3D printing Insights

What is 3D printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of building three-dimensional objects from a digital design. It works by layering materials, such as plastics, metals, ceramics, composites, or biomaterials, on top of each other until the object is created. 3D printing is commonly used for prototyping, creating customized products, manufacturing parts, and even in medical applications for creating prosthetics and implants.

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What other technologies are related to 3D printing?

3D printing Competitor Technologies

laser cutting

Laser cutting is a subtractive manufacturing process that can produce parts with similar applications as 3D printing, offering an alternative method for creating prototypes and end-use parts.

mentioned alongside 3D printing in 44% (1.5k) of relevant job posts

CNC machining

CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process, offering an alternative method for creating parts with high precision and material variety, competing with 3D printing in prototyping and production.

mentioned alongside 3D printing in 19% (1.7k) of relevant job posts

injection molding

Injection molding is a manufacturing process for mass production, often competing with 3D printing for larger production runs once a design is finalized.

mentioned alongside 3D printing in 13% (1k) of relevant job posts

urethane casting

Urethane casting is a method for creating parts from a mold, which can be an alternative to 3D printing for certain applications.

mentioned alongside 3D printing in 69% (112) of relevant job posts

machining

Machining (general term for subtractive manufacturing) can achieve tighter tolerances and surface finishes than 3D printing and it can also use a wider variety of materials.

mentioned alongside 3D printing in 10% (677) of relevant job posts

sheet metal fabrication

Sheet metal fabrication provides a method to produce parts and enclosures as an alternative to 3D printing.

mentioned alongside 3D printing in 20% (269) of relevant job posts

laser cutting/engraving

Laser cutting/engraving is a subtractive manufacturing process that can produce parts with similar applications as 3D printing, offering an alternative method for creating prototypes and end-use parts.

mentioned alongside 3D printing in 88% (51) of relevant job posts

woodworking

Woodworking can be used to create enclosures and structural components as an alternative to 3D printing.

mentioned alongside 3D printing in 34% (131) of relevant job posts