Proof Point
3D printer cost drastically dropped from $300,000 in 1987 to $49 in 2016 as open source models became increasingly available
3D Printing Timeline
1987 – 2016
Proof Point Findings
- SLA-1 3D Printer – First commercial 3D printer introduced in 1987 by 3D Systems for $300,000
- Low-Cost Variants – Open-source innovation driving emergence of low-cost 3D printers, enable for increased commercial and consumer adoption, with lowest-priced available models starting at $49
- Other Key Drivers – Include intensifying competition, proliferation of consumer variants, increasing number of compatible materials or filaments, and growing number of potential applications
