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S. Scott CrumpInventor of fused deposition modeling (FDM)
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Biography of S. Scott Crump
- Invention of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Leadership at 'Stratasys'
- Contributions to the Industry
- Philanthropic Endeavors
- The Essence of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Biography of S. Scott Crump
S. Scott Crump is a renowned inventor and entrepreneur in the field of additive manufacturing. He is best known as the co-founder of 'Stratasys', a company that specializes in producing products for direct digital manufacturing and rapid prototyping.
Invention of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Crump revolutionized the industry by inventing the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, which enables fast prototyping through the process of additive manufacturing. In 1989, he co-founded 'Stratasys' with his wife Lisa Crump and patented the FDM technology.
Leadership at 'Stratasys'
Currently, Crump serves as the Chairman of the Board at 'Stratasys', where he oversees various divisions such as 'Fortus', 'RedEye on Demand', and 'Dimension Printing'. The company's equipment, commonly referred to as 3D printers, has been successfully utilized since the late 1980s for creating large-scale industrial devices, models for future buildings, and more.
Contributions to the Industry
In addition to his work at 'Stratasys', Crump has made significant contributions to the industry. He served on the Board of Directors of the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) and frequently speaks at educational events both domestically and internationally.
Crump's journey as an entrepreneur began in 1982 when he co-founded 'IDEA', a leading manufacturer of load, force, and pressure sensors. He held the position of Vice President of Sales at the company until 1988. Over time, 'IDEA' changed its name to 'SI Technologies', and Crump remained a shareholder and the CEO until April 2005.
During his time at 'IDEA', Crump encountered difficulties in obtaining prototypes for testing new products, which led him to invent the 3D printer. He also played a crucial role in implementing the use of FDM technology for engineering-grade ABS plastic, known for its high impact resistance and wide application in complex molded parts. Crump was responsible for introducing other innovations, including the 'Breakaway' and 'WaterWorks' support systems, CAD/CAM connections, and more.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Both S. Scott Crump and Lisa Crump are supporters of the non-profit organization 'INSciTE', which competitively assists young individuals aspiring to succeed in the technology field. 'INSciTE' is also affiliated with the 'FIRST LEGO League' robotics competition. The organization annually includes over 2200 young people in its program.
Through 'Stratasys', Crump provides financial support to the 'SME Bright Minds Mentor', an annual mentorship program aimed at nurturing professionals in the field of emerging technologies. Additionally, 'Stratasys' donates 3D printers to schools participating in the activities of the 'Rapid Technologies & Additive Manufacturing Community', a group dedicated to developing standards and disseminating information about additive manufacturing systems widely used in 3D printing.
The Essence of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) involves the extrusion of a thermoplastic, elastomeric, or waxy filament material. This filament solidifies layer by layer to create a three-dimensional object based on a computer-designed model. The FDM technology utilized by 3D printers allows for the creation of multi-colored objects.
