The foundations of 3D printing were laid in 1981 by Dr. Hideo Kodama. Kodama developed a system that could create layer-by-layer objects using photosensitive resins. However, this work was not commercialized. In 1984, Chuck Hull received the first 3D printing patent for SLA (Stereolithography) technology. SLA solidified liquid resin with UV light, creating three-dimensional structures layer by layer. This technology is considered the beginning of modern 3D printing.
• 1940-1970s: The first ideas for 3D printing appeared in science fiction. In 1945, Murray Leinster depicted a device similar to a 3D printer in his story. In 1971, Johannes F. Gottwald patented a device that works with metal powders, one of the pioneers of 3D printing.
• 1980s: 3D printing technology developed rapidly during these years. Chuck Hull developed the first commercial 3D printer with SLA technology. In 1989, Scott Crump invented a method called FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), which prints with thermoplastic materials. Also, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology was developed, which uses a laser to sinter powder materials to create threedimensional structures
• 1990s: The uses of 3D printing expanded. Technologies such as SLA and FDM developed further and Stratasys commercialized FDM printers. In 1999, the first 3D-printed human organ (bladder) was successfully transplanted.
• 2000s: 3D printing technology continued to develop rapidly. SLA and SLS machines became faster, more precise and more cost-effective. In addition, multimaterial printing technologies emerged. This innovation enabled more complex and functional parts to be produced by using different materials in a single printing process. Especially in the automotive and aerospace sectors, lightweight, durable and complex structures have started to be produced with 3D printing technology. In addition, customized prostheses and medical devices used in medicine were also developed with the contributions of 3D printing.
• 2010s: The 2010s saw the widespread adoption and commercialization of 3D printing. Thanks to affordable printers, 3D printing has become widespread among individuals and small businesses. Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology has made significant progress in the field of metal printing. The aerospace and automotive industries have started to adopt this technology in the production of complex metal parts. There have also been great strides in bioprinting technology. The production of skin, tissue and organs with 3D printing has revolutionized medicine. Multi-material printing technologies have also developed, enabling the production of more complex and functional products. These developments have
made 3D printing an important technology in many sectors such as health, automotive, aviation and education.
• 2020s: During this period, 3D printing technology matured further in industrial and commercial fields. Large-scale 3D printing began to be used in the construction and architecture sectors. Parts of buildings and structures could be produced with large-format 3Dprinters. Through integration with artificial intelligence, 3D printers have become more precise, efficient and customizable. In addition, the use of advanced materials such as carbon fiber and glass fiber became widespread, enabling the production of more durable and lightweight products. Sustainable production methods have started to be developed, and 3D printing has come to the forefront as an environmentally friendly technology