English · Science & Technology
3D printing
/ˌθriːˈdiː ˈprɪn.tɪŋ/
[/ˌθriːˈdiː ˈprɪn.tɪŋ/]
layered object manufacturing
Advancednoun
Definition
A process that builds solid objects layer by layer from a digital design.
Example
With 3D printing, the engineers produced a working spare part in just a few hours.
With 3D printing, the engineers produced a working spare part in just a few hours.
Etymology
Combining '3D' (three-dimensional) and 'printing'; the technology emerged in the 1980s.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in prototyping, medicine, manufacturing, and hobbies.