3D printing in art: use of thermoplastics and ceramics-the current state and limitations resulting from the possibilities of technology

The applications of 3D printing in art are a fascinating topic, but they have their controversies and limitations often overlooked in the literature. The artistic area is often presented as a niche for applications for 3D printing, but it is this direction that is one of the first to open up its wide application. The relationship between the world of science and engineering work is very often distant and there is no transfer of the challenges facing printed art to the scientific field. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the role of 3D printing in art, focusing on its applications, material-specific considerations, and technological limitations. By categorizing commonly used materials-such as thermoplastics, ceramics, clay, cement, and concrete-this work evaluates their practical and aesthetic potential for sculptural practices. The analysis addresses critical challenges, including material properties, print resolution, scalability, and layer adhesion, which often constrain artistic freedom. Additionally, the study presents a diagram of the process from modeling and digital scanning to printing and post-processing stages. Despite these challenges, the transformative impact of 3D printing on sculptural practices is undeniable, emphasizing the need for advancements in printer design and material science to bridge the gap between artistic goals and technological capabilities. By exploring these intersections, this work contributes to the ongoing discourse on integrating digital tools into the creative process.