3D printing: the dawn of a new era in manufacturing?

Purpose This article aims to provide an introduction to 3D printing technology and its applications. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction, this first describes the many different 3D printing technologies and then discusses a number of existing and emerging applications. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn. Findings This shows that 3D printing technologies have evolved rapidly in recent years and can be use with a wide range of different materials. In addition to rapid prototyping, the dominant use in the past, they are now being used in all manner of manufacturing applications in a diversity of industries. In the future 3D printing may change the way many products are developed and produced and herald an era of "personal manufacturing". Originality/value This article provides a timely review of 3D printing technology and its applications.