This children’s article, What is 3D printing?, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about technology, and discover how objects can be created layer by layer.
Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
What is 3D printing?
Imagine pressing a button and printing a toy dinosaur or even a pizza. That’s not science fiction anymore, it’s 3D printing!
3D printing is a way of creating physical objects using specialised printers. But instead of using ink like normal printers, these machines build things from the bottom up using plastic, metal, or even food ingredients.
The printer lays down one tiny layer at a time. These layers stack up like pancakes until you’ve got a real object.
How does it work?
First, someone designs an object on a computer. It could be a phone case, a robot arm, or even a model of your pet hamster.
The design is sent to a 3D printer, which slowly builds the object by printing one thin layer at a time. Some printers melt plastic, others use lasers and metal dust, and some even use chocolate!
It can take minutes, hours, or even days, depending on how big and complex the object is.
What is 3D Printing used for?
3D printing is used for all kinds of clever things. Doctors can make models of bones to practise surgeries. Car makers can create new parts quickly. Artists and toy designers love it too.
Scientists have even 3D printed ears, coral reefs, and rocket parts. There’s even a house in the world that was 3D printed in just 24 hours! And yes, someone really did 3D print a pizza.
What about the future?
In the future, we might all have a 3D printer at home. Need a new spoon? Print one! Lost your shoe? Print another!
Some people think astronauts will use 3D printers in space to make tools. Others believe we might 3D print houses on Mars!
It’s an exciting technology that could change how we make everything. Here’s a video explaining how it works.
Article vocabulary list
- Layer – A thin piece or part of something that stacks with others
- Design – A plan or drawing of how something will look
- Laser – A strong beam of light that can cut or shape things
- Ingredients – The parts or items used to make something (like in a recipe)
- Complex – Something that is not simple and has many parts
- Practise – To do something again and again to get better at it
- Coral reefs – Underwater structures made by sea animals, often home to fish
- Astronauts – People trained to travel and work in space
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What makes 3D printers different from normal printers?
A) They use special pens
B) They build objects layer by layer
C) They only print paper
Answer: B) They build objects layer by layer
2. What is the first step in 3D printing?
A) Eating a pizza
B) Turning on the printer
C) Designing an object on a computer
Answer: C) Designing an object on a computer
3. What materials can 3D printers use?
A) Ink and pencils
B) Plastic, metal and food
C) Paper and wood
Answer: B) Plastic, metal and food
4. Which of these has NOT been made with a 3D printer?
A) A model of a bone
B) A mountain
C) A pizza
Answer: B) A mountain
5. Why might 3D printing be useful in space?
A) Because it’s fun
B) Because astronauts can make tools when they need them
C) Because printers like stars
Answer: B) Because astronauts can make tools when they need them
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
