A computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) instrument, also known as a 3D printer, is used to fabricate three-dimensional structures. A 3D printer, much like a conventional printer, takes its input from a computer in the form of digital data. A 3D printer, on the other hand, instead of producing the product on paper, it constructs a three-dimensional model out of a specific substance.

Additive manufacturing is the method that is utilized by 3D printers to construct (or "print") tangible objects by adding successive layers of material until the model is finished. In contrast to subtractive manufacturing, which involves a machine reshaping or removing material from an already existing cast, additive manufacturing involves adding new molds to an existing one. As a result of the fact that they build models from beginning, 3D printers are more productive than subtractive manufacturing devices and generate significantly less trash.

The manufacturing procedure for a 3D model can look very different depending on the type of substance that is used to make the object. For the construction of a plastic model, for instance, a 3D printer might use a technique known as fused deposition modeling, which involves heating the individual pieces of plastic and fusing them together (FDM). A technique known as direct metal laser sintering may be utilized by a 3D printer in the course of the production of a metallic object (DMLS). The use of a very powerful laser in this process results in the formation of very thin layers of metal from powdered metal.

Even though 3D printing has been feasible since the 1980s, the vast majority of its applications have been for commercial objectives on a massive scale. However, over the past few years, 3D printers have become significantly more affordable and are now accessible on the civilian market. People may one day be able to manufacture their own household goods and spare components using 3D printers if the technology continues to gain traction and become more accessible to the general public.