3D printers Insights

What is 3D printers?

3D printers, also known as additive manufacturing machines, build three-dimensional objects from a digital design. They work by depositing materials (such as plastics, resins, metals, ceramics, or composites) layer by layer until the object is created. Common uses include prototyping, creating custom parts, manufacturing tools and fixtures, and even producing end-use products in various industries like aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and consumer goods.

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What other technologies are related to 3D printers?

3D printers Competitor Technologies

laser cutters

Laser cutters, like 3D printers, are used for fabrication, often creating 2D parts from various materials. They are a competing technology for subtractive manufacturing.

mentioned alongside 3D printers in 66% (941) of relevant job posts

vinyl cutters

Vinyl cutters are used for cutting thin materials, often for signage and decoration, which can be an alternative to 3D printing for some applications.

mentioned alongside 3D printers in 66% (87) of relevant job posts

CNC routers

CNC routers are used for subtractive manufacturing, removing material to create parts, similar to laser cutters, which makes them a competitor to 3D printers.

mentioned alongside 3D printers in 20% (152) of relevant job posts

CNC machines

CNC machines are a broader category of subtractive manufacturing technologies that compete with 3D printing. They remove material to create parts, while 3D printers add material.

mentioned alongside 3D printers in 6% (444) of relevant job posts

laser engravers

Laser engravers are similar to laser cutters, using lasers to remove material, offering an alternative fabrication method to 3D printing for certain applications.

mentioned alongside 3D printers in 29% (60) of relevant job posts

CNC Router

CNC routers are used for subtractive manufacturing, removing material to create parts, similar to laser cutters, which makes them a competitor to 3D printers.

mentioned alongside 3D printers in 7% (74) of relevant job posts

CNCs

CNCs are a broader category of subtractive manufacturing technologies that compete with 3D printing. They remove material to create parts, while 3D printers add material.

mentioned alongside 3D printers in 9% (52) of relevant job posts

CNC mills

CNC mills are subtractive manufacturing machines that compete with 3D printers. They use rotating cutting tools to remove material.

mentioned alongside 3D printers in 4% (123) of relevant job posts