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3D printing is rapidly expanding and transforming. In fact, Deloitte's analysis shows a 12.5% growth year over year from 2017, with projected revenue at $3.1 billion by the end of 2020. This growth is driven by commercial 3D printers, which are capable of printing and finishing a wide variety of parts and products using virtually any material.

Over the last few months, we’ve seen story after uplifting story of 3D print manufacturers, service providers, educators, students, and many others who’ve used 3D printing technology to fill the dire need of personal protective equipment (PPE) amid shortages around the globe. Suddenly, 3D technology is making headlines daily due to the incredible benefits those in the manufacturing industry have been aware of for years.

While there have been some exciting advancements in printing, perhaps none is more impactful or more interesting than the advent of 3D printing. 3D printing technology has already made a major impact on manufacturing and production methods. Not only is it exciting, but it’s also potentially profitable, even for home users. Below are the basics you should know about 3D printing and how the technology is being used today by businesses small and large.

3D printing is an exciting blend of science, creativity, and engineering. For both recreational and professional users alike, one of the most important components of 3D printing is the choice of filament itself.

Manufacturers are increasingly relying on 3D printing to create new products, complex components, and more. The limitless capabilities additive manufacturing offers make it a critical value differentiator in today’s industrial landscape.

3D printing has promised game-changing disruption of the manufacturing industry for years. From the perspective of most business owners, however, it does not yet seem like 3D printing has generated the kind of widespread change that its most enthusiastic devotees expected.

Most people are surprised to learn that 3D printing – by all means a revolutionary, disruptive technology – is actually almost 40 years old.