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When was 3D printing invented?

3D printing started in the 1980s with Chuck Hull’s invention of Stereolithography (SLA). Back then, it was expensive and meant only for industrial labs, not for everyday use.Everything changed in the early 2000s when original patents expired. This sparked a wave of innovation that led to the affordable desktop printers we use in South Africa today.The focus has now shifted from just wondering if we can print something to using the technology to solve real problems. From creating custom jigs for small businesses to manufacturing replacement parts locally, 3D printing has become an essential tool for turning digital designs into physical products.