3D printing long ago moved from being theoretical to a reality, and in recent years 3D printers have become cheaper to produce; several models are now available for sale, as well as designs for products. Experts predict 3D printers will be common in homes in coming years. Our news and feature articles cover the science and technology behind 3D printers, from how they work to the history, progress and future of the technology and what kinds of things can be made. 3D printing’s uses range from practical objects for everyday use to commercial products and parts used in manufacturing, plus the technology holds promise for bioprinting of human parts for medical purposes.
Latest about 3d printing
32 sci-fi technology predictions that came true
From flying cars and railguns to smartphones and jetpacks — what was once sci-fi can now be found in the real world.
See stunning reconstruction of ancient Egyptian mummy that languished at an Australian high school for a century
The forensic facial reconstruction is based on a precise 3D model of the skull created with medical scans.
Super-realistic prosthetic eyes made in record time with 3D printing
Scientists can now 3D print more-realistic prosthetic eyes in a fraction of the time and effort required by traditional approaches.
'Ice printing' tiny sculptures could help scientists engineer blood vessels
A technique for printing 3D structures from ice could be used to help make artificial veins and arteries.
3D-printed human brain tissue works like the real thing
The printed tissue grows and functions like that in a normal human brain, according to the authors of the new study.
4D Implant Saves Babies with Breathing Problems
A new "4D" medical device has saved the lives of three baby boys with life-threatening breathing problems, researchers say.
China wants to build a mega spaceship that’s nearly a mile long
A Chinese science proposal plans to study how to get a giant spacecraft into space.
How Scientists 3D Printed a Tiny Heart from Human Cells
It has four chambers, blood vessels and it beats — sort of.
