This introductory chapter provides a foundational overview of additive manufacturing (AM) and three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies. It begins by defining AM and highlighting its key advantages over traditional manufacturing methods, such as design flexibility, material efficiency, and rapid prototyping capabilities. The historical development of 3D printing is then reviewed, tracing its evolution from early stereolithography systems to modern industrial and consumer-grade machines. A standardized classification of AM processes is presented, covering the seven main categories, including material extrusion, vat photopolymerization, and powder bed fusion. The chapter also outlines the core components and general workflow of 3D printers, from digital design and slicing to physical fabrication and postprocessing. This comprehensive overview lays the groundwork for deeper exploration of specific techniques, particularly fused filament fabrication, in the following chapters.
