Chuck Hull will join the likes of Eli Whitney, Thomas Edison, the Wright brothers, Henry Ford and Steve Jobs as it is announced that the inventor of 3D printing and founder and CTO of 3D Systems will be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his globally impactful, transformative and pioneering work with 3D printing. Hull is being recognised by the NIHF and the United States Patent and Trademark Office for his ground-breaking invention of the original 3D printing technology — a Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA).
Hull also co-created the STL file format which readers with a home 3D printer and industrial insiders will equally be more than familiar with, as the standard in 3D printing software formats. In 1983, Hull 3D printed a small cup, acknowledged as the first-ever object created with additive technology. The success of Hull’s process served as a catalyst to his founding of 3D Systems in 1986.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) has been honouring the individuals who have conceived, patented and advanced great technological achievements dating back to the earliest history of the US, since 1973. To be inducted, candidates must hold a United States patent that has contributed significantly to the nation’s welfare and the advancement of science and useful arts. Hull continues to lead the 3D printing revolution as 3D Systems’ Chief Technology Officer and is celebrating 30 years of continuous 3D printing innovation and presiding over seven different 3D print technologies, more than 100 materials and 1,700 patents.
“Each year we have the distinct honor of recognising individuals whose contributions to society will resound throughout the ages,” said Michael Oister, Invent Now CEO. “3D printing is an astounding technology that is poised to change the way our world works and the way we interact with it. We are delighted to welcome Chuck Hull to our NIHF family.”
Chuck Hull said “I am deeply honored to become a part of the NIHF and be considered among the group of high caliber innovators who have transformed the world and improved the human condition in tangible and powerful ways. I always knew that 3D printing had the capacity to change the entire design-to-manufacture process, but could not have anticipated the full impact that my work would have on every facet of our lives. It is incredibly humbling and exhilarating to be a part of this transformation.”
Hull will be honored on May 21, 2014, at the United States Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria, Virginia.
