The concept of 3D printing was first introduced in 1945, proposing a faster and more efficient method of manufacturing.

3D printing was first implemented in practice, although in a primitive form, in 1971, marking the beginning of its journey towards becoming a groundbreaking technology.

In 1980, Dr. Hideo Kodama introduced two methods utilizing thermoset polymer, a special plastic that hardens under light, for 3D printing. Despite publishing his research and obtaining a patent in November 1981, the lack of interest in his innovative approach led to the project's stagnation.

In 1981, Dr. Kodama conducted the first 3D printing experiments, developing a rapid prototyping technique based on a layer by layer approach for manufacturing.

In 1982, electronics and defense manufacturer Raytheon filed a patent to utilize powdered metal for adding layers to an object.

Entrepreneur Bill Masters filed a patent in 1984 for a process called Computer Automated Manufacturing Process and System, which introduced the term 3D printing for the first time.

In 1986, Charles Hull patented Stereolithography (SLA) and founded the 3D Systems Corporation, releasing the SLA-1 as their first commercial product.

In 1987, Hull's company, 3D Systems Corporation, introduced the world's first stereolithographic apparatus (SLA) machine, the SLA-1. This machine revolutionized manufacturing by enabling the fabrication of complex parts layer by layer in a much shorter time.

In 1988, Carl Deckard patented the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology at the University of Texas, where powder grains are fused together locally by a laser.

In 1989, Scott Crump patented Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), also known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). This technology involves extruding filament from a heated nozzle, distinguishing it from other 3D printing methods like SLS and SLA.

EOS GmbH founded and created the first EOS “Stereos” system for industrial prototyping and production applications of 3D printing, leading to the recognition of SLS technology worldwide.

Stratasys received the Fused Deposition Modeling patent, enabling the development of 3D printers for professionals and individuals.

Sanders Prototype, now known as Solidscape, was founded as one of the pioneering actors in developing specific tools for additive manufacturing.

Z Corporation obtained an exclusive license from MIT for their inkjet printing technology, leading to the creation of the Z402 model using powder materials and liquid binder.

In the year 2000, the first 3D printed kidney was created, marking a significant milestone in medical technology. It took 13 more years for the first 3D printed kidney to be successfully transplanted into a patient.

The year 2004 saw the beginning of the RepRap Project, which introduced a self-replicating 3D printer. This project paved the way for the proliferation of FDM 3D desktop printers and popularized the technology in the maker community.

In 2005, Dr. Adrian Bowyer initiated the RepRap Project, aiming to develop an open-source 3D printer capable of self-replication. This project revolutionized the 3D printing industry by making the technology more accessible to the general public.

In 2006, the first commercially available Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printer was introduced, revolutionizing on-demand manufacturing of industrial parts.

By 2008, Dr. Adrian Bowyer in England successfully created a low-cost 3D printer named 'Darwin' that could print over 18% of its own components. This innovation made 3D printing more affordable and accessible.

In 2009, the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) patents, which were filed in the 1980s, entered the public domain. This event marked a turning point in the history of 3D printing, making the technology more accessible and leading to a decrease in printer prices.

In 2010, Urbee became the first 3D printed car with its body entirely manufactured using 3D printing technology. This marked a significant milestone in the automotive industry's adoption of additive manufacturing.

In 2011, Cornell University began constructing a 3D food printer, marking a significant advancement in the application of 3D printing technology in the food industry.

The year 2012 witnessed a milestone in the medical field as the first prosthetic jaw was successfully 3D printed and implanted, showcasing the potential of 3D printing in healthcare.

In 2013, President Barack Obama highlighted the significance of 3D printing in his State of the Union speech, bringing widespread attention to the technology and making it a popular topic of discussion.

Charles Hull received the European Inventor Award in the Non-European countries category from the European Patent Office in 2014, recognizing his contributions to the field of 3D printing.

Carbon 3D made a significant breakthrough in 2015 by launching their revolutionary ultra-fast CLIP 3D printing machine, setting new standards for speed and accuracy in 3D printing.

In 2016, Daniel Kelly's lab made a remarkable achievement by successfully 3D printing bone, showcasing the potential of 3D printing in the medical field for creating custom implants.

A new additive manufacturing processing route was introduced for ultra-high performance concrete, allowing for the production of large-scale complex geometries without the use of temporary supports. This innovative 3D printing technology enables the creation of some of the largest 3D printed concrete parts available at that time.

The year 2018 marked a significant milestone as the first family moved into a 3D printed house, demonstrating the feasibility and practicality of 3D printed construction in the housing sector.

In 2019, the construction of the world's largest functional 3D printed building was finalized. This milestone showcased the advancement of 3D printing technology in the construction industry.

On January 30, 2020, Carlos M. González published an infographic detailing the history of 3D printing, focusing on its advancements and impact in advanced manufacturing.

A Lux Research report in 2021 predicted that the 3D printing industry would be valued at $51 billion by 2030. This forecast indicates significant growth and potential for the 3D printing market in the coming years.

Recent advancements in 3D printing technology have allowed for the creation of more organic structures and the reduction of excess components in manifolds, leading to minimized pressure drops. This development opens up new possibilities for efficient and innovative designs.

Announcement of the Epsilon Flexible Printing Surface designed to make print job removal easier and more efficient.

Research focusing on how various 3D printing parameters affect the mechanical properties of Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) samples.

A new 3D printing method has been developed that reduces material development time by 50%. This innovation is set to revolutionize the additive manufacturing industry.

With expired patents, the accessibility of 3D printing technology has increased, allowing individuals to easily purchase home 3D printers and start printing objects within minutes.

The market for additive manufacturing products and services is anticipated to nearly triple between 2020 and 2026, indicating significant expansion and adoption of 3D printing technologies.

A report forecasts that the 3D printing market is expected to quadruple and surpass $50 billion by 2030. This projection indicates the rapid expansion and adoption of additive manufacturing technologies.