What is a 3D printer, anyway?

Notorious peer-to-peer site The Pirate Bay says the next age of file-sharing will be 3D printing. But how, exactly, does that work?

3D printers creates objets, usually out of plastic, layer-by-layer from digital files; this 3D printer is in the midst of printing a turtle.
(Image credit: CC BY: kakissel)

Controversial file-sharing site The Pirate Bay usually plays host to music and movies. But now the site's creators are working on a new download section that will allow users to freely distribute files a 3D printer can translate into real-life objects, from mugs to toothbrushes to toys. But how, exactly, does a 3D printer work? And is it really the next battleground for online copyright?

What does a 3D printer do?

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