The emergence of modern new technology, 3D printing technology, has attracted the attention of various sectors of society and gradually has a widespread impact on the education industry. In the current teaching of "mechanical design", on the basis of understanding 3D printing technology, university teachers urgently need to think about how to reasonably introduce this technology to innovate the teaching mode of "mechanical design". In this regard, this article analyzes the current situation of the "Mechanical Design" major through the initial introduction of 3D printing, elaborates on the advantages of applying 3D printing technology in the "Mechanical Design" teaching mode, and puts forward application suggestions. It is hoped that this can promote the exploration of the educational philosophy of 3D printing in the "Mechanical Design" teaching mode.