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3D printing technology is already changing the way we produce objects, from tools and toys to clothing and even body parts.

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3D printing is part of a process known as additive manufacturing, where an object is created by adding material layer by layer.

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Additive manufacturing allows designers to create complex parts for machines, airplanes, and cars at a fraction of the cost and time of standard means like forging, molding, and sculpting.

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Now, smaller, consumer-friendly 3D printers are bringing additive manufacturing to homes

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and businesses.

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The first step in 3D printing is to create a blueprint of the object you want to print.

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You can use modeling software like Blender to create your own designs, or you can visit

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websites like Thingiverse or Shapeways to find objects other users have 3D modeled.

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Once you have a finished design, it's time to send it to the printer.

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Some printers, like the MakerBot Replicator 2, have renewable bioplastic spooled in the

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back of the device, almost like a string.

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When the printer receives the data, it pulls the material through a tube, melts it, and

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deposits it to the plate, where it instantly cools.

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As you can see, the 3D object is created through layering, where the printer will add one layer

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of the object at a time until you have a fully formed structure.

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The most common material used in 3D printing is plastic, but the use of some other materials

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allow for the creation of some pretty amazing products beyond simple tools and toys.

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3D printing food is becoming very popular, and additive manufacturing has allowed for

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the creation of some pretty intricate treats.

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In the medical world, doctors are testing biomaterials for regenerative medicine.

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By using a patient's cells, doctors could 3D print small body parts like ears and noses.

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Some surgeons have even tested 3D printed organs for transplants.

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Recently, giant 3D printers in China printed 10 houses in just one day and at a cost of

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less than $5,000 per house, proving just how cost and time efficient 3D printing can be.

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For more on 3D printing, check out Mashable's latest coverage.

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Don't forget to watch the other videos in our Mashable Explains series.