3D printing (3DP) is a kind of rapid prototyping technology, also known as additive manufacturing, it is a kind of digital model files based on the use of powder metal or plastic and other adhesive materials, through the way of printing layer by layer to construct objects.

3D printing is usually done using digital material printers. It is often used in mold manufacturing, industrial design and other fields to make models, and then gradually used in the direct manufacturing of some products. There are already parts printed using this technology. The technology is used in jewelry, footwear, industrial design, architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), automotive, aerospace, dental and medical industries, education, geographic information systems, civil engineering, firearms, and other fields.

On January 14, 2019, the University of California, San Diego used rapid 3D printing technology to create the first spinal cord stent that mimics the structure of the central nervous system, successfully helping rats regain motor function.

China's Long March 5B carrier rocket carries a "3D printer "on its maiden flight on May 5, 2020. This is China's first 3D printing experiment in space, and also the first 3D printing experiment of continuous fiber reinforced composite materials in space in the world.