Thirty years have passed since 3-D printers first appeared, but only recently have they hinted at a new era of manufacturing.
The first working 3-D printer was created in 1984 by Chuck Hull of 3D Systems Corp., Morrisville, N.C. This early device, based on stereolithography, gave way to the first truly practical 3-D printing, or “3DP”, technology patented by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1993. Since the start of the 21st century, there has been a large growth in sales of these machines as their prices dropped substantially. Today, 3-D printers have become more of a staple in the current manufacturing space, while still piquing hobbyist interest. The 3-D printing process usually works by selectively binding powder particles together, layer-by-layer, using a high-resolution inkjet printhead. A thin layer of powder is spread across the build area specified by CAD software, creating layers.
Propelled by the promise of inexpensive, highly customizable manufacturing, the 3-D printer manufacturing industry has surged over the past five years, driven by rapid technological developments, falling costs and new applications for 3-D printing technology. The 3-D printing industry has grown at a faster pace than expected, reaching about $2.2 billion worldwide in 2012, according to market research from Wohlers Associates. In the U.S., IBISWorld reported the 3-D printer market in 2014 at $1 billion with a CAGR of 22.8% over the period of 2009 to 2014. While still a small industry—as far as standalone 3-D printer manufacturers with 6,933 employees and 50 businesses—3-D printing is increasingly used in medical device and aircraft manufacturing, and is becoming a staple in some manufacturing processes.
The editors of R&D Magazine surveyed their readers to see what trends are important in the 3-D printing industry.
The Latest on: 3-D Printing
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The Latest on: 3-D Printing
- 3-D printer, more coming to Lincoln high school through new manufacturing programon April 26, 2024 at 7:48 pm
The main goal of the program is to get students skills they need for advanced manufacturing, which can lead to jobs in the auto, energy and medical industries, among others.
- World's largest 3D printer can print a house in under 80 hourson April 26, 2024 at 10:56 am
The University of Maine just revealed the world’s largest 3D printer, and it is an absolute beast. The printer, which the university named Factory of … The post World’s largest 3D printer can print a ...
- Makers of the world’s largest 3D printer just beat their own recordon April 26, 2024 at 10:43 am
After a five-year reign, the world’s largest 3D printer located at the University of Maine has been usurped—by a newer, larger 3D printer developed at the same school.
- This is the world's largest 3D printer: The University of Maine breaks its own recordon April 26, 2024 at 8:42 am
Forward-looking: The University of Maine has broken its own 2019 Guinness World Record with a next-gen polymer 3D printer that is four times the size of its predecessor. Dubbed Factory of the Future 1 ...
- The world’s largest 3D printer is at a university in Maine. It just unveiled an even bigger oneon April 26, 2024 at 8:33 am
The university that boasts the world’s largest 3D printer developed one even bigger. A printer unveiled Tuesday at the University of Maine is four times larger than the current one and is capable of ...
- How 3D Printing can Help Fuel the South America Oil Boomon April 26, 2024 at 6:59 am
Charles R. Goulding and Andressa Bonafe discuss how South American countries can leverage 3D printing technology to bolster their positions as emerging players in the global oil and gas market.
- INDO-MIM taps 3D printing in precision manufacturingon April 25, 2024 at 6:27 pm
The precision metal parts manufacturer is using HP’s Metal Jet S100 printers to produce components using metal powder for the automotive, healthcare and other industries ...
- UNF, Mayo Clinic partner on 3D anatomy printing courseon April 25, 2024 at 11:45 am
The course gives biology and engineering students hands-on experience in an emerging field that will help improve patient outcomes.
- World's biggest 3D printer unveiled in Maine may one day create entire neighborhoodson April 24, 2024 at 9:14 am
ORONO, Maine - The world's largest 3D printer has created a house that can cut construction time and labor. An even larger printer unveiled on Tuesday may one day create entire neighborhoods. The ...
- No More Kodak 3D Printing: Smart International Fades Awayon April 24, 2024 at 9:03 am
It seems that another 3D printer manufacturer has faded away into the sunset. Smart International, the Argentina-based company that had licensed the Kodak brand for 3D printing, seems to have ceased ...
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