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3D printing/AM builds 3D objects from digital models by adding, joining, or solidifying material under computer control, typically layer by layer.
3D printing, also called additive manufacturing (AM), is the computer-controlled construction of a three-dimensional object from CAD/digital 3D model data by depositing, joining, or solidifying material—often layer by layer. Early on (e.g., in the 1980s), the technology was mainly associated with functional or aesthetic prototypes and was commonly referred to as “rapid prototyping.” As capabilities improved, some industrial processes became viable for production, and AM began to be used more broadly and formally, sometimes synonymously with 3D printing. Terminology has evolved: “additive manufacturing” gained popularity in the 2000s to emphasize material being added together, while “subtractive manufacturing” is used as a retronym for machining processes that remove material. In casual use, “3D printing” and “additive manufacturing” are often treated as interchangeable, but some standards and industry experts distinguish them—for example, defining AM as building parts from 3D model data with layer-by-layer material addition, while describing 3D printing more specifically as depositing material through a print head/nozzle. Related terms include desktop manufacturing, rapid manufacturing, and on-demand manufacturing, as well as concepts like agile tooling (modular tooling designed and produced using additive methods).
3D printing/AM builds 3D objects from digital models by adding, joining, or solidifying material under computer control, typically layer by layer.
“Additive manufacturing” became the broader, more formal umbrella term, while “3D printing” is often used more in consumer/media contexts; some standards distinguish them by process scope.
The terminology landscape includes contrasts with subtractive manufacturing (material removal) and related concepts such as rapid prototyping/manufacturing, on-demand manufacturing, and agile tooling.
A family of processes that build parts from 3D model data by adding material, typically layer by layer, under computer control.
A commonly used term for additive processes that create objects by depositing material through a print head or nozzle-type device.
Manufacturing processes that remove material (e.g., machining) to form a part, contrasted with additive approaches.
An earlier term for using 3D printing techniques primarily to produce functional or aesthetic prototypes with reduced lead time.
Modular tooling designed so that tooling and fixtures can be produced quickly using additive manufacturing methods to respond to changing needs.
A term reflecting production that can be triggered as needed, echoing the idea of on-demand printing in the 2D sense.
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