3D printing refers to a wide variety of technologies that are used to recreate computer-generated models using a material. It's an umbrella term that encompasses different methods manipulating materials to form 3D models. Some of the most popular technologies include extrusion-based printing, stereolithography printing, selective laser melting, and laminated object manufacturing.

Extrusion-based (e.g. our Ultimaker printers) printing involves melting plastics and pushing them out of a nozzle to form 2D layers that combine to form a 3D model. Stereolithography printing uses accurate laser lights to change the properties of photopolymer resin, forming successive layers to create a 3D model. Selective laser melting fuses fine metal particles together one layer at a time, similar to stereolithography but using solid material rather than liquid. Laminated object manufacturing combines layers of adhesive paper, plastic, or metal using a roller and a laser to trace and cut out shapes, creating a 3D model.

All 3D printing technologies rely on layering 2D slices of a 3D shape together and joining them via some means. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is one of the most popular printing methods, heating plastic to a liquid state and depositing it onto a flat surface as a 2D slice of a 3D model. The additional 2D layers are fused onto the first, building upwards to create a three-dimensional model.

The popularity of FDM printers is due to their small size, making them ideal for workshop benches or desktops, and the expiration of patents behind FDM technology in 2009, leading to an influx of different types of FDM 3D printers into the market. FDM 3D printing is robust and used in various industries, including medical, dental, and aerospace for prosthetics, tool creation, and rapid part replacement.Certainly! Here's the transcript formatted into paragraphs:

"3D printing has come a long way since its inception. Initially, it was primarily used for rapid prototyping and creating complex industrial parts. However, its applications have expanded significantly over the years. Now, we're seeing 3D printing being used in various industries, from aerospace to healthcare. Parts are even being sent up into space to replace parts on spaceships. We're now seeing 3D printing trickle on down to other industries such as fashion, jewellery and even food. It's such a robust technology."