Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.

3D printing (also called additive manufacturing) is a process that creates physical objects from a digital file by building them layer by layer, adding material only where it’s needed—unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing (like CNC machining) that cuts material away from a solid block.

How it works (simplified)

Digital model: You start with a 3D model, usually created in software (Blender, Fusion 360, Tinkercad, etc.) or downloaded (Thingiverse, Printables, MyMiniFactory).

Slicing: Special software (“slicer” like Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio) converts the model into thin horizontal layers and generates instructions (G-code) for the printer.

Printing: The printer deposits or solidifies material layer by layer until the object is complete.

Post-processing (optional): Remove supports, sand, paint, or cure the part.

Most common 3D printing technologies (2025)