3D printing as ideation tool

Although 3D printing, also know as rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, or solid free-form fabrication, was first patented in the 1970s, it is only with new advances in 3D solid computer modelling that it is enabling designers across disciplines, including product, fashion and accessory designers, to think creatively about their output in ways that were previously unimaginable. 3D printing, then, as integrated into design thinking, has become an alternative or complimentary ideation tool. However, as the 3D printing process requires access to a 3D CAD program, the designer need a good grasp of 3D CAD.