When you teach your kids about the prehistoric world, you will probably show them a picture of a dinosaur from a book or internet. As always, things change rapidly. Those pictures in a book present you a two dimensional format where as some specialized printers can actually print 3D models of the same dinosaur for better illustration for your kids.

Three dimensional printing is a method of printing a virtual 3D model from a CAD program or any other 3D program into a physical object. There are different technologies that could realise 3D printing.

3D printing technology has existed for some years now but until now it has never been in reach of common man. Idealab is planning the release of the Desktop Factory, an affordable 3D printer meant for homes. This printer uses an inexpensive halogen light source and drum printing technology to build robust parts layer by layer from composite plastic powder. The technology involves deposition of molten polymer by a nozzle onto a support structure, layer by layer.

It is priced at £2500-£3500 depending on the capacity desired. This is still expensive for homes but affordable for schools and other small offices. The cost of the build material is expected to be about £0.25 per cubic inch.