Though they may sound like something out of science fiction, 3-D printers are not only real but also increasingly common. Popular with both the Maker Movement and businesses, the 3-D printer has multiple uses. It’s great for making prototypes and creating cool projects. Some experts even believe that additive manufacturing–or 3-D printing on the industrial level–is the wave of the future. Readers will learn about a variety of 3-D printing methods, weigh the pros and cons of 3-D printing, and discover 3-D printing’s applications in fields as diverse as fashion, food, and medicine.