History of 3D Printing

  1. 1860 – Francois Willeme uses cameras to create a 3D image.
  2. 1892 – Layering for topographical Maps
  3. 1972 – Mitsubishi uses photo-hardening materials.
  4. 1981 – Hideo Kodama of Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute publishes the first account of a working photopolymer rapid prototyping system.
  5. 1984 – Charles Hull invents stereolithography.
  6. 1991 – Stratasys invents fused deposition modelling.
  7. 1992 – 3D systems creates first SLA production system.
  8. 1997 – Aeromet invents laser additive manufacturing.
  9. 1999 – Scientists manage to grow organs from patient’s cells and use a 3D printed scaffold to support them.
  10. 2000 – The first 3D inkjet printer produced by Object Geometries.
  11. 2000 – The first multicolour 3D printer made by Z Corp.
  12. 2001 – The first desktop 3D printer made by Solidimension.
  13. 2002 – A 3D printed minature kidney is manufactured. Scientists aim to produce full-sized, working organs.
  14. 2005 – Reprap Project
  15. 2008 – The Reprap is the first printer to be able to recreate its own parts.
  16. 2008 – The first biocompatible FDM material produced by Stratasys.
  17. 2008 – Shapeways launces.
  18. 2008 – Makerbot’s Thingiverse begins.
  19. 2009 – Makerbot produces a Reprap evolved kit for a wider audience.
  20. 2009 – The first 3D printed blood vessel.
  21. 2011 – The first 3D printed car.
  22. 2012 – The first 3D printed jaw.