3D Systems Celebrates 40 Years During Formnext 2026
Key Highlights
- ➤3D Systems marks its 40th anniversary at Formnext 2026
- ➤Additive manufacturing industry surpassed $16B at the end of 2025
- ➤Additive manufacturing projected to reach at least $65B by 2035
- ➤Formnext showcases new MultiJet and Direct Metal 3D printing developments
Expert Statements
Scott Dunham, Executive Vice President of Research at Additive Manufacturing Research
“The 3D printing industry has grown steadily to more than $16B at the end of 2025 after more than 40 years of existence in large part thanks to Chuck Hull and 3D Systems.”
Scott Dunham, Executive Vice President of Research at Additive Manufacturing Research
“Chuck's dedication to this industry, and in turn 3D Systems' ongoing development of many foundational technologies, is commendable.”
Scott Dunham, Executive Vice President of Research at Additive Manufacturing Research
“Our projections for additive manufacturing estimate an industry of at least $65B by 2035, which is incredible when put into the context of beginning from one man's idea for a rapid prototyping technology.”
Chuck Hull, Inventor of 3D printing, CTO and co-founder of 3D Systems
“This is a true celebration for 3D Systems, but also the 3D printing industry as a whole.”
Chuck Hull, Inventor of 3D printing, CTO and co-founder of 3D Systems
“Turning this small idea into a $16 billion industry has been the result of hard work and a drive to succeed by many in the industry. The drive of entrepreneurship and innovation by everyone is what has made this industry grow and we want to celebrate that.”
Scott Crump, Co-founder and Board Member of Stratasys
“We are excited to join Chuck Hull in this celebration of the 3D printing industry.”
Scott Crump, Co-founder and Board Member of Stratasys
“Watching it grow from a series of bright ideas into a vital additive manufacturing industry has been incredibly fulfilling. None of it would have been possible without the passion and drive of pioneers like Chuck Hull and the many others who have helped make the industry what it is today.”
David K. Leigh, Fellow student and colleague of Carl R. Deckard
“Carl came up with a wild idea of making parts as he watched Star Trek one night and thought about the special effects of using sand as a backdrop when ‘beaming down’ to the planet. We worked on the idea and brought it to Joe who helped him make it work. It took quite a bit of dedication from both of them to get SLS out of the lab and into the market.”
David K. Leigh, Fellow student and colleague of Carl R. Deckard
“DTM Corporation licensed the technology from UT Austin and developed it for commercial use. Carl died in 2019 at just 58. We lost him too soon, but the work he and Joe did together continues to make a difference today.”
Joe Allison, CEO of Gentle Giant Studios
“Chuck Hull not only invented a technology but he founded an industry that has profoundly changed the way things are manufactured.”
Joe Allison, CEO of Gentle Giant Studios
“3D printing has repeatedly proven itself as the way forward for highly complex parts where the limitations of traditional manufacturing have been a barrier. We will see the industry continue to grow and develop in ways that no one can predict.”
Dr. Jeff Graves, President & CEO of 3D Systems
“3D printing continues to strengthen because of the inventiveness of people in applying it, perfecting the materials and processes.”
Dr. Jeff Graves, President & CEO of 3D Systems
“We have entered an era where 3D printing is now enabling unheard-of performance in space, automotive, dental and medical fields. With 3D printing, the sky is not the limit.”
* The inventor of 3D printing to highlight the history and the future of 3D printing at key industry trade show * Recognition for the early innovators across the industry who helped build the additive industry * Visit booth D11 in Hall 11 at Formnext to see new developments in MultiJet 3D printing, Direct Metal 3D printing and more. ROCK HILL, S.C., Nov. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) today announced plans to celebrate, at Formnext 2026, the 40(th) anniversary of the founding of 3D Systems and 43 years of the invention of SLA 3D printing by co-founder Chuck Hull. With guest appearances by Chuck Hull and opportunities to see and touch the original 3D-printed part, attendees can understand the origins of additive manufacturing, combined with 3D Systems’ vision of the future of manufacturing.
“The 3D printing industry has grown steadily to more than $16B at the end of 2025 after more than 40 years of existence in large part thanks to Chuck Hull and 3D Systems,” said Scott Dunham, Executive Vice President of Research at Additive Manufacturing Research. “Chuck's dedication to this industry, and in turn 3D Systems' ongoing development of many foundational technologies, is commendable. Our projections for additive manufacturing estimate an industry of at least $65B by 2035, which is incredible when put into the context of beginning from one man's idea for a rapid prototyping technology.”
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