3D printing, or additive manufacture, is where layer

upon layer of material is built up to make an object.

The beauty of this technique is that almost any

shape can be created in this way.

So, how do you actually print something in 3D?

There’s a few stages that a project will need to go through.

First, a design for the object needs to be completed.

This computer generated model is sliced into cross-sections for the printer to use as a

guideline.

The next step is printing the object.

The 3D printer reads the blueprint and lays down

successive layers of material to build the model.

A diverse range of materials can be used such as

plastics, metal, paper and ceramic.

As each layer is printed, it sticks to the previous

one to create a cohesive final shape.

3D printers are capable of printing complex layers that can

form moving parts, like hinges and wheels, as part of the same object.

You could build a bicycle - with handlebars, frame,

wheels - readily assembled, without the need for any tools.

You just have to leave gaps in the right spots.

3D printing is used across a variety of industries such as

high-end manufacture, where it’s used for rapid prototyping and research.

This allows designers and concept developers the flexibility

to produce parts and models on demand.

They are then able to modify these as required.

And finally, 3D printing is pushing healthcare into new areas.

It’s being used to make medical parts such as custom hearing

aids and braces and even to reproduce body parts like customised

hip implants or prosthetic hands in exact proportions to fit the patient.