Innovators of 2018: Shaping the Future of 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

The landscape of 3D printing and additive manufacturing has undergone a phenomenal transformation in recent years, driven largely by the relentless dedication of visionary individuals and the strategic investments of leading companies. These pioneers have not only pushed the boundaries of what’s possible but have also laid the groundwork for future innovations that continue to redefine industries worldwide. Reflecting on 2018, it becomes clear that this year was pivotal, marked by significant technological advancements and the emergence of personalities who left an indelible mark on the sector.

This article highlights the key figures in additive manufacturing who spearheaded groundbreaking innovations and contributed to the exponential growth seen throughout 2018. From pioneering new materials and applications to fostering community and challenging established norms, these individuals were at the forefront of the revolution. While some names may be familiar from our previous selections, their continued impact and new ventures cemented their status as true leaders in the industry. Join us as we explore the accomplishments and contributions of these influential personalities who were instrumental in shaping the trajectory of 3D printing during this remarkable year.

Avi Reichental – Driving Innovation at Nano Dimension, Nexa3D, Techniplas, and More

Avi Reichental stands as one of the most recognized and influential figures in the additive manufacturing space, a veteran whose journey began alongside the early development of 3D technologies. After dedicating over a decade as the head of 3D Systems, a true giant in the industry, Reichental embarked on a new, independent path in 2015. By 2018, three years after his departure, he had firmly established himself at the helm of multiple international projects, each contributing significantly to the progression of 3D printing.

Among his many ventures, two companies particularly shone in 2018. Nexa3D, where he plays a pivotal role, introduced its innovative 3D printer specifically designed for the rapid development of spare parts. This focus on speed and efficiency addressed a critical need within industrial manufacturing, promising to reduce downtime and accelerate production cycles. Concurrently, Avi Reichental also served as CEO of Techniplas, a prominent professional 3D printing services company based in the United States, providing cutting-edge solutions across various sectors. Furthermore, he continued his influential collaboration with Nano Dimension, a pioneering firm specializing in micro-scale additive manufacturing, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with printed electronics. His diverse portfolio of leadership roles and strategic investments underscores his unwavering commitment to advancing additive manufacturing, cementing his status as a personality destined to continue shaping the industry’s future for years to come.

Volker Hammes – Spearheading BASF 3D Printing Solutions

For the German chemical behemoth BASF, 2018 marked a decisive turning point as the company made a monumental commitment to additive manufacturing. As one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of chemical products, BASF’s strategic entry into the 3D printing sector signaled a new era for materials development within the industry. A key architect behind this ambitious thrust was Volker Hammes, the Managing Director of BASF 3D Printing Solutions.

Under Hammes’s leadership, BASF undertook a series of significant strategic maneuvers designed to establish itself as a major player in the additive manufacturing ecosystem. These included the astute acquisitions of specialized companies such as Advanced Materials and Setup Performance, bringing critical expertise and intellectual property into BASF’s fold. Beyond acquisitions, the chemical giant poured substantial capital into leading names within the 3D printing space, making millionaire-figure investments in companies like Materialise, known for its software and services; BigRep, a prominent large-format printer manufacturer; Prismlab, focusing on high-speed industrial solutions; and Origin (now part of Stratasys), recognized for its advanced photopolymerization technology. This aggressive investment strategy positioned BASF to become a leading global supplier of high-performance materials for additive manufacturing, a critical component for the industry’s continued advancement. Volker Hammes’s vision and execution during 2018 were instrumental in launching what is widely anticipated to become one of the most influential materials manufacturers worldwide, underscoring the vital link between material science and the future of 3D printing.

Nina Hoff – CEO of ByFlow, Innovating 3D Food Printing

The summer of 2018 marked an exciting culinary milestone with the grand opening of the Netherlands’ first restaurant to feature 3D printed food. Behind this groundbreaking development was ByFlow, a company at the forefront of gastronomic additive manufacturing, renowned for creating the Focus 3D food printer. At the helm of this innovative enterprise, as both CEO and Founder, is Nina Hoff. Her pioneering work has not only introduced a novel approach to food preparation but also garnered significant attention for the artistic and functional possibilities of 3D food printing.

Nina Hoff was deservedly recognized as one of our outstanding women in 3D printing during 2018, a testament to her vision and leadership. Her efforts with ByFlow have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable in the culinary world through additive manufacturing, demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to create unique dining experiences and explore new forms of food artistry. By making 3D food printing accessible and viable for commercial applications, Nina Hoff has positioned herself as a primary driver of innovation in this niche yet rapidly expanding area of additive manufacturing, fundamentally changing perceptions of how food can be designed and consumed.

Josef Prusa – The Open-Source Icon Behind Prusa Research

Josef Prusa continues to be one of the most celebrated and influential figures in additive manufacturing, consistently making headlines over several years. His prominence stems from the incredible success of his eponymous “Prusa” 3D printers, which have become a benchmark for reliability, performance, and accessibility within the desktop 3D printing community. These machines are not merely products but platforms, inspiring countless brands and makers globally to develop their own versions and innovations, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of creativity and technological advancement.

In recent years, Josef Prusa has significantly expanded his operations, establishing large-scale 3D printing farms to further champion the spirit of the RepRap movement. This commitment to open-source principles aims to democratize 3D printing, making the technology more accessible and understandable to a wider audience. In 2018, Prusa once again demonstrated his innovative prowess with the highly anticipated launch of the Prusa SL1. This groundbreaking machine marked his foray into resin 3D printing, a segment known for its higher resolution and intricate detailing. True to his core philosophy, the Prusa SL1 was released as a completely Open Source machine, a bold move in a market often dominated by proprietary systems. This dedication reinforces his ideology of shared knowledge and community-driven progress, solidifying his role as a relentless advocate for open innovation in the additive manufacturing world.

Cody Wilson – Director of Defense Distributed and the 3D Printed Firearms Debate

One of the most contentious and widely debated topics within the 3D printing industry in 2018 revolved around the legality and availability of downloadable 3D models for firearms in the USA. This complex issue saw constant legal and public discourse, oscillating between approvals and injunctions, and at the epicenter of this enduring controversy was Cody Wilson, the director of Defense Distributed.

Wilson has been a prominent figure for several years, initially gaining notoriety for creating “Liberator,” the world’s first fully functional and entirely 3D printed weapon. His actions and the subsequent legal battles have consistently challenged existing regulations and sparked intense debates about digital freedom, gun control, and the societal implications of accessible manufacturing technologies. In 2018, as the news of legal victories for distributing firearm blueprints broke, it ignited a flurry of reactions. Public opinion polarized, with numerous movements emerging both vehemently against and staunchly in favor of 3D printed firearms. Regardless of one’s stance on the issue, Cody Wilson undeniably remained at the forefront of this highly sensitive and historical debate throughout 2018, compelling conversations about technology’s role in society and individual liberties.

Aleksander Ciszek – CEO of 3Yourmind: Streamlining the 3D Printing Workflow

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the 3D printing industry, advanced software solutions are not just beneficial—they are fundamental. Aleksander Ciszek, the visionary CEO of 3Yourmind, acutely recognized this necessity and has dedicated his work to developing sophisticated software that seamlessly integrates additive manufacturing into existing production chains. His pioneering efforts have positioned him as a standout entrepreneur within the sector, earning him a spot among the top 30 entrepreneurs under 30 in the 3D industry.

At just 29 years old in 2018, Ciszek’s company, 3Yourmind, made significant strides in optimizing the additive manufacturing workflow. Their software solutions simplify complex processes, from design optimization and order management to production planning and quality control. This streamlined approach helps businesses worldwide to more efficiently adopt and scale their 3D printing operations. Furthermore, 2018 was a year of notable international expansion for 3Yourmind, extending its reach and impact across global markets. Aleksander Ciszek’s profound understanding of the industry’s software needs and his ability to deliver practical, scalable solutions firmly established him as one of the most influential personalities in additive manufacturing that year, driving the industrial adoption of 3D printing forward.

Julia Körner – The Visionary Designer Bridging Fashion, Architecture, and 3D Printing

Julia Körner is an internationally acclaimed designer whose work uniquely fuses cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies with the worlds of high fashion and architecture. Her distinctive approach has led to collaborations with some of the most prestigious names in design, including avant-garde fashion designers like Iris Van Herpen and Marina Hoermanseder, where 3D printing transforms garments into wearable art.

While her expertise shines in fashion, Körner’s innovative use of 3D development extends seamlessly into architectural applications, demonstrating the versatility and aesthetic potential of additive manufacturing. For Julia and the broader 3D printing industry, 2018 was an exceptionally significant year. She played a crucial role in developing intricate and iconic costumes for the blockbuster film Black Panther. This high-profile project not only showcased the incredible capabilities of 3D printing on a global stage but also highlighted how additive manufacturing can revolutionize costume design, pushing creative boundaries and achieving unprecedented levels of detail and complexity. Her work on such a culturally impactful film brought 3D printing to mainstream consciousness, inspiring both designers and the public about its boundless possibilities.

Tim Ellis – CEO of Relativity Space: Pioneering 3D Printed Rockets

Among the most innovative 3D startups of 2018 was Relativity Space, a company rapidly gaining recognition for its audacious mission: to develop and launch rockets almost entirely fabricated using 3D printing technology. At the heart of this ambitious venture is Tim Ellis, the visionary CEO and Founder who is fundamentally reimagining aerospace manufacturing. Ellis’s audacious goal is to drastically reduce the complexity and cost of rocket production, thereby accelerating humanity’s journey toward ambitious space exploration objectives, such as establishing a moon village or making Mars accessible.

A cornerstone of Relativity Space’s revolutionary approach is “Stargate,” an enormous 3D metal printer designed and built in-house, which holds the distinction of being the largest of its kind in the world. This colossal machine is capable of printing entire rocket structures, dramatically reducing part counts and manufacturing lead times. By leveraging additive manufacturing on an unprecedented scale, Tim Ellis and his team are not only pushing the boundaries of what 3D printing can achieve but also paving a more cost-effective and efficient path to space. His leadership in 2018 highlighted the transformative potential of additive manufacturing in even the most complex and demanding industries, positioning Relativity Space as a key player in the future of space travel.

Nora Touré – Championing Diversity with Women in 3D Printing

Nora Touré is undeniably one of the most influential and respected women in the 3D printing industry, consistently recognized for her contributions and advocacy. In 2018, her impact was further underscored by her inclusion in the prestigious list of top 30 entrepreneurs in the sector. After dedicating several years to Sculpteo, a leading 3D printing service bureau, Touré made a pivotal decision in 2018: to step out independently and fully commit to promoting her impactful project, “Women in 3D Printing.”

This visionary initiative is specifically designed to elevate the visibility of prominent women within the additive manufacturing industry, creating a vital platform for their voices, achievements, and leadership. Beyond recognition, “Women in 3D Printing” actively works to encourage and facilitate the growth of female participation in all aspects of 3D printing, from engineering and design to entrepreneurship and research. Nora Touré’s unwavering dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion is crucial for a rapidly expanding technological field, ensuring that the industry benefits from a wider range of perspectives and talents. Her work in 2018 solidified her role not just as an industry expert, but as a powerful community builder and advocate for a more equitable and representative future in additive manufacturing.

Erik Gatenholm – Revolutionizing Bioprinting with Cellink

Erik Gatenholm represents the dynamic new generation of innovators, proudly featuring among our entrepreneurs under 30. At the remarkably young age of 28 in 2018, he was already the driving force behind Cellink, a pioneering Swedish company at the forefront of the rapidly expanding bioprinting sector. Cellink specializes in the development of advanced support materials and bio-inks crucial for the successful execution of bioprinting, a field that witnessed rapid growth and significant breakthroughs throughout 2018.

In a year where bioprinting began to truly capture the imagination of the scientific and medical communities, the availability of compatible and effective biomaterials became paramount. Cellink, under Gatenholm’s visionary leadership, distinguished itself by developing an impressive portfolio of up to 26 different support materials tailored specifically for the 3D bioprinting industry. This extensive range empowered researchers and medical professionals to pursue a wider array of tissue and organ printing applications. Furthermore, Cellink made headlines through its pivotal collaborations, including efforts towards the development of 3D printed corneas derived directly from patient cells – a monumental step towards personalized regenerative medicine. Erik Gatenholm’s work with Cellink in 2018 solidified his position as a key innovator in healthcare additive manufacturing, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in creating biological structures and organs.

The year 2018 was undeniably a landmark period for additive manufacturing, defined by the relentless drive and groundbreaking achievements of these remarkable individuals. Their collective efforts span across diverse sectors—from industrial production and materials science to gastronomy, fashion, aerospace, and biomedical applications—showcasing the pervasive and transformative power of 3D printing. Each personality, with their unique contributions, not only propelled their respective fields forward but also collectively accelerated the entire industry’s progress, laying vital groundwork for the innovations we continue to see today. Their legacy is a testament to the fact that technological evolution is deeply intertwined with human ingenuity and vision.

What are your thoughts on this selection of additive manufacturing personalities from 2018? Do you agree with our choices, or are there other influential figures you believe should be recognized? We invite you to share your insights in a comment below or join the conversation on our Facebook and Twitter pages! For those eager to stay informed about the very latest developments, breakthrough technologies, and inspiring stories in the world of 3D printing, don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox with all the essential industry news!