2004 was the year of the initiating of the RepRap Project which consists of a self-replicating 3D printer. Yes, it is possible to 3D print a 3D printer. This open-source project led to the spreading of the FDM 3D desktop 3D printers, and of the popularity of the technology in the mak...
Although the craze for desktop 3D printers began around 2010, when companies like MakerBot made investors and the media salivate, those in manufacturing know that the process—applying material onto a substrate to build up an object from a digital 3D design—goes back much further. The first pa...
The History of 3D PrintingThe popularity of 3D printing has experienced a massive growth spurt lately. Many printers are finally reaching the consumer offering lower prices and better availability. Learn more about the history of this technology.redOrbit Press...
engineers, and scientific experiments. It’s becoming popular because of the rising demand from interested consumers. The result is smaller, easier to operate machines at much lower costs. Hobbyists and enthusiasts can now buy budget end 3D printers for the price of a regular smartphone...
Early 3D printing The first 3D printers The earliest 3D printer originated in 1981, when Dr. Hideo Kodama invented one of the first rapid prototyping machines that created parts layer by layer, using a resin that could be polymerized by UV light. In 1986, the first patent for stereolithography...
Today's 3D printers had their start in the rapid prototyping technologies of the 1980s and found their use in the industrial market. As patents expire, 3D printing technology is becoming more available to consumers.
Unique to Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printers, (unlike PolyJet, Stereolithography, or SAF technology), thermoplastic polymer is extruded from a small nozzle mounted to a CNC motion system, depositing material as toolpaths to trace the shape and infill of the part. Models are printed layer by...
materials to Royden Sanders of SDI and Bill Masters of Ballistic Particle Manufacturing (BPM) where he worked for a number of years. Both BPM 3D printers and SPI 3D printers use Howtek, Inc style Inkjets and Howtek, Inc style materials. Royden Sanders licensed the Helinksi patent p...
Faces of History is the source for original 3D portrait artwork of historical figures. Our busts are digitally sculpted by gifted artists, and then produced on demand by our farm of 3D printers we have spent many years perfecting. Each work is an origina
Manchester Metropolitan University in England a 3D printing workshop – PrintCity. It boasts state-of-the-art printers that can create virtually anything. (Image: mmu.ac.uk) How Does 3D Printing Work? The Process Below is a very simple description of what happens when a 3D printer creates ...