D printing creates solid objects from the additive process of layering plastics, metal, wood, synthetic fibers, and more.

The next breakthrough to take the AI world by storm might be 3D model generators. This week, OpenAI open sourced Point-E, a machine learning system that creates a 3D object given a text prompt.

3D printers are affordable enough that almost anyone can buy one, but should you? Before you dive in, here's what to consider—about materials, possible uses, software, and much more. Since 2004, I ...