THREE dimensional printing allows people to create a huge range of solid objects with a special printer.
But what is a 3D printer, how does it work, and can you print guns?
How does a 3D printer work?
3D printing involves using a digital file to layering plastic into three dimensional solid objects.
To create something, you have to download the file and have advanced computer software for a special printer to interpret it.
The model then needs to be "sliced" into thousands of horizontal "layers" with different software.
The printer then builds the object layer-by-layer.
What is a 3D printer?
A 3D printer is one that can create three-dimensional objects.
The printing process works by dripping tiny beads of hot plastic on top of one another, following a pattern laid out by the blueprint diagram.
3D printers can be bought for use at home, or you can go to a 3D printing service.
3D printers are used commercially in sectors from aerospace to furniture design.
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Can you 3D print a gun?
Alarmingly, all it takes to print a gun is an instruction manual download, a 3D printer and a couple of hours.
The guns are made entirely of plastic apart from a metal firing pin and an additional sheet of metal.
If you have a 3D printer - priced between £1,000-£3,000 - and access to the web, you'll be able to download the file, press start and let the gun build itself.
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