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The First
Created by Charles Hull in 1980's. It used photosensitive plastics that hardened under a harsh UV light. -
Layered Design Construction
The first stereolithographic machines were made, this resembeled modern 3-D printers, since the material used was a viscous liquid that hardened under UV light and designs were made layer by layer. -
3-D Printing of an Human Cell System
Using a patient's own cells, scientists at Wake Forest Institute printed a working, complete, urinary bladder. This was the beginning of bioprinting, using 3-D printing to create human and animal cells and organs. -
A Viable Alternative
The first machine that can print with multiple materials, including different polymers, as well as a laser 3-D printer, were created. This made commercial 3-D printing viable and frankly, a cheap alternative. -
Prosthetics, That don't cost tens of thousands of dollars.
The first prosthetic created through 3-D printing was a functioning leg, and it was only a few hundred dollars. Whereas a traditional prosthetic costs thousands, 3-D printing began allowing for cheaper more reliable prosthetic treatments. -
Now
There are now have self-replicating, cheap and quick 3-D printers the size of a shoebox. The capability to print organs and blood is widespread and used. Multiple materials have also been used to print with.
