Printing Things

An inspirational and understandable exploration of the creative potential of 3D printing that introduces outstanding projects, key experts, and the newest technologies.

Designers, trendscouts, scientists, and companies all agree the golden age of 3D printing has now begun. In all likelihood, this development represents the largest technical upheaval in manufacturing since the invention of the lathe.
3D?printing results in complex three-dimensional objects that are built in layers out of liquids or powder. Given current advancements, 3D?printers will soon be found in more and more workshops, offices, and homes. With them, we will be able to print out jewelry, small pieces of furniture, prototypes, replacement parts, or even food at any time. In the near future, if we forget our toothbrush on a trip, we can simply print out a new one in our hotel room.
As these production processes become reality, completely new visual languages and business models must develop along with them. Forms and constructions that were previously impossible to achieve with traditional methods can already be printed out.
Printing Things offers both professionals and interested laypersons an introduction into the paradigm-shifting topic of 3D?printing. The book not only provides a useful overview of machines, tools, and processes, but also showcases trendsetting designers and their projects.
Sharing a love of technology and experimentation, a new generation of designers and creative outsiders can hardly wait to explore the potentials and boundaries of 3D printing. The race is on for anyone to come up with the services and products that will best appeal to a mass market with a growing sensibility for design. Against this background, Printing Things is an essential guidebook for today and tomorrow's cutting-edge design professionals, tinkerers, and companies.


Shortly after Claire Warnier and Dries Verbruggen left the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2002, they founded Unfold as a platform for their multidisciplinary work at the intersection of design, technology, and art. Together, the designers are expanding the possibilities of 3D printing and digital production, as well as defining new distribution channels. Unfold is best known for developing a groundbreaking ceramic printer called L'Artisan Électronique.