The Data Base: 3D Printing
Iliya Papoulias
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3D printing is a new field of technology that turns objects designed on a device, such as a computer, into real, tangible objects. This technology is being used in fields such as medical, manufacturing, construction, cooking, and many others that change the way those jobs are done today. The 3D printing sector is expected to be worth 51 billion dollars by 2030, which shows the future potential this technology has. Thanks to advancements in the field, 3D printing has become cheaper for consumers to buy. For a couple of hundred dollars, everyday people can design models or print already designed models in their homes, which can change how consumers purchase goods.
Who even thought of 3D Printing?
The concept of 3D printing dates back to the early 80s when an inventor from Japan named Hideo Kodama was trying to develop a device that could create prototypes quickly by using UV light polymerized photosensitive resin. The UltraViolet light hardens the thermoset polymer (a type of plastic) causing it to create solid objects which helped pioneer the SLA(Stereolithography Apparatus) 3D printer technology. Kadama produced patents and even wrote papers on the topic but there was no interest in the idea. His idea was scrapped. Later in 1982, Raytheon, a Defence and electronics manufacturer, patented the concept of using metal powder that can be stacked to create “layers” to form an actual object. In 1984, Bill Maters patented this process of 3D printing and called it “Computer Automated Manufacturing Process and System”.
Charles (Chuck) Hull patented the concept of using digital data from a device to turn it into a 3d model to make it the printed model which formed the basis of the STL file format. He also invented Steorlithography off this concept of taking data from a device and that data being turned into an actual real life object.
The first actual commercial 3d printer was made by Charles Hull in 1986 which he made the first commercial SLA printer in 1986. This printer was called the SLA-1 and created objects by building layers one at a time based on 60 patents that used radiation, laser, or other technology to cure photopolymers layer by layer to build an object. This printer can form devices and can make complex parts faster than traditional methods of manufacturing that made it useful for prototyping. Hull formed the company that made the SLA-1 called 3D systems corporation. In 1987 a new technology of 3d printing was introduced by Carl Deckard called SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) which used a laser to turn powder into layers of material to form an object.
In 1989 Lisa and Scott Krump created the first FDM(Fused Deposition Modelling) 3D printer which patented the process of this printer melting polymer in a nozzle called an extruder where it forms by creating layers of the polymer on a substrate forming the 3d printed object. The Crumps formed the Statitysis which today owns the patent for the FDM printing technology and today makes 3d printers for consumer or for industrial use. Later on in 2004 and 2005 RepRap project was formed which had the goal of making your own 3d printer at home with 3d printed parts printed from other people. The goal of this project was for average people to build their own 3D printers with readily available parts and the rest of the parts can be 3D printed with the goal of democratizing 3D printing by making the technology available to people around the world. This led to many different 3d printer designs being produced which helped bring greater access to 3d printers to the masses.
In 2009 the first affordable 3D printer for the consumers was released called the MakerBot which was an open-source DIY kit for people wanting to build their own 3D printers. This has led to the present day where because of this innovation in the 3D printing field there are many options from many different brands of 3D printers that are affordable to consumers. Companies such as Statysis, Prusa, Makerbot, and Ender among others have helped make 3d printing affordable to consumers using these different types of 3D printing technology.
In the next issue, I will be explaining the types of 3D printing technology and which option is the best for you.
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