Situated in Valencia, a revolutionary part of history lies dormant— the birthplace of the world’s first 3D printer and the first-ever 3D printing company, 3D Systems, co-founded by Charles Hull.
Back in October 1983, Hull summoned his wife, Anntionette, to visit the San Gabriel UVP Inc. engineering lab where they both worked. That momentous night, Hull achieved a groundbreaking feat— he successfully created the world’s first 3D printer.
“I opened the door to the engineering department and Charles said, ‘The world as we know it will never be the same. I printed my first part.’ That night, I fell to the floor crying — we both did,” recounted Anntionette.
During the 1980s, Hull, also known as Chuck in his professional life and Charles at home, worked tirelessly on filing patents. His first patent, the stereolithography apparatus in 1984, was filed through UVP, and subsequently led to the coining of the term “stereolithography.”
Stereolithography, as described on the 3D Systems website, “uses an ultraviolet laser to precisely cure photopolymer cross-sections, transforming them from liquid to solid. Parts are built directly from CAD data, layer-by-layer into prototypes, investment casting patterns, tools, and end-use parts.”
This incredible breakthrough paved the way for Hull to continue innovating and perfecting the 3D printing technology. In 1987, 3D Systems Corp. unveiled the first stereolithographic apparatus machine, revolutionizing the fabrication of complex parts in a fraction of the time it would normally take.
Hull’s exceptional contributions to technology and innovation were recognized in 2014 when he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and received the European Inventor Award. A pivotal moment in his journey occurred on October 24 when he was honoured with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation at the White House.
With his outstanding achievement, Hull and Anntionette are preparing to donate the first 3D machine to the Smithsonian Museum, cementing their legacy in history. Their story has inspired and impacted the younger generation, including local eighth grader Nathan Shyam, who has also ventured into 3D printing.
Hull’s remarkable journey began during his time at DuPont, developing equipment for chemists, before delving into UV curing at UVP, where his quest for efficiency and innovation led to the invention of the first 3D printer.
Despite the challenges encountered in developing materials and starting a business, Hull’s determination has left an indelible mark in various industries. Moreover, 3D printing has become an invaluable learning tool in schools, inspiring children’s creativity and innovative thinking.
Looking to the future, Hull firmly believes that 3D printing will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of innovators. The potential for 3D printing extends to diverse fields, from aerospace to healthcare, and Hull remains at the forefront of pioneering developments.
His next frontier? Innovating 3D printing technology for healthcare, with a focus on creating transplantable organs such as lungs and kidneys. Anntionette expressed immense pride in her husband’s dedication to leveraging his expertise for the betterment of accessible health resources.
Charles Hull’s extraordinary journey is a testament to the power of innovation and the profound impact it can have on society. As technology continues to evolve, his groundbreaking invention continues to shape the world we live in, inspiring generations to come.
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