The paper presents an analysis of the state of the art regarding the production of thin-walled models using 3D printing technology. Data based on the Web of Science database was presented in quantitative terms and divided into individual areas of science. 189 publications were found in the years from 2013 to 2024, of which the most, i.e. 82 in the area of Mechanical Engineering. It was observed that some of the publications are grouped around issues related to the study of mainly mechanical properties of both samples and thin-walled cellular structures. Another group of works concerns methods of obtaining thin-walled models using 3D printing technologies. The article characterizes selected exemplary works representing individual areas of science. The need to perform tests of the mechanical properties of thin-walled elements, especially those with a thickness of less than 2 mm, was indicated. Appropriate examples were provided to demonstrate the lower mechanical properties of thin-walled elements compared to solid-type parts manufactured by 3D printing.