3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process that creates three-dimensional objects from a digital file by laying down successive layers of material. The first 3D printer was created in 1984 by Charles Hull. Now 3D printing has applications in industries like medical, automotive, defense, and more. 3D printing offers advantages like rapid prototyping, ability to create complex shapes, and customization. While the technology is still developing, with costs decreasing and quality increasing, 3D printers may become common household appliances within the next decade.