Digital 3D printing is a process of joining materials to make objects from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methodologies. The process begins with a Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) file (for medical use) or a Standard Tessellation Language (STL) file. These digital files are "sliced" into horizontal layers that the printer uses as a roadmap for construction.

The precision of these systems is determined by their "layer thickness" and "X-Y resolution." In the healthcare sector, the transition from traditional manufacturing to a digital workflow allows for the creation of patient-specific devices that match a patient's unique anatomy. For a technical analysis of the various printing modalities—such as Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)—the Digital 3D Printing Market overview provides a detailed breakdown. This digital-to-physical bridge is what enables the mass customization of everything from orthopedic implants to dental crowns.

Beyond simple geometry, digital 3D printing allows for the creation of "lattice structures"—complex internal architectures that reduce the weight of an object while maintaining its strength. In medical implants, these lattices can be designed to mimic the porosity of human bone, encouraging "osseointegration" (the growing of bone into the implant), which significantly improves the long-term stability of the device within the body.