Co-Inventor of the first 3D printing technology passes away
The Atomic Layers: S6E15 (00162)
Atomic Layer of the Day:
Yesterday, the Université de Technologie de Belfort-Montbéliard (UTBM)—a French technical university—announced the passing of Jean-Claude André, a pioneer in 3D printing technology and co-creator of the first additive manufacturing method in history, known for over 40 years as Stereolithography (SLA).
Note: At the time of its development, André was not a colleague of Charles Hull. If they ever met, it would have been many years after the invention.
Sounds complicated? Let me explain, as this is indeed a tangled tale, one that challenges the widely accepted version of events.
Let’s start with a quick refresher on the prevailing narrative:
In 1984, Charles Hull developed a process for creating three-dimensional objects from UV-curable resins, hardened by a laser beam.
He named the method Stereolithography (SLA) and filed for a patent on August 8, 1984.
The patent was granted on March 11, 1986. Shortly afterward, Hull founded 3D Systems, which began manufacturing and selling the first 3D printers—then referred to as stereolithography apparatus—under the commercial name SLA-1.
Over time, Hull came to be regarded as the creator of additive manufacturing technology in general, and August 8, 1984, is widely celebrated as the date of the invention of 3D printing.
But here’s the twist: Hull was neither the first to conceive stereolithography nor the first to patent it. How, you ask? Here’s how…
Historically, research into additive techniques dates back to the late 1960s. However, the groundbreaking work was done by Japanese researcher Hideo Kodama, who laid the theoretical foundation for stereolithography between 1980 and 1981.
Unfortunately, Kodama was unable to patent his invention, as he could not produce a physical machine capable of building three-dimensional objects—a requirement for patent approval in Japan.
Soon after, similar work was being done in France. The first significant contributor was Alan Herbert of 3M Graphic Technologies Sector Laboratory, who, in August 1982, published a paper titled “Solid Object Generation,” describing a system in which a laser beam hardened a light-sensitive resin using a mirror. Unfortunately, Herbert’s employer showed little interest in his work. Despite Herbert allegedly producing physical 3D objects, the project was terminated.
But three other French researchers—Alain Le Méhauté, Olivier de Witte, and the recently deceased Jean-Claude André—made much greater progress. They not only developed the method but also filed for a patent.
All three were employed in the R&D department of the French Cilas Alcatel Industrial Laser Company. Consider this:
They filed their patent on July 16, 1984, three weeks before Charles Hull.
Their patent was granted in January 1986, two months before Hull's.
So, what happened? Why is Hull recognized as the father of 3D printing? Because, like Herbert’s case, the parent company of Le Méhauté, de Witte, and André decided to abandon the idea, deeming it commercially unviable. Their work, although officially patented, was simply ignored and forgotten for years—until 3D Systems and Hull brought stereolithography to worldwide attention.
By then, it was too late. Hull became the face of 3D printing, while Le Méhauté, de Witte, and André remained overshadowed by their American counterpart.
Jean-Claude André was associated throughout his career with France’s leading scientific institutions. He served as Director of Research at the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) and as a scientific advisor to the organization, playing a pivotal role in promoting interdisciplinary research. He was also a member of the Académie Lorraine des Sciences and collaborated with numerous universities, including UTBM, where he supported research and young scientists.
A distinguished French scientist and inventor, André leaves behind a remarkable legacy, including over 400 patents, 45 of which he filed independently.
The passing of Jean-Claude André is a tremendous loss for the French scientific community. Yet, his name deserves to be remembered within the additive manufacturing industry as one of its true pioneers.
Read more of this story in my article on 3DPrint.com.
Atomic Layer from the Past:
01-15-2021: Desktop Metal announced the acquisition of EnvisionTEC in a $300 million deal.
News & Gossip:
EOS has reached a major milestone, selling its 5,000th 3D printer since its founding in 1989. The milestone printer, an EOS M400-4, was installed at Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing in North Carolina, where the company now operates 36 EOS systems, serving industries like automotive and aerospace.
And now, it's time for a handful of news from two Polish AM companies listed on the stock exchange:
Sygnis SA, the owner of the Zmorph brand, has been in a deep financial crisis for over a year. Olga Czerwińska just resigned as Vice President of the Management Board, citing increased responsibilities as CEO of SYGLASS, a Sygnis subsidiary. She remains with Sygnis as Scientific Director, continuing her operational duties. Currently, of the once four-member management board, only the company's founder, Andrzej Burgs, remains.
Mariusz Babula, CEO of Zortrax, sold a significant number of the company's shares, dropping below the 5% threshold. Shareholders responded to the news with enthusiasm, as the stock price jumped by +9.26% today. However, it still remains at a very low level of 0.1038 PLN (approximately 0.0228 EUR).
Great stuff!