Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
The shift from prototyping to manufacturing
What we today call 3D printing started out as Rapid Prototyping. When Charles Hull created
his first stereolithography machine in the 80s it was with the purpose of finding an easi-
er way of making plastic prototypes and industrial models. For a long time after these first
steps, 3D printers were only used for making prototypes. Experimenting with using “Rap-
id Prototyping” for production started in the 90s but full commercial realization on a larger
scale did not start before the 00s. One of the first companies to utilize the potential of 3D
printing for manufacturing was California-based Align Technology, a producer of transpar-
ent braces branded “Invisalign”. This dental invention was launched in 1999 and was and is
produced by stereolithography. Boeing-owned (at that time) Rocketdyne used DTM's Sin-
terstation (SLS) to produce glass filled nylon parts for the International Space Station and
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the Space Shuttle in the 90s.
Siemens and Phonak collaborated in producing the first 3D printed hearing aids using the
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process in the beginning of the 00s. Another hearing aid
giant Danish Widex also used SLS in the beginning, but switched to 3D systems Viper Ste-
reolithography machinery in 2003, which has been the reigning technology in the hearing
aid business ever after.
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From there on direct manufacturing by 3D printing has spread to many areas:
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Automotive and motor
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Medical implants and other medical products
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Airplane parts
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Jewelry
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Production tools like molds, jigs, fixtures etc.
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Industry applications and products
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Customized toys and avatars/figurines
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Adult products
These are all examples of the first signs of a shift from prototyping to manufacturing in 3D
printing. It started in areas where the prevalence of 3D printing manufacturing is strong, like
dental, hearing aids and aerospace. This shift is still going on and will probably continue for
