A man known as “the father of 3D printing” has been honoured for his work at The Economist’s Innovation Awards 2013 in the Consumer Products category.
Hull, who invented and patented the additive manufacturing technique of stereolithography in 1983 and founded 3D Systems three years later, is recognised as a pioneer of the technology.
“3D printing is a hugely exciting technology that is starting to transform the way things are designed, manufactured and sold,” said Tom Standage, The Economist’s digital editor.
Hull jointly received the award with Bre Pettis, co-founder and CEO of MakerBot, which was acquired by Stratasys in June.
“We are delighted to recognise the role these two pioneers have played in this fast-moving field, and making it increasingly accessible to a wide range of users,” said Standage.
In a statement from 3D Systems, Hull said, “I always knew that 3D printing had the capacity to significantly change the entire design-to-manufacturing process, but greatly underestimated the full impact that my work would have on every facet of our lives.
“It is both exhilarating and humbling to be part of the movement to localize manufacturing and democratize consumer access, through the power of 3D printing.”
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