EBSD-Image

Who Invented 3D Technology?

Note

Further explanations and examples in a recently published article in the Microscopy & Microanalysis journal: pdf | bib

_images/logo.png

If you've ever wondered who invented 3d technology, you're in luck. Three people are responsible for shaping it. These are Chuck Hull, Carl Deckard, and Charles W. Hull. You can read more about each of them here.

Charles W. Hull

Chuck Hull is one of the pioneers of 3D printing. His company, 3D Systems, manufactures a variety of systems that enable the creation of prototype parts. These printers have been used in a wide range of industries.

Before becoming a leader in the field of additive manufacturing, Hull was a senior engineer with Bell & Howell. He also worked as an engineering manager at DuPont Photo Products Division.

Hull is now the chief technology officer of 3D Systems, where he continues to develop and advance the company's technology. Hull holds over a hundred patents. Many of his inventions are still in use.

Hull was inspired to start the process of printing solid objects after he spent hours in an empty laboratory. He was frustrated with the time-consuming process of creating small plastic parts and testing new product designs.



Carl Deckard

When Carl Deckard was studying for his Master's Degree at the University of Texas, he developed a concept for a machine that would help him to achieve his goal. He envisioned a way to manufacture objects from a computer model.

The first step to doing this was the development of a process called selective laser sintering (SLS). SLS uses a laser to fuse layers of powdered material together. This process can be applied to manufacturing objects from plastics and metals. It also reduces the need for expensive molds.

Selective laser sintering is used in a variety of fields including additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping. In addition, the technology is also able to generate parts that might have been difficult to create by traditional means.

Carl Deckard is one of the many inventors of 3D printing. His company, Structured Polymers, specialized in the development of high performance polymer powders for 3D-printing applications. Earlier this year, Evonik bought the company.

Stereolithography

Stereolithography is one of the oldest additive manufacturing technologies. Originally designed to help with rapid prototyping, the technology has since expanded into a variety of industries. It offers a high level of accuracy and can be used to produce quality surface finishes.

This technology uses liquid photopolymers to produce 3D objects. Each layer is exposed to an ultraviolet light that cures the resin. The result is a smooth, accurate surface finish.

Stereolithography printing can produce high-quality prototypes in hours. It is particularly useful for small, complex parts. In addition, it allows for many iterations of a part before production.

Stereolithography is widely used in the automotive, medical, and aerospace industries. It can also be used to create concept models and cosmetic prototypes.

Stereolithography is a relatively inexpensive process and can be found in offices or homes. However, it is expensive to operate.

Fused Deposition Modeling

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a process that builds objects layer by layer. This method can be used to produce three-dimensional objects in materials like thermoplastic polymers and metals. A number of 3D printers use this technique to create models of objects, including aerospace, industrial, and automotive parts. Some companies refer to the process as Fused Filament Fabrication.

Initially, the process was only meant to make concept models for commercial applications. Eventually, it became a viable manufacturing technology. In fact, it has become one of the most well known additive manufacturing processes. It has a wide variety of uses, from producing toys and foodtubs to engineering plastics and composites.

In the first instance, the process is a fairly simple affair. It consists of a build platform, a nozzle and thermoplastic filament. These materials are melted together and selectively deposited on the build platform. Then, the process is repeated until the desired object is achieved.

Shapeways

Shapeways is a 3D printing company that allows individuals to turn their ideas into real products. It is also a platform that enables artists and creators to sell their 3D designs.

The website features a wide range of 3D printing technologies. Users can create custom products, such as smartphone cases, jewelry, clothing, and sculptures. There are over 40 different materials, including plastics, metals, and alloys.

The process of making a product is very simple. All that's required is a 3D file. In about a day, the company will create a unique item. That item is cured using UV light or a photoreactive material. Objects can be printed in over six million colors. This enables users to produce beautiful products, or sell them to other Shapeways users.

Shapeways has a strong community of creatives who share their designs. Over one million Shapeways users have created over 10 million 3D printed items.