Abstract: The 3D printing technology is an advanced manufacturing technology that has developed rapidly in the past 30 years. Different from the pressing, forging and casting methods in the traditional molding technology, the 3D printing technology is based on the superposition of components of extremely thin physical layer after the 3D digital model is constructed by the computer. This paper classifies the representative 3D printing technologies according to different printing materials and molding processes, and illustrates the working principles of different types of 3D printers, at the same time, summarizes the research status of the 3D printing in the applications to the rock mechanics, combined with the existing research results and the classification of the 3D printing technologies, including rock physical model research based on 3D printing technology, 3D printing rock anisotropy characteristics research, 3D printing rock mechanical properties research at room temperature and high temperature. Finally, the main advantages of 3D printing technology in the application of rock mechanics are summarized, combined with the current research situation, the application of the 3D printing technology in rock mechanics.