3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, was invented in the 1980s. Here is a brief history of its invention and development:
Key Milestones in the Invention of 3D Printing
- 1981: Hideo Kodama of the Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute published the first account of a rapid prototyping technique. He invented a layer-by-layer approach for manufacturing, using a photosensitive resin that could be polymerized by UV light. Unfortunately, he did not file the patent application before the deadline.
- 1984: Chuck Hull of 3D Systems Corporation invented stereolithography (SLA), a process that allowed for the creation of 3D objects by curing layers of photopolymer resin with ultraviolet light. Hull also invented the STL file format, which is still widely used in 3D printing today, and the digital slicing and infill strategies used in many processes.
- 1986: Chuck Hull was granted a patent for stereolithography and founded 3D Systems, which released the first commercial 3D printer, the SLA-1, in 1987.
- 1988: Scott Crump, co-founder of Stratasys, developed fused deposition modeling (FDM), another major 3D printing technology. FDM involves extruding thermoplastic material layer by layer to build an object.
- 1992: Stratasys released the first FDM-based 3D printer.
Development and Adoption
- 1990s: 3D printing technology expanded with the development of selective laser sintering (SLS) by Carl Deckard and laminated object manufacturing (LOM) by Michael Feygin. These technologies opened up new possibilities for using different materials in 3D printing.
- 2000s: The expiration of early patents led to increased accessibility and a surge in development within the 3D printing industry. The RepRap project, an open-source initiative, played a significant role in popularizing 3D printing and making it more accessible to hobbyists and smaller companies.
- 2010s: The industry saw significant advancements in materials, speed, and the capabilities of 3D printers. 3D printing became widely used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods.
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Sources
- Smithsonian Magazine: Provides an overview of the history and key milestones of 3D printing.
- 3D Printing Industry: Offers a detailed history and timeline of 3D printing developments.
- All3DP: Discusses the inventors and the evolution of 3D printing technology.
3D printing has come a long way since its inception in the 1980s, revolutionizing manufacturing and enabling the creation of complex, custom objects with a wide range of applications.
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