1. What is 3D printing

The term "3D printing" is defined as opposed to traditional 2D printing techniques for the production/reproduction of text or images. The "promise" of this new technology is to enable real three-dimensional objects to be produced from a digital source.

The contribution of digital technology is not necessarily new. Indeed, computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) have existed in the industrial world for several decades. In particular, CAM is associated with numerically controlled machines, which are widely used for machining parts in the industrial sector.

On the other hand, the principles of "additive manufacturing", which enables the deployment of technology and therefore the ability to manufacture objects oneself within society, and its potential impact on our consumption patterns and therefore our lifestyles,...