3D Printing - Transforming Healthcare, Episode 3, Part 1

3D printing is a process of making solid, three-dimensional objects from a digital file by laying down thin layers of materials and fusing those layers together.

The first step for 3D printing is to create a 3D digital model, which can be created using a variety of 3D software or scanned with a 3D scanner.

3D printers can use materials including plastics, metals, ceramics, and biologic materials.

3D printing uses an additive process, creating objects by laying down successive layers of material, which is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing that cuts or hollows out material.

Prototyping is the largest application of 3D printing today, even though it has matured into an excellent solution for many kinds of production parts.

3D printing has been used in industries including aerospace, automotive, architecture, jewelry, art, design, fashion, and the medical field.

3D printing has been used in the humanitarian and development sector to produce medical items, prosthetics, spares, and repairs.