virtually any shape or geometry. Models for printing can be designed on CAD (computer-aided design) software or by 3D scanning an object or digital photo. Once the computer model of the object has been created into a file format, the next step is called “fixup” because errors in the modeling process from scanning or photos can cause issues while printing like surfaces that do not connect or gaps.

The actual printing process (construction) of the model can take several hours to several days, depending on several factors. Size of the model, the method of printing used, and the complexity of the model all determine the length of time until completion. 3D printer resolution refers to the layer thickness and X-Y resolution in dots per inch (DPI). Most printers can print layers that are around 100 micrometers (250 DPI) in thickness, while some more expensive machines can print layers thinner than 20 micrometers (1,600 DPI).

To achieve a finished product with even greater resolution, a slightly larger version than designed is printed so that material can be removed. By removing material, the subtractive process can attain an even higher level of precision of the model than just a printer-produced product. Depending upon the material of the polymer, some allow for smoothing or improvement by using a chemical vapor process. While some printers are only capable of printing one type of polymer, the products would most like need to be painted, but some machines can use multiple materials and colors to eliminate the need for painting.

Allow still in the early days of 3D printing, some of the machines, materials and processes are well out of the price range of the average person. However, many companies are devoted to bringing 3D printing to the potentially large market of individuals who fall into the do-it-yourself/hobby-enthusiast. For example, since 2010 the prices of printers have fallen drastically with machines that used to cost $20,000 now costing less than $1,000. Still a hefty price tag for the average, but much more reasonable in terms of other new technologies. 3D printing can be a huge resource for individuals looking to design, created and print at home for projects or business endeavors.