The invention of stereolithography, an early 3D-printing process, dates to 1983. That is not the same milestone as filing its patent in 1984, founding 3D Systems in 1986, or developing and commercializing its first printer, the SLA-1, in 1987. Charles “Chuck” Hull is credited with stereolithography, though Hideo Kodama’s earlier work means Hull should not be described as the first person ever to propose additive fabrication.
What happened in each year?
The often-repeated claim that the 3D printer was invented in the 1980s is broadly right, but it compresses several distinct events. ASME’s history and 3D Systems’ company timeline distinguish the process, patent, company, and machine milestones.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Year | Milestone | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Hull invents stereolithography | ASME dates the invention to this year; 3D Systems also places Hull’s creation of a first 3D-printed part in 1983. ASME; 3D Systems. |
| 1984 | Hull files the SLA patent | This is the patent-filing year, not the invention date, according to ASME and 3D Systems. ASME; 3D Systems. |
| 1986 | 3D Systems is founded | The company timeline says Hull co-founded the company in this year. 3D Systems. |
| 1987 | The SLA-1 is developed and commercialized | ASME says the machine was developed in 1987; 3D Systems says it commercialized the SLA-1 in 1987. ASME; 3D Systems. |
How did Hull’s 3D printer work?
Hull’s method, stereolithography (often abbreviated SLA), builds an object by curing liquid photopolymer resin in successive layers with ultraviolet laser light. The resin hardens where the laser acts, gradually forming the part. This is different from simply printing ink onto a surface: the process creates a three-dimensional object by adding material layer by layer. ASME.
Why was the SLA-1 developed?
The early machine addressed rapid prototyping. ASME describes the SLA-1 as intended to reduce the time spent on manual prototyping and design verification. Engineers could produce physical models to assess a design rather than relying only on drawings or manual fabrication. ASME.
#1 Best Overall
- Up to 16 Colors: Bring your designs to life with vibrant multi-color/multi-material printing capabilities, perfect for showcasing your creativity. Note: Connecting Bambu Lab AMS is required.
- 500mm/s and 20000 mm/s² Acceleration True High Speed: Don't wait around for your masterpieces. Lightning-fast printing speed lets you focus on creating, not waiting.
- Enclosed Design: Fully enclosed body improves print performance for advanced filaments. Automatic Bed Leveling: Say hello to high-quality, successful prints. Auto bed leveling makes 3D printing such an easy thing.
- Set Up in 15 Minutes: Spend more time printing and less time setting up. User-friendly design ensures a hassle-free assembly experience for all skill levels.
- Supported Filament: Ideal: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET ABS, ASA; Capable : PA, PC; Not Recommended: Carbon/Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer.
Was Chuck Hull the first person to invent 3D printing?
Hull is credited with stereolithography, but that is narrower than saying he was the first person ever to propose additive fabrication. A Royal Society of Chemistry chapter notes that Hideo Kodama’s work preceded Hull’s by a few years. That acknowledgment places Hull’s contribution in a broader history; it does not, on its own, settle every priority claim or provide a complete chronology of Kodama’s work. Royal Society of Chemistry.
What does “the first 3D printer” mean?
The phrase can refer to different milestones: the invention of a process, the filing of a patent, the formation of a company, or the development and commercialization of a machine. For Hull’s stereolithography story, those milestones fall in 1983, 1984, 1986, and 1987 respectively. Calling 1987 the invention date confuses the SLA-1’s commercial arrival with the earlier invention of the process.
Rank #2
- One-Click Automatic Printing: Experience hassle-free 3D printing with the Adventurer 5M Series. Enjoy automatic bed leveling for flawless first layers, ensuring consistent adhesion and saving time with no manual adjustments required.
- 12X Ultra Fast Printing: Featuring a CoreXY structure with 600mm/s travel speed and 20000mm/s² acceleration, the AD5M maximizes efficiency, reduces production cycles, and ensures high precision, making it ideal for rapid prototyping and mass production.
- Smart and Efficient Design: Quick 3-second nozzle changes, a high-flow 32mm³/s nozzle, and fast 35-second warm-up to 200°C deliver stable high-speed printing. Its dual-sided PEI platform and versatile options provide easy removal and adaptability for various creative projects.
- Superior Print Quality & Adaptability: Combines a 280°C direct drive extruder with dual-fan cooling and vibration compensation. Includes a standard 0.4mm nozzle and accepts optional sizes from 0.25mm to 0.8mm to fit various printing needs.
- Real-Time App Monitoring: Monitor print progress, adjust settings, and receive instant status alerts remotely with the Flash Studio. Smart mobile control ensures a seamless, effortless printing experience anytime, anywhere.
Stereolithography is only one additive-manufacturing approach. Other methods use different materials and mechanisms, such as depositing thermoplastic through a nozzle or fusing powder with a laser. The dates established here concern Hull’s stereolithography and the SLA-1, not a complete timeline for every 3D-printing method.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 600mm/s Speed & CoreXY Structure — Powered by an all-metal CoreXY frame and 20,000mm/s² acceleration, Adventurer 5M Pro reaches speeds up to 600mm/s. Integrated vibration compensation algorithms eliminate ghosting and ringing for smooth, high-precision surface finishes.
- 3-Second Quick-Swap Nozzle & Auto Leveling — Features a tool-free, quick-release nozzle mechanism for effortless 3-second replacements across multiple sizes (0.25/0.4/0.6/0.8mm). One-click full auto-leveling ensures precise bed calibration and a perfect first layer every time.
- Dual Filtration System & Quiet Enclosure — Built with an integrated dual filtration system and a fully enclosed chamber to ensure a clean printing environment and thermal stability. Powered by low-noise motion control, it operates quietly under 50dB for seamless home, office, or classroom use.
- 280°C High-Temp Extruder & Broad Material Compatibility — With a 280°C max nozzle temperature and a 110°C heated bed, it reliably prints engineering materials like ABS, ASA, and PETG-CF, as well as standard PLA and PETG.
- Smart Camera & Mobile Control — Features a built-in camera for real-time monitoring and time-lapse video creation. Monitor progress, adjust settings, and receive instant status alerts via Flash Studio. Integrated with filament detection, power loss recovery, and a 4.3-inch touchscreen for effortless operation.
Rank #4
- High-Speed Precision: The Bambu Lab P2S 3D printer prints up to 600 mm/s while maintaining exceptional accuracy. With the PMSM Servo Extruder and Active Flowrate Compensation, every layer of your printed object stays sharp and smooth, delivering flawless corners and consistent results.
- Ready to Print in 15 Minutes: Set up your P2S FDM 3D printer and start printing in just 15 minutes. With AI failure detection, quick-swap nozzles, and automatic calibration, this 3D printer makes professional-grade 3D printing effortless, even for beginners.
- Effortless Multi-Color Printing: The AMS 2 Pro enables seamless multi-color/multi-material 3D printing. It features built-in filament drying at up to 65 °C, keeping every spool ready for flawless prints. (Note: The P2S 3D printer does not support multi-color printing; Combo version required.)
- Smart Airflow for Any Filament: The Adaptive Airflow System automatically balances cooling and heat retention—keeping overhangs crisp with cool air, or maintaining a 50 °C chamber for engineering-grade materials. A carbon filter ensures clean, safe air while you print.
- Limitless Creativity, Seamless Workflow: Explore over one million 3D models on MakerWorld and bring them to life with a smooth, unified workflow using Bambu Studio, Bambu Handy, and your FDM 3D printer, from design to finished print.
Rank #3
- Up to 16 Colors: Bring your designs to life with vibrant multi-color/multi-material printing capabilities, perfect for showcasing your creativity. Note: Connecting Bambu Lab AMS is required.
- 500mm/s and 20000 mm/s² Acceleration True High Speed: Don't wait around for your masterpieces. Lightning-fast printing speed lets you focus on creating, not waiting.
- Enclosed Design: Fully enclosed body improves print performance for advanced filaments. Automatic Bed Leveling: Say hello to high-quality, successful prints. Auto bed leveling makes 3D printing such an easy thing.
- Set Up in 15 Minutes: Spend more time printing and less time setting up. User-friendly design ensures a hassle-free assembly experience for all skill levels.
- Supported Filament: Ideal: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET ABS, ASA; Capable : PA, PC; Not Recommended: Carbon/Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
