The beginning of the 3D printing technology we can trace back to 1986. It wasn’t very popular outside certain circles – engineers, architects, designers and manufacturing etc. Today this technology is presented to the public. It’s gaining more and more popularity and it becomes part of everyday life. 3D printing is a process of creating a three-dimensional solid object out of digital model. 3D printing is additive process. Instead of traditional techniques of drilling and removing, 3D printing add layers one over another to create ultimately the most accurate shapes.

3D printer is a machine that uses digital, three-dimensional models as a blueprint. The 3D printer add layer upon layer, with various thickness, materials, and textures to build an exact replica of the digital, three-dimensional model. You can say the 3D printer is like digital sculptor.

3D scanning is a process of analyzing and collecting data of real object; its shape and appearance and builds digital, three dimensional models.

3D scanner is a multi-camera device that collects and analyzes digital data (shape, texture, position etc.) captured from a real object. There are various types, sizes and prices of scanners. Each model of scanner has its advantages and limitations.

3D models visualize mathematical representation of an object in space. Using connected entities such as points, lines, triangles, rectangles, curved surfaces, etc. 3D model is collection of data visualizing 3D object and its properties. 3D PRINTABLE MODEL is a digital, three-dimensional object exported in particular file format, ready to be printed. The most popular file formats are .STL (without textures) and .WRL (with textures). To be PRINTABLE a model must be closed shell and has no holes.

A few notes that will help you prepare your three-dimensional, digital model for 3D printing.