Research Article

Additive Manufacturing Technologies: An Overview about 3D Printing Methods and Future Prospects

Table 1

Key inventions in additive manufacturing (ordered by publication of patent).

TechnologyInventorsPatentDevelopment centreRequest for patentPublication of patentPrinciple of operation

Stereolithography 
SL
Charles W. HullMethod and apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography3D Systems08.08.198412.02.1986Photopolymerization of a photosensitive resin using UV light

Selective Sintering 
SS
Carl R. DeckardMethod and apparatus for producing parts by selective sinteringUniversity of Texas17.10.198621.04.1988Selective sintering of powder (fusion – solidification using laser)

Material Deposition 
MD
Scott S. CrumpApparatus and method for creating three-dimensional objectsStratasys, Inc.30.10.198901.05.1991Deposition of material, using a nozzle, in plastic state (heated by electrical resistance)

Jet Prototyping (injection) 
JP
Emanuel M. Sachs; 
John S. Haggerty; 
Michael J. Cima; 
Paul A. Williams
Three-dimensional printing techniquesMassachusetts Inst. Technology08.12.198909.06.1991Injection of binding agent and coloured ink on a bed of powdered material

Laminated Manufacturing (cutting) 
LM
Feygin, Michael; 
Pak, Sung Sik
Forming integral objects from laminations - Apparatus for forming an integral object from laminationsHelisys, Inc.05.10.198818.04.1996Cutting and gluing of laminations with the geometry determined for each layer

Source: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), https://patentscope.wipo.int.