In order to overcome the limitations and problems that earlier apparatus and methods have experienced, an apparatus (10) for 3D printing an article (12), in particular a food article, is proposed, said apparatus (10) comprising:- a housing (14) comprising at least one gas inlet (16), the housing (14) defining a chamber (20) therein substantially isolated from an external environment (32)；- at least one 3D printing head (28) disposed within the chamber (20), for 3D printing the article (12) within the chamber (20)； and- a source (22) of a protective gas in fluid communication with the at least one gas inlet (16) for being introduced into the chamber (20) in an amount sufficient to displace atmosphere in the chamber (20) and to protect the article (12) from detrimental effects of the displaced atmosphere.A related method of 3D printing an article (12), in particular a food article, is also proposed.
