The 3D printing process starts with a piston raising the power supply and a leveling roller dispersing a small coating of powder to the top of the build chamber. The liquid glue is then applied to specific areas of the powder bed by a multi-channel ink-jet print head. The adhesive bonds these powder areas together, forming one layer of the component. During the construction, the leftover free-standing powder acts as a support for the portion. After completing a layer, the build platform is lowered, a fresh layer of powder is added, leveled, and the printing process is repeated. After finishing the portion, the loose supporting powder may be brushed away and the part removed. To increase strength and surface quality, 3D printed objects are generally penetrated with a sealant. In the construction of a three-dimensional item using additive manufacturing, a range of procedures, equipment, and materials are employed. Because 3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing, the many 3D printing processes available tend to be additive with a few significant variances in the technology and materials utilized in this process. Melt extrusion, light polymerization, continuous liquid interface creation, and sintering are some of the physical changes employed in 3D printing.

There are several 3D printing techniques, which may be classified into seven categories: Vat photopolymerization, Inkjet Technology, Binder jetting, powder bed fusion, material extrusion, Directed energy deposition, and sheet lamination are all terms used to describe vat photopolymerization. Each technique and piece of equipment has advantages and disadvantages. These typically include elements such as speed, cost, feedstock variety, geometrical restrictions, and tolerances, as well as mechanical and aesthetic attributes of the products such as strength, texture, and color. The diversity of procedures and equipment enables a wide range of applications by both amateurs and experts. Some are more suited for industrial usage, while others make 3D printing accessible to the typical customer. Some printers can create skyscrapers, while others focus on micro and nanoscale-sized structures. In general, many various technologies may be used to physically manufacture the specified structures.