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History of 3D Printing Timeline

(1981 - Present)

Discover the evolution of 3D printing technology and its impact on various industries with this comprehensive timeline. From its origins to the present day, learn about the major milestones, key advancements, and notable applications of 3D printing. Less

Go to: Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Early Developments

Description of 3D printing in science fiction

1945

Murray Leinster's short story "Things Pass By" describes the concept and procedure of 3D printing.

Introduction of Liquid Metal Recorder

1971

Johannes F Gottwald patents the Liquid Metal Recorder, an early precursor to 3D printing.

Invention of additive methods for fabricating 3D plastic models

Apr 1980

Hideo Kodama invents two additive methods for fabricating 3D plastic models.

Filing of the patent for XYZ plotter

Nov 10, 1981

Hideo Kodama files a patent for the XYZ plotter, an early 3D printing device.

Granting of the patent for sequential deposition method

Apr 6, 1982

Raytheon Technologies Corp is granted a patent for a method of fabricating articles by sequential deposition, an early reference to 3D printing.

Filing of the patent for computer automated manufacturing process

Jul 2, 1984

Bill Masters files a patent for his computer automated manufacturing process, a precursor to 3D printing.

Image source: 3D printing

Filing of the patent for computer automated manufacturing process

Filing of the patent for stereolithography process

Jul 16, 1984

Alain Le Méhauté, Olivier de Witte, and Jean Claude André file a patent for the stereolithography process.

Filing of the patent for stereolithography fabrication system

Aug 8, 1984

Chuck Hull files a patent for a stereolithography fabrication system, a key milestone in 3D printing.

Image source: Stereolithography

Filing of the patent for stereolithography fabrication system

Introduction of Pixelmaster color inkjet printer

1986

Robert Howard starts R.H. McMahon to develop the Pixelmaster color inkjet 2D printer.

Image source: Inkjet printing

Introduction of Pixelmaster color inkjet printer

Formation of 3D Systems Corporation

1986

Charles Hull founds 3D Systems Corporation, a pioneering company in the 3D printing industry.

Image source: 3D Systems

Formation of 3D Systems Corporation

Development of fused deposition modeling (FDM) process

1988

S. Scott Crump develops the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process, a widely used 3D printing technique.

Formation of Visual Impact Corporation (VIC)

Aug 22, 1991

C.A.D-Cast, Inc is formed, later changing its name to Visual Impact Corporation.

Image source: Printer (computing)

Formation of Visual Impact Corporation (VIC)

Introduction of Modelmaker 6 Pro

1993

Sanders prototype, Inc manufactures the Modelmaker 6 Pro, an early commercial 3D printer.

Introduction of powder bed 3D printing process

1993

Emanuel Sachs develops a powder bed 3D printing process at MIT, leading to the commercialization of the technology.

Development of selective laser melting process

1995

The Fraunhofer Society develops the selective laser melting process, an additive manufacturing technique used in 3D printing.

Image source: Selective laser melting

Development of selective laser melting process

Expiration of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing process patents

2009

The patents for the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing process expire, allowing for wider adoption and development of the technology.

Image source: Fused filament fabrication

Expiration of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing process patents

Advancements and Innovations

First patent filed for UV-cured acrylic resin 3D printing

Aug 8, 1984

Charles Hull files the first patent for UV-cured acrylic resin 3D printing, a breakthrough in the technology.

Introduction of SLA-1, the first commercial 3D printer

1987

3D Systems releases the SLA-1, the first commercially available 3D printer.

Introduction of FDM, a material extrusion technique

1988

S. Scott Crump develops the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process, a widely used 3D printing technique.

Use of 3D printing in art and creative applications

2005

3D printing technology begins to be explored and used for artistic purposes.

FAA approval of 3D printed fuel nozzle for GE LEAP engine

Dec 2016

The FAA approves the production of a 3D printed fuel nozzle for the GE LEAP engine.

Increased adoption of domestic 3D printing

2017

Domestic 3D printing becomes more popular and accessible to a wider audience.

Discussion on occupational safety and health implications of 3D printing

2017

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work publishes a discussion paper on the occupational safety and health implications of 3D printing.

First 3D-printed matrix for cell immobilization in fermentation

2018

3D printing technology is used to create a matrix for cell immobilization in fermentation processes.

3D printing used in surveying and modeling Iran National Bank

2018

The structure of Iran National Bank is surveyed and modeled using 3D printing technology.

Development of fibrous plant-based meat analogues using 3D bioprinting

2018

Giuseppe Scionti develops a 3D bioprinting technology for creating fibrous plant-based meat analogues.

Image source: 3D bioprinting

Development of fibrous plant-based meat analogues using 3D bioprinting

Increased accessibility of 3D printing technology

2020

3D printers become more affordable, allowing more people to access and use the technology.

Commercialization and Industrial Applications

Introduction of Additive Manufacturing File format (AMF)

2011

The Additive Manufacturing File format (AMF) is introduced to improve compatibility and standardization in 3D printing.

Development of Filabot system for wider range of plastics

2012

Filabot develops a system that allows a wider range of plastics to be used in 3D printers.

Decrease in price of commercial 3D printers

2014

The price of commercial 3D printers becomes more affordable, reaching a wider consumer audience.

Use of 3D printing in manufacturing jet engines

2015

GE and Pratt & Whitney deliver jet engines with 3D printed components for commercial use.

Integration of additive manufacturing in aerospace

2016

Aerospace companies like Airbus and GE integrate additive manufacturing technologies into their production processes.

First fully 3D-printed prosthetic eye

Nov 2021

The world's first fully 3D-printed prosthetic eye is created for a British patient at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.

Key Facts

  1. 1981: The first 3D printer, the Solid Concept 1, is developed.
  2. 1984: Charles Hull invents stereolithography, the first practical 3D printing technology.
  3. 1992: The first commercial 3D printer, the SLA-250, is released by 3D Systems.
  4. 2005: RepRap, the first self-replicating 3D printer, is introduced.
  5. 2013: The first 3D-printed human organ, a kidney, is successfully created.

Source

This History of 3D Printing timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.

We work hard to keep these timelines accurate, but mistakes do get through. If you spot one, email us at [email protected] and we'll fix it for future visitors.

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