3D printing processes

Computer-aided design (CAD) model used for 3D printing. The manual modeling process of preparing geometric data for 3D computer graphics is similar to plastic arts such as sculpting. 3D scanning is a process of collecting digital data on the shape and appearance of a real object, creating a digital model based on it.

A variety of processes, equipment, and materials are used in the production of a three-dimensional object via additive manufacturing.

Techniques include jetting, extrusion, additive friction stir deposition, powder bed fusion, binder jetting, stereolithography, computed axial lithography, liquid alternative, lamination, directed energy deposition, selective powder deposition, and cryogenic manufacturing.