ABSTRACT
New product development process demands technologies which are cost and time effective and at the same time are sustainable too. The technology of three-dimensional (3D) printing offers various advantages to designers to carry out new design processes. This chapter provides an introduction to the technology of 3D printing, various 3D printing technologies, and various material aspects. The advantages and disadvantages of various technologies have been discussed. A section also introduces the linkage between 3D printing and new product development. A discussion on various opportunities and challenges associated with various 3D printing technologies has also been made. This chapter shall help the readers of the book to understand the various basic concepts involved in the area of 3D printing and shall help as a prerequisite to the forthcoming chapters of the book.
