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When was the 3D printer invented?

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Paul’s Answer

There is a great timeline of 3d printing here https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/infographic-the-history-of-3d-printing

Interestingly the initial patents were for SLA (stereo lithography apparatus) printing , this is a vat of material with a process to expose it to harden the material. Compared to FDM (fused deposit modeling) moving parts that squirt material. The modern date would be 1980.

Many people start now with FDM because it has a large hobbyist base, SLA is catching up to be also very available to hobbyists.

This is not an exhaustive answer but should get you started.
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Victoria’s Answer

Hi Dea,


I really like going to Wikipedia to start learning about a topic - like 3D printing for instance. There is a super article on 3D Printing at "wiki". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing

3D printing is actually ancient - if you look at the lost wax technique in art it is essentially 3D printing.

Also, the original printing presses and woodblock printing are examples of 1D printing and made it possible to mass produce books so that new ideas could be sent around the world. These ideas inspired so many different thinkers, the American Revolution, and even newspapers so people could communicate!


What is new about 3D + printing is that now we take electronic data/scans of original objects (possibly fragile or very old objects ) and recreate the object with a computer by representing the electronic measurements with material. You can print a unique part if something breaks, you can reconstruct an ancient object to study it, and you can make toys or art pieces. So many possibilities.

3D printing is very versatile and is only beginning to help us in all areas of study and living. There are many exciting applications in the arts, biomedical, engineering, and scientific areas. One exciting area that combines all these disciplines is 3D printing prosthetics for children who need an actual hand. check out: http://enablingthefuture.org/ . The site gives you instructions on how to volunteer and print assistive devices: http://enablingthefuture.org/upper-limb-prosthetics/


Here is also an article about ISU's College of Design, where they use 3D printers as part of the curriculum:

https://www.design.iastate.edu/digital-technologies/output-center/output-information/3d-printing/

Victoria recommends the following next steps:

Try to find a 3D printer in your town. If you can't check out YouTube for 3D printer demonstrations.
Talk to your teachers about finding a 3D printer for your school.
See if you can find volunteer opportunities that involve 3D printing in your area.
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