3D printing

American  

[three-dee prin-ting] / ˈθriˈdi ˈprɪn tɪŋ /

Or 3-D printing

noun

Computers.

1. a printing process that involves making three-dimensional objects from digital models by applying many thin layers of quick-drying material on top of each other.

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Etymology

Origin of 3D printing

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

3D printing

"Maintenance wise, a lot of the parts for our machines simply don't exist anymore, so using modern technologies like CAD and 3D printing, we've been able to replicate some," says Nurcombe, 21.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

Advances in 3D printing have made the conversion devices widely available and cheap to produce.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026

UV light is used for air purification, curing resins in 3D printing, hardening gels in dental fillings, and even applications such as nail treatments.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 26, 2026

"I run a lot of the 3D printing and the manufacturing side rather than the design side."

From BBC ● May 27, 2026

We also went to the computer lab, where we learned about 3D printing, including that the queen’s costume in the movie Black Panther was mostly 3D printed!

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas