Abstract
The 3D printer is to fabricate a 3D model using “additive fabrication” method. Presently, the 3D printer is mainly used as an output device for 3DCAD, and it's said as a “Concept Modeler”. The several “additive fabrication” methods which are presently marketed in Japan are explained. It is predicted that in the near future, the 3D digital contents available in the market will increase exponentially, from both the content type and content volume perspective. This is said as the content not only increase from the 3DCAD but also from the 3DCG, 3D scanner and 3D photography based on ever improvements with the computer specification, the spread use of internet and digitalizing the television broadcasting. The future direction of 3D printer should target forwards the output device of 3D digital contents and the improvement points for the present 3D printer to realize this has been expanded.
