3D Printing and Prototyping

3D printing, or computer-aided additive manufacturing, creates physical objects from digital files by generating very small layers of material that build up to a final [Page 769]form. 3D printing is a technological innovation that differs from older computer-controlled subtractive manufacturing techniques where objects are shaped by removing material from large pieces. With a 3D printer, one can make almost anything, including jewelry, circuits, food, and even artificial organs. In educational settings teachers can use 3D printers to help students create and design a variety of educational objects such as recreations of historical artifacts, complex art forms, scientific models, and even cheaper versions of lab materials. 3D prototyping involves iteratively making three-dimensional solutions to problems, finding places for improvement, and then refining and revising solutions. 3D ...