There are currently two distinct faces to the development of 3D printing technology. First, there is the industrial development as early as the 1980s. Then there is more recent, but much more celebrated, work of "makers" or do-it-yourself developers. This pattern is remarkably similar to the development of microprocessors and desktop computers.

Rather than complicate this page with both paths of development for 3D printing, I offer relevant resources for the industrial developments and perspectives on the relevant Manufacturing & Industry page.