3D printing and additive manufacturing are terms that are often used interchangeably to refer to the process of creating a three-dimensional object by adding successive layers of material. In general, the term “3D printing” is used to describe the process of creating a physical object from a digital file using a machine that builds the object by laying down successive layers of material. The term “additive manufacturing” is a more general term that includes 3D printing, as well as any other process that uses additive methods to create a three-dimensional object. One key difference between 3D printing and additive manufacturing is the range of materials that can be used. 3D printing is typically limited to using plastics, resins, and some metals, while additive manufacturing can use a wider range of materials, including ceramics, metals, and even living cells. Another difference is the range of object shapes and sizes that can be produced. 3D printing is often limited to smaller objects, while additive manufacturing can be used to create much larger objects, including structural components for buildings and vehicles. Overall, while 3D printing and additive manufacturing are similar in many ways, 3D printing is just one specific type of additive manufacturing process.