The designer has an idea of an object. Maybe this object is based on the shape of a sound wave, or maybe it's based on the skin of a wild animal, or on a surface extrusion -- anything! Using computer-aided design (CAD) software, he creates a three-dimensional model of his object.

The designer then uses a technology called rapid prototyping to print the object on a powder-sintering machine. That means: the machine "reads" the computer model and builds a cross-section of the object layer by layer by 0.2 millimeter layer. In the photo below, for example, you can see the silhouette of the candleholder that is modeled above. That silhouette is a layer. Each layer is composed of a plastic powder that will be hardened by a laser.

When the last layer has been hardened, the result resembles a cake (see photo) -- but only the layers within the cake are hardened. The rest is powder. This cake is hot (the machine operates at a high temperature) and it must cool gradually over several hours. Once the cake is cooled, the object must by dug out of the excess powder, and here we have it: the object!

Those that require a particular finish (paint, varnish, sanding, etc) are treated by hand before being shipped out. To watch a short example of how a 3D printer works check the video below

.