Stratasys announced that its founder and chairman, Scott Crump, has been inducted into IndustryWeek magazine’s Manufacturing Hall of Fame for his work in 3D printing, joining other individuals recognized for their contribution to U.S. manufacturing.

Crump is the inventor of the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) method of 3D printing; the most widely used additive manufacturing process. Earlier this month, Crump became the chairman of Stratasys Ltd., a new corporate entity formed by the merger of Stratasys Inc. and Objet Ltd.

3D printing (or additive manufacturing) has become more mainstream in the last few years, and although many believe it is a new process, it has existed for 25 years.  Formerly called “rapid prototyping,” 3D printing was developed originally for prototyping purposes. However it is now widely used as a manufacturing process for producing finished goods in low volume.

2012 marks the fourth year of IndustryWeek’s Manufacturing Hall of Fame. The publication accepted nominations from its readers and chose ten inductees, including leaders from Boeing Co., Lockheed Martin Corp. and others. Past Honorees include such names as Steve Jobs, Lee Iacocca and Jack Welch. The individuals recognized have a history of significant achievements, and they are examples of character, talent, drive and productive work that resulted in outstanding success in their respective organizations. In general, inductees’ achievements fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Significantly improving manufacturing efficiency and productivity through their process and/or technology innovations.
• Creating manufacturing companies — and even entire industries — from the ground up, through their product ideas and/or innovative approaches to doing business.
• Establishing widely accepted best practices in operational areas such as (but not limited to) management, product development, safety, purchasing, quality, and supply chain and logistics.
• Setting new standards for manufacturers in areas such as sustainability and corporate responsibility.
• Revitalizing organizations and operations through continuous improvement efforts and/or innovative business practices.
• Influencing and supporting as well as advocating for the cause of U.S. manufacturing through their research, writings, activism, policies or thought leadership.

Stratasys Ltd.
www.stratasys.com