The complete history of 3D printing

While 3D printing is a relatively new technology, its history is deep and varied. The first 3D printer was created in 1981 by Dr. Hideo Kodama, followed by the invention of stereolithography (SLA) by Chuck Hull in 1986. Other notable developments include selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modeling (FDM). In the 1990s, the 3D printing industry experienced significant growth, with new companies emerging and additive manufacturing technologies being explored. One of the most significant advancements was the RepRap Project, an open-source initiative that led to the development of low-cost 3D printers capable of self-replication. The 2000s saw the rise of commercial 3D printers, thanks to open-source initiatives like the RepRap Project and the expiration of FDM patents. Makerbot played a significant role in bringing 3D printing to the mainstream market with its DIY kits and online community, Thingiverse. Ultimaker, founded in 2011, emerged from the Protospace FabLab in the Netherlands and aimed to deliver accurate, useful parts without the high costs and maintenance associated with industrial additive machines. It has since evolved into a full ecosystem providing hardware, software, and materials for industrial environments. Today, 3D printing is widely used in various industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and automotive. It has enabled advancements like printing tools in space and the creation of "digital warehouses" for on-demand parts and tools. The future of 3D printing is speculative but holds great potential. Consumer adoption is expected to accelerate, changing the way people acquire goods and decentralizing manufacturing. The range of materials used in 3D printing will continue to expand, including the use of metal for serial production of parts. Predictions also suggest significant growth in the value of 3D printed molds, tools, and end-use parts. To learn more about the transformative power of 3D printing, read Ultimaker's success stories. Read more: