What is a 3D printer?

A 3D printer is a machine with which a three-dimensional object can be made, for instance, by melting plastic or metal. No tools are needed. An appropriate design file (3D model or CAD file) is required for the manufacture of an object. The item is manufactured in the 3D printer based on this file.

The 3D printer creates the object fully automatically by converting the 3D model into machine commands (so-called G code). This specifies to the 3D printer, where the material should be applied layer by layer. The material for printing is selected depending on the printing process in powder, liquid or wire form.