First Commercially Successful Stereolithography Machine, Model SLA-1, 1987
THF700723
First Commercially Successful Stereolithography Machine, Model SLA-1, 1987
First Commercially Successful Stereolithography Machine, Model SLA-1, 1987
THF700724
First Commercially Successful Stereolithography Machine, Model SLA-1, 1987
First Commercially Successful Stereolithography Machine, Model SLA-1, 1987
THF700725
First Commercially Successful Stereolithography Machine, Model SLA-1, 1987
First Commercially Successful Stereolithography Machine, Model SLA-1, 1987 - Thumbnail
First Commercially Successful Stereolithography Machine, Model SLA-1, 1987 - Thumbnail
First Commercially Successful Stereolithography Machine, Model SLA-1, 1987 - Thumbnail

First Commercially Successful Stereolithography Machine, Model SLA-1, 1987

Summary

In 1986, Chuck Hull received a patent for stereolithography--an early form of 3D printing. His innovation combines optical scanning and laser technologies to print precise physical parts, using liquid polymers. This additive manufacturing process accelerates production design, creating prototype parts and concept models with a quick turnaround time. This is the first machine shipped by Hull's company, 3D Systems.

In 1986, Chuck Hull received a patent for stereolithography--an early form of 3D printing. His innovation combines optical scanning and laser technologies to print precise physical parts, using liquid polymers. This additive manufacturing process accelerates production design, creating prototype parts and concept models with a quick turnaround time. This is the first machine shipped by Hull's company, 3D Systems.

Artifact

Stereolithography machine

Date Made

1987

Creators

3D Systems, Inc. 

Place of Creation

United States, California, Valencia 

Keywords

Stereolithography machines 

3-D Printers 

Rapid prototyping 

Stereolithography 

Firsts 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

92.218.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of 3D Systems, Inc.

Material

Metal

Inscriptions

SLA-1

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