What Is 3D Printing? And How to Get Started

3D printing is a technique that allows you to create three-dimensional objects using a computer file and a specialized printer. Many different industries use 3D printing to create parts, structures, or prosthetics. Designers can also use 3D print files to rapidly prototype or to quickly create models of the final design of their product.

In this article, we'll go into more depth about 3D printing, what you can make with 3D printer files, and relevant careers worth exploring if you're interested in this technology. 

What is 3D printing?

3D printing is the process of creating physical three-dimensional objects, including product prototypes, product packaging, works of art, toys, tools, and much more. It involves a special printer that uses different materials and a digital file with instructions for printing.

3D printing really begins long before the printing process starts. You'll use software to design a 3D model, which then gets translated into a digital file using data the 3D printer can understand. The printer uses materials such as thermoplastics, metals, glass, paper, or wood to create a physical form, and prints the object through an additive process, meaning that it lays down layers of material in succession until an object is complete. 

3D printing offers hobbyists, professionals, and businesses several benefits, including: 

• Rapid prototyping of new products to improve design and function before manufacturing 

• Producing new products with less waste and expense than with traditional manufacturing 

• Automating some manufacturing processes with the use of software and 3D printers, thus saving time and energy 

The 3D printing process 

Creating 3D prints involves deciding on the type of process you want to use, selecting 3D printing software, and choosing your materials. Explore each of these factors to discover how you can bring 3D designs to life.  

Types of 3D printing 

You can use 3D printing in different ways to create different types of materials. The types of 3D printing you can explore include the following: 

• Vat polymerization is the process of curing special resins, called photopolymers, as the printing material. The liquid molecules bind together and harden into a solid state. 

• Material extrusion refers to when a nozzle heats material and then deposits it layer by layer to form the object. 

• Powder bed fusion refers to using a laser or electron beam to melt and fuse powder particles together into an object. 

• Material jetting is when a nozzle dispenses photosensitive material, layer by layer, onto a surface, where it solidifies. 

• Binder jetting is when liquid binder is deposited on top of powder in alternating layers. 

• Direct energy deposition is when a nozzle moves in multiple directions to deposit melted material on specific areas of a surface. The material then solidifies into an object. 

• Sheet lamination is when thin sheets of material are cut and bonded together, layer by layer, to form an object. 

• Direct metal laser sintering is when a metal powder is heated and distributed, layer by layer, and then allowed to cool. 

3D printing software 

To give you an idea of the 3D printing software programs that are popular among mechanical engineers, designers, and other users, we consulted software listings on G2, a site for reviewing and discovering software. Explore four 3D printing software programs with user ratings of at least 4.5 out of 5 stars and 100 or more user reviews:

3D printing materials 

Common materials used in 3D printing to create objects include: 

• Thermoplastics, such as polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyvinyl alcohol plastic, and polycarbonate 

• Powders, such as polyamide (nylon) and alumide 

• Resins that can produce detailed, paintable, or transparent objects  

• Metals, such as stainless steel, bronze, gold, nickel, aluminum, and titanium 

• Carbon fiber, frequently used as a metal alternative for adding a top coat to plastics

• Graphene, used for products like touchscreens and solar panels that require a combination of strength, flexibility, and conductivity

• Paper, such as cardstock, bristol board, and watercolor paper  

• Human tissue, used for scientific research and development in 3D bioprinting to create tissue for regenerative medicine and drug testing, among other uses

• Food ingredients like jam or nut butter can be used to 3D print edible creations

What can you make with a 3D printer?

You can make a lot of items with 3D printer files that intersect with different industries. For example:  

• Fashion: Footwear, eyewear, jewelry, and apparel 

• Art: Sculptures, figurines, and decorative objects

• Food: Cultured meats, meat substitutes, chocolate, and pasta

• Transportation: Skateboards, bikes, cars, shuttles, and trains

• Health care: Dental aligners, hearing aids, implants, prostheses, medical devices, and surgical instruments 

• Education: Visual aids, models of biochemical matter and historical artifacts, toys, maps, diagrams, and creative designs 

What is the average cost to 3D print?

Depending on the type and quality of 3D print you want to create, the average cost ranges from $3 to more than $1,000 through a 3D printing company. However, if you’re looking to invest in a 3D printer to complete your projects, either for personal or professional use, they are available for a range of prices: 

• $100–$400 for beginners 

• $400–$1,000 for hobbyists 

• $1,000–$3,000 for enthusiasts

• $3,000–$10,000 for professionals 

• $10,000+ for industrial or enterprise use 

As you consider investing in 3D printing, factor in the additional costs of materials, upgrades, repairs, software, and accessories. 3D printing materials typically cost between $20.00 and $100.00 per kilogram [1,2]. To estimate costs per print, you can access 3D print calculators online.   

Statista predicts that the number of actual 3D printing and additive manufacturing devices in use will likely increase from 652,000 in 2020 to more than 2.7 million by 2030 [3].

3D printing careers

As 3D printing becomes more widespread among artists, hobbyists, professionals, and businesses, career paths are emerging. A few of the job titles you may come across in a job search related to 3D printing include industrial designer, brand designer, and product designer. For each job title, explore the US base salary averages, responsibilities, and qualifications. 

Industrial designer

Average annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $83,960 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 3 percent [5]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in industrial design, architecture, engineering, or related field

As an industrial designer, you develop products from concept to production. You work with stakeholders to get designs approved, collaborate with engineers, product marketers, and manufacturing partners, and lead ideation sessions. In this role, you also need to stay up-to-date on users, trends, materials, and processes. 

Brand designer 

Average annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $69,183 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 2 percent [7]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in graphic or brand design, marketing, or related field; experience with CAD software and the Adobe Creative Cloud; creativity

As a brand designer, you collaborate with customers and stakeholders and design a brand’s look and feel. In this role, you may use 3D printing to create brand prototypes.  You also need to stay current with industry and design trends.  

Product designers 

Average annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $93,462 [8]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 3 percent [5]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in industrial design, engineering, architecture, or related field; knowledge of CAD; experience with product launches

As a product designer, you design and develop consumer products and collaborate with product engineers. In this role, you stay current with industry trends, create product prototypes, and research product design technologies.

How to get started in 3D printing 

Getting involved in the 3D printing industry can take many forms, from investing in your own printer and completing projects to pursuing a career. Follow the steps below to blaze your trail.

1. Define your 3D printing goals. 

Start by identifying what you want to accomplish in 3D printing and the motivations behind your goals. That way, you can focus on the tasks you need to reach your goals. Some examples to draw from include: 

• Design and print one-of-a-kind birthday gifts for loved ones.

• Create 3D print prototypes before launching new products in your business. 

• Find a job related to 3D printing and help a company bring ideas to life in physical form. 

2. Consult resources and gather materials. 

Exploring what’s possible in 3D printing, related to your goals, can be a great way to gain momentum in your journey and refine your goals. Consider these possibilities: 

• Research the materials, software, and printers you need for the projects you want to create or the job you want. 

• Download templates for 3D projects from sites like Etsy, Pinshape, or Thingiverse.

• Browse job listings in 3D printing and review the descriptions of job duties and qualifications. 

• Follow 3D printing enthusiasts and influencers on social media.  

Statista predicts that the market for 3D printing materials will grow to almost $4 billion by 2026, based on a projected annual growth of 12 percent from 2018 on [9]. 

3. Take a 3D printing course. 

Taking courses in 3D printing can introduce you to valuable skills during the discovery phase of your journey and beyond. Look for courses in which you can apply skills, complete projects, and try out different 3D printing software.   

4. Connect with others in 3D printing. 

Networking with 3D printing hobbyists and professionals can complement your research and education in this field. Connect with others by joining online communities and forums, as well as visiting maker spaces in your city. 

Learn 3D printing with Coursera

3D printing can open a world of possibilities in your personal life or in your career. Practice using 3D printing software like TinkerCAD and Fusion 360, discover how to prepare and operate a 3D printer, and gain exposure to industry trends on Coursera with 3D printing learning experiences. Explore these options: