| The 3D printing technology entered the fray in | | | | for the formation of each layer. This |
| the year 1986, but did not gain importance until | | | | photopolymer layers are cured by using an |
| 1990's. In the recent years, 3D printers are | | | | Ultraviolet (UV) lamp that is attached to the inkjet |
| available in the market at a low cost and yet, the | | | | printer. |
| efficiency levels set are of high standards. | | | | There is also a method called Fused Deposition |
| The technology comes under rapid prototyping | | | | Modeling (FDM) in which a nozzle deposits molten |
| systems, and incorporates a fully working ink jet | | | | polymer into a mold layer by layer. The strength |
| printing system as well. The 3D printing | | | | of these objects can be increased by inserting |
| technology is preferable since it promotes full | | | | one metal into another. |
| color for prototypes. | | | | The joining of cut thin layers of exact shapes |
| The 3D object is created layer-wise; one after | | | | provides a laminated finish. Each technology has its |
| another placed finely one above the other. A fine | | | | own merits and demerits. However, the main |
| powder that consists of plaster, corn starch and | | | | factors to be considered are speed of finishing, |
| resins are used to build the layers. These layers | | | | cost of the object and the printer, materials used |
| are bonded by an adhesive from the inkjet print | | | | (powder or polymer) and color capabilities |
| head. The shape of each cross-section of the | | | | amongst others. |
| desired object is determined by a CAD file. The | | | | Some applications of 3D printers include |
| strength of these prints can be increased by | | | | architectural design, organ printing, metal casting, |
| thermo-set polymer impregnation or wax. | | | | education and others. |
| Some printers use a liquid named photopolymer | | | | |