What Is 3D Printing and How Does It Work? | Mashable Explains

3D printing is changing the way we produce objects, from tools and toys, to food, and even body parts. It's a tech revolution taking place in homes across the world.
But how does it work exactly, and what makes it so efficient? Mashable explains the basics of 3D printing technology.
Sources:
Additive Manufacturing footage courtesy of GE Aviation:
• Video
Makerbot Replicator 2 photo:
www.makerbot.com
3D Printing Food footage courtesy of Choc Edge:
• Choc Edge Printing Sno...
3D Printed Candy:
• Taste Testing 3D-Print...
Bioprinting and regenerative medicine:
• 3D Printing: Make anyt...
TEDTalks Anthony Atala:
• Printing a human kidne...
3D Printed Houses in Shanghai:
KZbin, RT
Special thanks to Makerbot.
Produced by Armand Valdes
Additional filming by Bianca Consunji
www.mashable.com
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[@dantesos7564]

Loved this. Straight to the point, no long intro, no "click the like & subscribe" "before we get started... blah blah blah" just straight to what we came here for. My hero of the day.🙌

[@overallchampion539]

Completely agree. Professional and subtle

[@tbraghavendran]

It was 9 years ago. Back then, there wasn't so much of competition for attention.

[@capolean2902]

thats cause he was held at gun point

[@StygianFilms]

Agreed. Far too many people these days just love to hear themselves talk and add so much fluff. This was great...no ads, no intro, no long-winded tangents, no trying-to-be-cute goofiness. Just got right to the point.

[@aceacc2237]

This must be how our parents and grandparents felt when the internet came out.

[@timfifelski7227]

Yes... indeed

[@nooriman5944]

lmao

[@Cat_tiee]

Yeahhh😂😂😂

[@timmyanimations8321]

@@jaywilliams9294 how young are your grandparents?! (dont actually answer that question. it was a joke)

[@michellelekas211]

(:

[@PizzaTimeFanatic]

Back in my day people printed paper not houses

[@josephinemitchell1307]

Back in my day newspaper print was the only printed stuff.

[@aztok7984]

Uhh they didn't print paper idiot. They printed ink 🤦‍♂️

[@SuperVe]

Ughh they didn't print ink you expert, They used ink to print

[@aztok7984]

@@SuperVe are you special? If they use ink to print.. then WHAT ARE THEY PRINTING.... INK!!!!

[@ljhoser5842]

Ok boomer

[@Expatnema]

This is a 5 years old video. Im living under the rock.lmao

[@amywallace1370]

Tell me about it

[@Contentwatcher1]

Lmao same

[@Mssmn]

I've heard and read the term 3D printing before but never dig in. Quarantine brought me here. Pretty amazing though 😃😃😃😃

[@EMBL2011]

I was just thinking the same thing. How am I just hearing about this??

[@parasstone8414]

@@Mssmn me too . I am watching this to teach my students during online classes.

[@NeangMey]

Who’s now learning of this in 2020? Just me? Okay.

[@samuelpoland5319]

And me...("sadly")

[@mixuptalent2997]

I'm teen 15 yrs old

[@Cloud-577]

and me

[@knuxuki1013]

Nah man, I'm here, I didn't fully, if ever, understand it until now either.

[@MsVellaJ]

2021 for me 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@Nexus2126]

The technology presented in this video and it's demonstrations reflect to me that 3d printing is stunning and awesome. I look forward to what the future holds with it.

[@jenniw9999]

I never realized how deep in the future we all are :O

[@TomasUjhelyi]

I'm amazed too - and we haven't been around for a long time too. Wish I could see where we are gonna be in 1,000,000 years.

[@uro4595]

+Hakeem Karim Dead? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )

[@JohnMcAuley]

@ years, jenni, 2 years!

[@structlightning]

Tom dead

[@Ben-fy3dl]

We are really in the far future if we have cure for all kinds of cancer

[@atmaillumina]

The real question is: can you use a 3D Printer to create a 3D Printer? A question for the scholars...

[@tharasian3785]

I would say it can create the body of it BUT it can't create the programming of it. In other words you can create the body but have to work on the chips and programming alone. Besides you should use materials other than plastic. Add to that the material used should have less melting degree than the materials of the original 3D printer but only less than it by a little so it can be used for most of the other materials. And it will always be smaller (the produced one) than the original one. THESE ARE MY THOUGHTS AND ASSUMPTIONS ONLY ONLY SO THEY ARE MOST LIKELY NOT BE 100% CORRECT SHORT ANSWER: Yes but it will be a little bit of a different process.

[@sumeetjain9075]

Atma you can print a model, but it won't print until it has the mechanism, parts and programming required to 3d print an object.

[@patrikb2068]

"you should use materials other than plastic" You can print some kind of metal also, which is pretty strong actually. We have a metal printer (and two plastic) at the factory i work.

[@racer3822]

Lulzbot does 3d print their printers fyi

[@UserLameUnavail2]

@Big Mike And to think there was a time when young men would dream of 3D printed Doris Days.

[@maordvir9777]

Damn I didn't knew 3d printing is this old I didn't knew im living in a cave

[@somalitea3331]

Me too wtf

[@maordvir9777]

@@somalitea3331lmao still relevant

[@JSADD3D]

Me too wtf😁

[@YISTECH]

It’s alright. I’m happy I got to know about it early, our school got a 3D printer back in the early days

[@maordvir9777]

@@YISTECH lmao i still don't have 3d printer🤣

[@heavymental6673]

And here i am 5 years later coming out of my cave

[@dantesos7564]

Bruh... here I am a whole year after that 😅.

[@Educational_youngsters]

Tony Stark

[@GirlsLikeFairies]

wow, 3d printing seems like magic!

[@elnazafra9379]

GirlsLikeFairies kirrrrrrrrrrrrr do u know what dose it mean?kirrrrrr I failed my exam because of this bullshit

[@Drrck11]

3D Printing is definitely the next big thing. I certainly see this being utilized in many ways.

[@JSADD3D]

3D Printing is definitely the next big thing. Your eyes are bright.👍👍👍

[@cheesybooh9116]

We used this video on ETLV in my class, thank to my english teacher for the discovery of this amazing channel !

[@charlzardgaming9201]

When he said about the houses I was genuinely SHOCKED!

[@GoldAndSilver988]

I still don't understand this stuff. Almost seems like something out of nothing.

[@Mama_Bear524]

Right?

[@PapaSmurff660]

Printing out organs for transplants? What?

[@drfulgione]

and with a patient's own cells! I would imagine it means less chance of rejection! Truly amazing!

[@fedabowens8787]

This was amazing, it had everything I needed to know about 3D printing!

[@cooldesiguy007]

Built a house from printer ???...OMG.. what has the world come too and where was I all this time?

[@aliq45]

in your room watching doctor who

[@saraeid8253]

I can make my dream house with a printer 😍 all I have to do is by a land

[@lukenaoumovitch4477]

@@saraeid8253 um.... and all the materials 😂 the house won’t just pop out of nowhere 😂

[@AmosDomingo]

This is amazing. I have always wondered how 3D Printing works. I hope you have put up a link source about the Chinese people printing a house in a day. That's awesome!!

[@ezequielsanchezgarcia8108]

I like this video because it helps to solve mechanical problems using 3D to design objects.

[@Boss949]

China prints 10 houses... in 1 day....... costing less than 5k dollars per house.... That's amazing :o

[@rayoki1]

+Boss949 I guarantee you those houses won't last a year

[@TheGuyNobodyReallyLikes]

Made in China.

[@oshas1630]

imagine pre-printing your 3-4 day get away. Or instead of a hotels, just 3d print your house/apartment.

[@veryinteresting412]

lol thats not true, u could rent.

[@clqrke2k244]

hook me up

[@erikacruz5331]

It is an interesting video that can help you solve problems when the doctors need to replace a part your body that has been demaged by an accident

[@machobunny1]

Explains ALL the stuff any fool can easily see without ever explaining how they work. Well done.

[@ankitpant439]

Here after hearing the news that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead and the gun used by the killer was 3D printed. Just shows how 3D printing can be dangerous too.

[@ximenajaramillo4230]

That technology was a gift from outside this planet is incredible XD

[@diegosoria4251]

3D printing is a very interesting topic! I think it could be useful to build houses too much faster

[@JSADD3D]

YES~

[@2serveand2protect]

PS. I should clarify! I'm a bit of a "drone" enthusiast and I like to build them MYSELF! I like it as a challenge to build objects that fly "by themselves" but I'd also like to make small models of planes that fly - sometimes even histirical models, although it becomes a bit more difficult.... Now! All the "wiring" and electronics I make by myself - the cameras I put on them are for just for flight obviously, not for "spying on my neighbours". Sometimes I need plastic parts that I cannot find elsewhere - a friends of mine has a small 3-d printer (his father is an architect and like to print or "create ad hoc" his designs for potential customers to see - the success he had is AMAZING. I am asking if I could use metal for inctance! Is it possible??

[@heidimartinez2429]

Very good video, 3D printing can be used to solve prosthesis problems.

[@JettXxB]

I have a 3d printer (anet A8) and always struggle to explain it to older people that have never heard of it... now I can just show them this!

[@geekbran5655]

The 3D printer is a very advanced technology that helps to create figures that would otherwise be impossible and to study them in depth

[@JSADD3D]

Yes. The 3D printer is a very advanced technology.

[@Mashable]

Here's how 3D printing works: on.mash.to/1m2xauf

[@JamilBryant]

I really want to get one. I see Maker Boxes come through UPS all the time and it makes me wish it was coming to my house. lol

[@AlexAndersson621]

nice Mashable

[@MajedDalain]

this invention gonna change the life :D

[@sheilanoren5668]

Totally Amazing - Thank You for The Information. /S.

[@salvadorsuarezavila9356]

excellent video, I think this could change the perspective of technology, this could help in impressions on machinery

[@aosama06]

This duping method is lit i hope it doesnt get patched

[@jessecaflaherty8222]

I was all excited to share this with my students...but with your ad for the 3d printed gun, I can't do that. Can you PLEASE switch your ads out so teachers can use this informative video too? Thanks!

[@jrgcno109]

Hello, excellent video, I believe that the 3D printer can be used to make molds in different objects of which it no longer exists, for example parts of classic cars that their manufacturer stopped creating

[@AvalancheZ250]

This looks so futuristic... and the future is now

[@Silentgenius01]

Thanks for this video. Quick and simple. Now I understand 3D printing a little better. :)

[@MechanismBasics]

It's impressive how relevant this introduction still is eight years later.

[@juanjoseferreiramarquez3928]

It is very interesting a 3D printer would be very useful to me since with it I can make models of my future projects.

[@rafaelrico6321]

Wow! I can print a great keychain. But I can also solve a problem with my PC, for example I can print a piece that I need :D. Good video, +1 like.

[@JSADD3D]

Yes~ You can print a great keychain. Achieve what you want.

[@marigoldbells9581]

what a time we live in!

[@penfold0078]

That technology was a gift from outside this planet 🙃

[@timfifelski7227]

Yyyeeeesss

[@alanbarajas3029]

3D printing is definitely the big deal. I certainly see this being used in many ways. It can be used to create things that no longer exist and that you need in little time and to create on your own and not necessarily go to the store and buy something.

[@JeremiahFrog2]

Amazing technology. Want to get one of my own for my engineering projects

[@ashranulum1898]

Very Informative video about 3d printing Thank you❤

[@JSADD3D]

Gained a lot of knowledge

[@JackieScottAmateurAuthor]

In my life I have enjoyed watching my Favourite SciFi become SciFact.

[@sweetlistenings3324]

Thank you for this video. I really appreciate how you explain that. I was having trouble trying to understand 3D printing until this video thank you

[@joseantoniotorreslopez616]

Is very interesting the 3D printing, but I don't know if it will have a lot of expense in a long time

[@saeedajmal5424]

Thank you so much...... May you be rewarded for spreading awareness and aquainting gullible souls like me with technology.....😊

[@VinnyKitty]

I've seen 3d printers in my school and wondered how do they work it's or was a mystery because now I understand alittle bit thx

[@mariaguadalupeanguiano2909]

Nice video. I think that 3D printing could be help us to produce a joystick or a piece of my control of this is descomposed or don't have replacement.

[@2serveand2protect]

PS. OH; THERE YOU GO! You answered my question by the end of the video. Thank You - great stuff! Thumb up & subscribed - have a great day everybody!

[@kd_ss]

SO, IT’S LIKE DRAWING WHAT YOU WANT, AND THE 3D PRINTER MAKES IT IN REAL LIFE?! :0

[@icetea9092]

Well not "drawing what you want" more like sculpt(digitally) what you want, usually with softwares like cura, autodesk 123d, 3dslicer. Or just use blender

[@rodrigobecerracamarena8838]

Great video, I think we could use 3D printing for make cheaper shoes c:

[@larryslemp9698]

So what is the 'material' used to print a kidney?

[@Cornet_Tooter]

Kidney?

[@electricbill872]

Cells

[@originalsynthesist2268]

@@electricbill872 Really -- you can just load any material for an end-product?? Not just a model...?

[@electricbill872]

@@originalsynthesist2268 oh noo.. i was joking

[@pleaseinsertnamehere2560]

A human heart, obviously

[@Salehahmadkhan3135]

Thanks for 3 D printer❤

[@cesarlazaropatino6850]

This technology can generate anything, with great quality and avoid using other artifacts that detract from the quality of what you want to create for example in toys. The problem is that I think it is very expensive and require great designers.

[@gbgamer2718]

I always knew this stuff was amazing but this is incredible!

[@ingechrisdiyanto6609]

Thanks, Mate. Very useful information.

[@sccr2009]

How do they get around the warping of material. Most of the stuff we've done at school warps due to the change in the materials temperature. Should we look into a certain type of plate?

[@jorockgalvan]

Best intro ever!

[@KelseaKC]

Thank you this was really informative

[@josedejesuszarategarcia4241]

When you lose a part of an important thing that you have, and you can't find it, this invention could help you to replace it

[@jeffewake]

Wow it's so amazing!you can created things in simple way!

[@alwwqe]

are you arab like me or chinese?

[@foxyr4bbit]

you wouldn't download a car

[@joshteamo493]

or would you?

[@watchableraven3517]

+Josh Te Amo da da da

[@hazelmandy8396]

Where am I? it was uploaded 5 years ago. My first time to see this. lol

[@light80211]

wow, i am impress to the atomic level!

[@amypetry7673]

Love the video itself, except there is a link at the end for a video titled "I 3-D printed a Gun," so I am not comfortable sharing the link with my students. I can show them the first part in class and stop before the ad, but students who are absent or who want to review it on their own will not be able to from me.

[@Loveless0131]

I'm sure people will print guns too. Let me know when I can print weed.

[@rayfurtado1411]

you cant print weed..... Weed is natural

[@Loveless0131]

Hense the words "let me know when.." lmfao

[@tinazhang618]

Lmao 😹😂😂😂

[@easyways7649]

+Rayyan Furtado he said we can print body parts so they are not natural right?

[@KDD8]

+Klairah J I can't wait to 3D print my own 3D printer!

[@sharfazhameed6382]

Wow what a great explanation

[@SeeYouUpTheRoad]

Thank You I had no idea how they worked. 😊

[@josueisraelperezherrera3364]

is very interesting the printer in 3D, i like the design the pieces

[@minecraftbers]

This is a really cool teconology!

[@jasonwang2098]

very cool machine😁😄😃😀

[@karthikbagade5851]

good job 👍

[@abbox3529]

Well explained!

[@Mama_Bear524]

Sorry if this is dumb question but, what do you load the printer with? Like, if you’re building a house, what do you put in it? Like you’d put paper in a normal printer.

[@neztrix]

this is amazing, thnx!

[@akashika3548]

You explained it clearly😊😊😊😊

[@carlosdanielsilvagarcia1854]

Oh, your video was so interesting, what happened if we use this technology to introduce in formula 1's cars? 🤔

[@JSADD3D]

It's a good idea, and it will become a reality. It's already in cars.

[@arhanbcey7292]

What happens if the thing i want to make is very big will it print it part by part?

[@ANIGamingYT2007]

Thanks for giving information

[@feynstein1004]

Yet another reason to learn Blender. Yay ^_^

[@deeznutts9979]

Amazing technology

[@JSADD3D]

Nice 3D Printing. This is Desktop Printer.

[@godzill4903]

Bro this video is form 8 years ago. It means 3D printer already exists for at least more than a decade ‘-‘

[@bilaiscooll]

Sweet! My project is to build 3D printer in class so whoop

[@lolthebronzeking997]

Did u do it? o.O

[@yixuanyin3652]

very good

[@Khoros-Mythos]

Are there any limits as to what you can print with them?

[@gregoryd.williamson1546]

Intriguing to say the least

[@SuperMrdumm]

I found this video a bit weak, would have expected a bit more Well still a cool technology

[@rubyparveen1768]

Good job

[@ba5sh]

Interesting indeed !

[@AnimefreakHQ]

So the advantages of 3D printing for food is exclusive to stylizing deserts? What other ways can it be used for food?

[@Mahii..0230]

It's best👍👍👍👍

[@gram5127]

I often wondering how those stuff creates. How they create the shape, etc.

[@stevelim658]

Just great, most popular material is plastic. And we are spreading stop plastic awareness while plastic is used as main material in 3D printer. Doesn’t make sense that we are making awareness while making more plastics

[@mansisinha4560]

amazing thankyou

[@trainroomgary]

Cool process - Like 🚂

[@werallgnnadieintheend]

THE FUTURE ✨