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    3D printing is a transformative technology that creates physical objects from digital designs by
                      building them layer by layer. It offers great flexibility, enabling innovations in fields like medicine,
                      aerospace and fashion. This chapter covers the basics of 3D printing, including how it works, the
                      materials used and its growing impact across industries.

                      INTRODUCTION TO 3D PRINTING

                      3D printing is a technology that creates physical objects
                      from a digital design. It involves making three-dimensional
                      items by layering materials. This method is used to produce
                      a wide range of objects, from toys and tools to medical
                      devices and even buildings, offering a fast, creative and
                      custom way to make things.

                      How Does 3D Printing Work?

                      The working of 3D printing is given below:
                      1.  Create a 3D Model: First, you need a digital design of the object you want to make. This is
                         done on a computer using special software like Tinkercad. The design can be anything: a toy,
                         a tool or even a part for a machine. It’s like drawing your object, but in 3D, not flat.

                      2.  Prepare  the Design  for Printing:  Once the  3D
                         model  is  ready,  the  design  is  saved  as a file      SMART        In 2014, Local Motors
                         that the 3D printer can understand, usually in a          SPARK      introduced the Strati, the
                         format called STL. This file is then uploaded to the                world’s first 3D-printed car.
                         3D printer.

                      3.   Layer by Layer Printing: Once ready, the 3D printer builds the object layer by layer, unlike
                         traditional flat printing. It uses materials like plastic, metal or even food, which are melted or
                         softened and deposited in thin layers.
                      4.  Finishing Touches: After printing, the object may need cleaning or smoothing, with excess
                         material removed. Some printers use special materials that harden after printing to strengthen
                         the object.

                      MATERIALS USED IN 3D PRINTING

                      In 3D printing, a variety of materials can be used to create different types of objects. The material
                      you choose depends on what kind of object you want to make and what properties the object
                      needs to have (like strength, flexibility or appearance).

                      Here are the most common materials used in 3D printing:
                      1.  Plastic (PLA and ABS): There are two types of plastic material used in 3D printing as
                         mentioned below:

                             PLA (Polylactic Acid): PLA is an eco-friendly 3D printing material made from renewable
                             resources like corn starch and sugarcane. It’s easy to use, ideal for models and decorations,
                             but not suitable for heavy-duty objects due to its limited strength and heat resistance.

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