Abstract
Recently, the degree of attention of 3D printer increases and its use has been spreading. 3D printers taken up here are as follows; stereo lithography, selective laser sintering, ink jet printing, fused deposition molding, and laminated object manufacturing. Can 3D printer change Japan’s manufacturing industry? It is described about the foundation and application whether it is fit for what kind of use. The examples of the application is raised in the following; produce (rapid manufacturing, on-demand parts, inspection), create (model, capture, sculpt), measure (precision metrology, inspection reporting, 3D documentation), prototyping (design verification, functional validation), and others.
