What Is 3D Printing? And How to Get Started | Coursera

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Discover the fundamentals of 3D printing, what you can do in this field, and ways you can explore your 3D printing goals and potential.
3D printing is a technique that allows you to create three-dimensional objects using a computer file and a specialized printer.
3D printing usually costs between $3 and $1,000 through a 3D printing company, but you can also invest in your own 3D printer and materials [2].
To get started in 3D printing as a beginner, define your goals, gather information and materials, take a 3D printing course, and connect with others in 3D printing.
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.
The best 3D printer for home use is one designed for beginners, hobbyists, or enthusiasts, priced between $150 and $4,000 [3]. Learn more about 3D printing, what you can make with 3D printer files, and relevant careers worth exploring if you're interested in this technology.
If you're considering a career in 3D printing, explore the University of Michigan's Digital Technologies and the Future of Manufacturing Specialization on Coursera. You'll have the opportunity to understand the basics of additive manufacturing (3D printing) and its industrial applications, as well as learn about business considerations for implementing additive manufacturing.
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
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.
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.
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 [1]:
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
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