Development of 3D Design
The concept of 3D design starts with wanting to visualize mathematical geometry in a 3D space. For instance, Da Vinci drew 3D models of several innovations, including a flying machine, convex lens grinding machine, and hydraulic machine. Many people have developed various computer programs to transform drawings into models and even real-life objects since the 1960s. As technology progresses, engineers are able to improve 3D modeling equipment; consequently, 3D modeling programs become more flexible and affordable to people. More and more artists and architects begin to create tangible objects with 3D programs later on. People could use perspective with vanishing points to express the space, textures, lighting, and materials. Products made can come from manufacturing housing and small precise electronics to organs and prosthetics. Some programs have rendering programs for drawing spline lines, lofted surfaces, geometric primitives, and basic mesh editing. Nowadays, people also create VR equipment and holographic imagery to advance our visualization.
Timeline
1960s
- The first 3D models were created by Ivan Sutherland, the creator of Sketchpad, in the 1960s. Back then, only those professionals in the field of computer engineering and automation who worked with mathematical models and data analysis were involved in 3D modeling.
1970s
- CAD system released
- Companies like MAGI advance the history of 3D modeling and discover newer and more efficient technologies to visualize 3D models
- Early 3D-Printing Concepts Emerge- Wyn Kelly Swainson files a patent for “using a laser to create covalent cross-linking at the surface of a liquid monomer where the object being manufactured rested on a tray that was gradually lowered into a vat one step at a time.”
1980s
- Software Expansion
- widespread use of CAD in not only aerospace and automotive industries but also in commercial engineering businesses.
- Introduction of SLA-1
- First commercially available additive manufacturing (AM) machine using Stereolithography
- Stereolithography = process that solidifies thin layers of UV light sensitive liquid polymer using lasers
- In Review of Scientific Instruments, Kodama describes three basic techniques he used to create plastic parts by solidifying thin, consecutive layers of photopolymer. In the paper, Kodama claims, “If the solidified layer is immersed into the liquid with the top at a depth equal to the thickness of the layer to be solidified, its top surface is covered with unsolidified liquid polymer,” essentially describing a key element of the stereolithography process. Kodama’s experiments with the three techniques were perhaps the first evidence of working additive manufacturing (AM) techniques in the world.
- Near the mid-1980s, Jim Blinn introduced blobby models and texture mapping concepts
1990s
- Modern Modeling
- CAD software was popularized and people start creating new models and sell them
- 3D modeling and printing starting to develop
- 3 Techniques for 3D printing introduced
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Extrusion of thermoplastic materials in filament layer by layer
- Solid Ground Curing (SGC)
- UV liquid polymer
- Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)
- Bonded and cut sheet material using digitally guided laser
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Scientists at the Wake Forrest Institute for Regenerative Medicine create the first 3D-printed lab-grown organ, a bladder. The bladder is made from a patient’s own cells, significantly reducing the risk for rejection if implanted. (Note: This organ was not implanted)
2000s
- The first 3D-printed working organ, a kidney, is created in China.
- The first usable prosthetic with all its parts, including knee, foot, and socket, is printed in one piece without any assembly required. This development leads to the creation of Bespoke Innovations, Inc. in 2010
- Thingiverse launches a website dedicated to sharing user-generated digital design files, providing primarily open-source hardware design licenses under the GNU General Public License (a Creative Commons License).
- MakerBot Industries is founded with an open-sourcing model, offering products that are created not with the intent to mass-produce, but rather for individuals. Printers are sold as do-it-yourself kits, requiring only minor soldering.
- Designed at the University of Southampton, the first 3D-printed aircraft is created in just seven days.
- The European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) group in England creates the first 3D-printed bicycle, the Airbike, out of nylon that is as strong as steel or aluminum, but only 65% of the weight.
- LayerWise builds the world’s first 3D-printed jaw implant for an 83-year-old patient in the Netherlands. The implant helps promote the growth of new bone tissue.
- Dr. Behrokh Khoshnevis at the University of Southern California creates an automated construction technology, Contour Crafting, that has the potential to build an entire housing unit in one day for a quarter of the costs of manual construction methods. This technology also reduces environmental impact by creating less waste and emission pollution.
- The “Liberator” pistol is created by Cody Wilson, a Texas law student. Wilson shares his blueprints for making the gun on the Internet, causing a controversy and leads to Wilson being dubbed one of the “15 Most Dangerous People in the World” by Wired Magazine.
- First 3D chocolate printer, the Choc Creator, is made commercially available. Gold is 3D printed for the first time by Cookson Precious Metals.