Final answer:
A 3D printer uses additive manufacturing technology to create objects from a three-dimensional data plot. This process, aided by computer-aided design software, is integral in fields ranging from architecture to art and construction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The computer-controlled machine that uses additive manufacturing technology to fabricate a plot of three-dimensional data is commonly known as a 3D printer. These printers create objects by successively adding material in layers, following the design outlined by 3D modeling software. This process is a form of rapid prototyping (RP), which enables quick fabrication of physical models from digital data.
The use of computer-aided design (CAD) software has been pivotal in architectural design, allowing for high-speed, accurate visualizations and simulations of three-dimensional spaces without needing to build physical models. Furthermore, in the context of art, advanced software allows artists to create intricate three-dimensional art and even print these works in 3D format. More broadly, additive manufacturing technology is revolutionizing industries, allowing for on-demand prefabrication of building materials with high precision and reduced human error, which are then transported to construction sites.