The heads operate along the X and Y axes, while the build platform (generally heated in the case of ABS and unheated for PLA) moves downward, allowing the glue gun-like extruders to build up the thin layers of plastic.

ENGADGET

This month the site began cranking out the first batches of the polymer, called polylactic acid, or PLA, ready to be used in everything from clothing to carpets to the crinkly, thin films used to wrap candy and compact discs.

FORBES: Shucking Petroleum