Infographic: A Look Back at the History of Additive Manufacturing

Today is a special one: 3D Printing Day! December 3rd is a chance to celebrate the strengths of additive manufacturing, look back at its progress, and take stock of the market. To mark the occasion, we’ve highlighted a few key moments that helped shape 3D technologies into what they are today. And there’s plenty to talk about. We focused on 40 years of history, from the early days of additive manufacturing to its current phase of maturity and industrialization. Of course, we couldn’t cover everything, so we selected three standout milestones from each decade. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share your comments and the moments that stood out to you!

It all began in the 1980s with the first appearance of the concept of 3D printing, a process that allows objects to be designed layer by layer. Patents were then quickly filed for stereolithography and fused deposition modeling. For several years, these two technologies dominated the market and enabled the creation of on-demand prototypes of varying complexity using a variety of materials. Polymer was quickly joined by metal, with the development of various processes, including DMLS and DED. The goal was simple: to create metal parts without molds or additional tools.

Download the whole infographic HERE.

The 2000s were synonymous with innovation and “firsts.” In the medical field, researchers began to prove themselves thanks to 3D technologies, taking crucial steps forward for the future of the sector. The development of the RepRap movement gave a considerable boost to desktop 3D printing, and we began to see more and more machines in design offices, workshops, and laboratories. Additive manufacturing began to open up and was no longer an isolated process.

Since 2010, we’ve seen a surge in additive manufacturing applications, and it has become increasingly important to show what the technology can do across all sectors. As a result, 3D-printed end-use parts are now appearing in automotive and aerospace, and even in space, with the first 3D printer sent into orbit. One thing is certain: 3D technologies will continue to surprise us! See the full infographic HERE.

What do you think of our retrospective on additive manufacturing? Which fact stood out to you the most? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn and Facebook pages. Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.