It’s no exaggeration to say that 3D printing is changing the world. It’s the kind of technology that sounds a little bit like magic when you first hear about it: it allows designs created on a computer to be turned into physical objects by a specialist machine that you might imagine belongs on a spaceship. This guide is designed to tell you everything you need to know about 3D printing. We’ll explain the origins of 3D printing technology, explain how it works and help you take your first steps into designing and making something yourself. You don’t need to have your own printer at home, but if you do fancy buying one, we’ll tell you a bit about all the options available to you. And once you’ve made your first few prints, we’ll show you ways you can improve your skills and make more elaborate objects. We’ll also look at the many ways 3D printing is being used in the world around us – from 3D printed dresses to 3D-printed rocket parts (and you’ll find more over at our website – (www.3d-printing.net.) Ready to jump in?