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In real terms, however, the origins of 3D printing can be traced back to 1986, when the first patent was issued for stereolithography apparatus (SLA). This patent belonged to one Charles (Chuck) Hull, who first invented his SLA machine in 1983.
When was 3D printing patented?
We all know that the success story of 3D printing officially began in 1984 when Charles W Hull applied for a patent for stereolithography. In 1989 S Scott Crump of Stratasys invented fused deposition modeling, which fuses material layer by layer until a 3D object is created.
Is the 3D printer patented?
Technologies and inventions that facilitate the 3D printing process are legally protected from the use of others by 3D printer patents. Within the past few years, controversy arose about the simultaneous expiration of many critical 3D printing patents.
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. Owing to three relevant pieces of IP, the company has had exclusive rights to use its own heated build chamber design in its FDM 3D printers since June of 2000.
Who invented 3D printer?
Chuck Hull.
Are printers patented?
Printing patents were independent of the private copyright system established by the Stationers’ Company, even though most printing patents were granted to members of the Company. The importance of printing privileges decreased over time, but they still existed after the Statute of Anne was enacted.
When did the FDM patent expire?
Patents filed on pre-existing industrial printing processes, especially those filed at the turn of the century, have already expired or are set to expire in the coming years. Take, for example, the case of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). The patent on FDM expired in 2009.
How was the 3D printer originally made?
The earliest record of 3D printing through the additive process was the Japanese inventor Hideo Kodama in 1981. He created a product that used ultraviolet lights to harden polymers and create solid objects. The object is printed layer by layer, rinsed with a solvent, and hardened with an ultraviolet light.
When did the SLA patent expire?
Expiring Date: December 20, 2016 Other patents set to expire this year include 3 patents from 3D Systems (all SLA methods) and 6 from Stratasys which involve FDM, support removal, and optimization. The technology behind all of these patents promises to be an incredible boon for the development of 3D printing.
How long is a patent?
A U.S. utility patent, explained above, is generally granted for 20 years from the date the patent application is filed; however, periodic fees are required to maintain the enforceability of the patent.
What did 3D Systems invent?
Hull’s company, 3D Systems Corporation, released the world’s first stereolithographic apparatus (SLA) machine, the SLA-1, in 1987. This machine made it possible to fabricate complex parts, layer by layer, in a fraction of the time it would normally take.
Where do I see my patents in Iprms?
All you have to do in this case is click the “Application Status” tab, which is near the top of the search page next to the “Patent search” and “Patent E-register” pages.
When did Charles Hull invent 3D printing?
Hull is actually the inventor of stereolithography, better known as 3D printing. Though we may think of 3D printing as a relatively recent invention, Hull came up with the idea in 1983 while he was using UV light to harden coatings on a tabletop, patenting the idea in 1986.
What was the first 3D printed object?
Sorry to ruin the surprise so early on (we were equally as amazed that it wasn’t something more impressive!) but the first ever 3D printed object was in fact an Eye Wash Cup. In March 1983, an American named Chuck Hull invented and patented the first 3D printer and subsequently, created a 3D printed eye washing cup.
Why does 3D printing exist?
3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. 3D printing enables you to produce complex shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods.
Who is using 3D printing?
Let’s dive into five of the top applications for 3D printing technologies. Education. Every day, more schools are incorporating 3D printing methods into their curriculums. Prototyping and Manufacturing. 3D printing was first developed as a means for faster prototyping. Medicine. Construction. Art and Jewelry.
What materials were originally used to make 3D printers?
The earliest printed patented material was a Hot melt type ink for printing patterns using a heated metal alloy. See 1970’s history above. Charles Hull filed the first patent on August 8, 1984, to use a UV-cured acrylic resin using a UV masked light source at UVP Corp to build a simple model.
What does a patent do?
A patent is the granting of a property right by a sovereign authority to an inventor. This grant provides the inventor exclusive rights to the patented process, design, or invention for a designated period in exchange for a comprehensive disclosure of the invention.
In which year SLS is patented?
Rapid Prototyping of Ceramics 7). FIGURE 7. CAD file of a craniofacial implant (3D Ceram, Limoges, France). Since being patented in 1989, the SLS technology has become one of the most used processes for prototyping and product development in all industries.
What is stereolithography 3D printing?
Stereolithography (SLA) is an industrial 3D printing process used to create concept models, cosmetic prototypes, and complex parts with intricate geometries in as fast as 1 day.
What did Hideo Kodama invent?
Japanese Doctor Hideo Kodama of Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute was among the first to invent a single-beam laser curing approach. He applied for a patent for his rapid prototyping system in Japan, in May 1980.
