(new logo in development)
This is a link to a wonderfull timeline explaning the history of 3d printing up untill 2010. This graph explans the history probably better than I ever could so I give full credit to the creator. Check it out!
Since 2010 3d printer companies have popped up everywhere trying to cash in on the growing trend. Flooding crowdfunding sites like fundablel.com with new cocepts like a bigger build size, or more printer heads for more colors, or eaiser interface for better usability.
In 2013 the patent to print in metal expires opening many new oportunites for the 3d printing market. Soon you will see metal 3d printers avialable for everyone and we want first dibs.
History of 3d Printing:
How 3d printing works:
Essencially an artist creates a product in the computer. It's kind of like working with clay except your controling the clay with a mouse instead of your hands.
Then the artist makes sure the creation is water tight, meaning there isn't any holes or breaks in the object that would confuse the printer.
When the digital creation is sent to the printer it gets printed in layers, like one of those 3d puzzels you may have put together when you were a kid, picture to the right. Except the 3d printers layers are much much smaller.
To the left is a screen shot from the graph I linked to above. Materials range from ABS to PLA (plastics), to sand stone, to (soon to come) metal.
All though 3d printers are still expensive for the average consumer we aim to get into the market and be established when the market really heats up.