A printer that can generate a three-dimensional physical object from three-dimensional model data. Most such printers work by depositing small amounts of material at precise points, working in layers from the bottom upwards. The materials used include metal powders that are fused by heat and various plastics. The X-Y resolution of many 3D printers is similar to that of laser printers, while layer thickness varies from 100 μm down to 10 μm. Originally developed for additive manufacturing, 3D printers are now available for use by hobbyists.