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
[google_news title=”” keyword=”3-D Printing” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: 3-D Printing
- ISRO successfully tests 3D-printed rocket engine: What is 3D printing and how does it work?on May 11, 2024 at 11:44 pm
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday (May 9) successfully tested a liquid rocket engine made with the help of additive manufacturing technology — commonly known as 3D printing.
- Actress Felicia Day joins Thangs 3D Printing community, shares her own downloadable modelson May 11, 2024 at 6:49 am
The popular 3D model download community is collaborating with the Hollywood star and geek icon on new designs.
- What happened to 3D printing stocks?on May 11, 2024 at 4:11 am
In this piece, we will take a look at the performance and developments surrounding 3D printing stocks. A big reasons Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is widely credited to be one of the most advanced personal ...
- What happened to 3D printing stocks? Top 5 Stockson May 11, 2024 at 4:11 am
3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) is another 3D printing penny stock. It is a pure play additive manufacturing hardware and software provider that sells printers, software, and other associated ...
- There You Have It 3D Marks Five-Year Milestone Leading the Future of Precision 3D Printing Serviceson May 10, 2024 at 2:00 pm
There You Have It 3D, based in Los Angeles California, is commemorating its fifth anniversary, a significant event in the realm of 3D printing services. The company is recognized for its comprehensive ...
- Sintratec Shuts Down Operations After a Decade in the 3D Printing Industryon May 9, 2024 at 11:52 am
“After a decade of innovation and service in the 3D printing industry, we regrettably announce that Sintratec is ceasing operations effective immediately due to recent bankruptcy proceedings. Over the ...
- This beginner-friendly 3D printer is the best we've tested - and it's $210 off right nowon May 9, 2024 at 10:26 am
Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love Issues delivered straight to your door or device ...
- A Guide to 3D Printing for Healthcare, Today and Tomorrowon May 9, 2024 at 10:02 am
The technology is used by many health systems to create custom implants and models, but how will it be used in medicine as it advances?
- Researchers harness blurred light to 3D-print high-quality optical componentson May 9, 2024 at 7:00 am
Canadian researchers have developed a new 3D printing method called blurred tomography that can rapidly produce microlenses with commercial-level optical quality. The new method may make it easier and ...
- New Study Simulates 3D Printing with UAV Swarmson May 8, 2024 at 9:40 am
3D printing is the act of intelligently depositing or solidifying material in an additive sequence to gradually build up an object. This is done using a variety of processes, including dropping ...
via Bing News