A shoe being printed from PLA, polylactic acid, which is biodegradable and derived from sugar (as opposed to the more common material used to create 3D objects, ABS). It also creates a shinier product, whereas ABS is matte. Photo 6 of 10 in Exploring the Future of 3D Printing: Day 1 by Erika Heet

Exploring the Future of 3D Printing: Day 1

6 of 10

A shoe being printed from PLA, polylactic acid, which is biodegradable and derived from sugar (as opposed to the more common material used to create 3D objects, ABS). It also creates a shinier product, whereas ABS is matte.