Scott Crump, co-founder of the 3D-printing company, Stratasys, will speak on “Adventures in Disruption: Inventing the First 3D Printer” on Friday, Feb. 2, 1:10 p.m. in ETRL 101 on the WSU Pullman campus.
He will also speak Saturday afternoon, Feb. 3, 2:10 p.m. at the Floyd Atrium on the WSU Tri-Cities campus.
The free events are open to WSU students, faculty, and staff.
Crump, a 1976 mechanical engineering alumnus, invented Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, the technology used in 3D printing, and the first-ever 3D printer to use FDM. The goal with the work was to automate prototyping and fill the gap between computer-aided design and the final manufactured part — a process that is now called 3D printing.
Working with pots and pans in his kitchen, Crump formulated the first FDM materials, and his first project was a plastic toy frog, additively manufactured for his 2-year-old daughter. In 1988, he and his wife co-founded Stratasys, a company specializing in manufacturing 3D-printing systems. He was the CEO and Chairman of Stratasys until 2012 and oversaw the company as it reached $200 million in sales. He remains on the board of directors.
Crump recently co-invented the Infinite Build System for building very long, large panel parts using FDM.
Crump’s FDM invention revolutionized the manufacturing process by allowing for the creation of complex parts and prototypes using a layer-by-layer approach. Ninety percent of the 3D printers globally use his FDM technology. He continues to be a prominent figure in the 3D-printing industry and has received numerous awards for his contributions to the field.
Crump will also be the keynote speaker at WSU Tri-Cities Carson College of Business’ Point to Success fundraising brunch event on Saturday.
