Who has the patent for 3D printer?
For over two decades, 3D printer manufacturer Stratasys has held the patent rights for a relatively simple piece of technology in the 3D printing community.
Can you patent a 3D model?
3D objects can be patented. The process to patent a 3D object is identical to the patenting process of any other object or idea. Once the process to submit a patent is started – filling out an application, paying the fee, and waiting for the approval/denial – the product is protected for 20 years.
Is 3D printing patented?
In addition, not only can 3D printing technologies be patented but also anything made with a 3D printer that was not made before (and most things have never been made before with a 3D printer).
When was 3D printing patent?
1984
3D Systems Corporation’s SLA-1 The 3D printing method of stereolithography, today available in off-the-shelf machines, was first patented in 1984, when it was summarily dismissed. Hull’s company, 3D Systems Corporation, released the world’s first stereolithographic apparatus (SLA) machine, the SLA-1, in 1987.
Who invented 3D printing?
Chuck Hull
3D printing/Inventors
Charles Hull is the inventor of stereolithography, the first commercial rapid prototyping technology commonly known as 3D printing. The earliest applications were in research and development labs and tool rooms, but today 3D printing applications are seemingly endless.
Why was 3D printing invented?
The idea came to Crump in 1988 while he was trying to make a toy frog for his daughter by dispensing candle wax through a glue gun. In 1989, Crump patented the technology and with his wife co-founded Stratasys Ltd. to make and sell 3D printing machines for rapid prototyping or commercial manufacturing.
Why was 3D printing created?
That prestigious honor goes to engineer Chuck Hull, who designed and created the first 3D printer in 1984. He had been working for a company that used UV lamps to fashion tough, durable coatings for tables when he hit on the idea to take advantage of ultraviolet technology to make small prototypes.
What was the first 3D printed object?
Chuck Hull of 3D Systems invented the first-ever 3D printer in the early 1980s. The first thing he printed? A tiny cup that could serve as an eye wash, according to a CNN interview.
Is 3D printing really printing?
3D printing is an ‘additive’ manufacturing process which builds up an object in layers. A 3D printed part in use in the automotive industry. Falling costs and the development of more compact ‘desktop’ 3D printers have also made the technology increasingly accessible over time.