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The Birth of Modern 3D Printing (1980-1990) Development of Various 3D Printing Technologies (1990-2000) 3D Printing Goes Mainstream (2007 — Present) Conclusion
The Birth of Modern 3D Printing (1980-1990)
The origins of modern 3D printing can be traced back to the late 1980s. Initially, these technologies were called “Rapid Prototyping” (RP), as they were developed for quick and cost-effective creation of prototypes in industry.
Interestingly, the first patent application in the field of rapid prototyping was filed by Dr. Kodama in Japan in May 1980. However, due to bureaucratic hurdles, the full patent specification was not filed in time, which is particularly ironic given that Dr. Kodama was a patent attorney.
Hideo Kodama
The official beginning of the 3D printing era is dated to 1986, when the first patent for a stereolithography apparatus (SLA) was issued. This patent belonged to Charles (Chuck) Hull, who invented the SLA machine in 1983. Hull went on to co-found 3D Systems Corporation – one of the largest companies in the 3D printing sector today.
In 1987, Carl Deckard from the University of Texas filed a patent application for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology. This patent was issued in 1989 and later licensed to DTM Inc., which was subsequently acquired by 3D Systems.
In the same year of 1989, Scott Crump, co-founder of Stratasys Inc., filed a patent application for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. This technology is still widely used today, including in many home 3D printers.
Scott Crump — co-founder of Stratasys
In 1989, Hans Langer founded EOS GmbH in Germany, which is known today for its high-quality industrial 3D printers. In 1990, EOS sold its first Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) system.
Development of Various 3D Printing Technologies (1990-2000)
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, new 3D printing technologies continued to emerge, but they were still focused on industrial manufacturing. New terms appeared: Rapid Tooling (RT), Rapid Casting, and Rapid Manufacturing (RM).
During this period, many companies that later became industry leaders were founded:
- 1996 — Sanders Prototype (later Solidscape) and Z Corporation
- 1997 — Arcam
- 1998 — Objet Geometries
- 2000 — MCP Technologies (Selective Laser Melting technology, SLM)
- 2002 — EnvisionTec
- 2005 — ExOne
In the mid-2000s, signs of market diversification began to appear. On one hand, high-end industrial systems for producing complex parts were developing. On the other hand, some manufacturers began to develop more affordable desktop 3D printers for office and home use.
3D Printing Goes Mainstream (2007 — Present)
2007 was a turning point in the history of 3D printing. Although the first affordable printers from 3D Systems priced at $10,000 did not achieve their intended goal, this year saw the birth of the RepRap movement, which played a key role in popularizing the technology.
Dr. Adrian Bowyer developed the concept of a self-replicating open-source 3D printer back in 2004. In 2007, this idea began to be implemented in practice.
Adriano Bowyer (left) and Vik Olliver (right)
The first commercially available DIY 3D printer based on the RepRap concept went on sale in January 2009. It was the BfB RapMan 3D printer. Soon after, MakerBot Industries was founded, which played an important role in popularizing home 3D printing.
2012 marked the emergence of alternative printing technologies in the affordable printer market. The B9Creator (DLP technology) and Form 1 (SLA) projects were successfully funded on Kickstarter.
In the following years, the 3D printing market continued to grow and consolidate. One of the most notable events was the acquisition of MakerBot by Stratasys in 2013.
Conclusion
The history of 3D printing spans several decades, and this technology continues to evolve every day. From industrial applications to home use, 3D printing demonstrates enormous potential for the future of manufacturing and consumption.
Today, 3D printing has firmly established its place in many industries. For example, our company 3D4U offers 3D printing services using FDM/FFF technologies, as well as jewelry printing using DLP technology with the B9Creator 3D printer.
Continue reading our 3D printing series:
