People of 3D Printing: Jean Claude André

Who is Jean Claude André?

Jean-Claude André began as a researcher at the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), a prestigious research institution in France. His interest in additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, stems from his passion for technological innovations and their practical application in various fields.

In 1984, Jean-Claude André, along with his colleagues Alain Le Méhauté and Olivier de Witte, filed the first patent for stereolithography in France. This technology uses photopolymerization, a process in which light rays (typically an ultraviolet laser) chemically harden liquid photopolymers layer by layer to form solid objects. This process was revolutionary at the time because it allowed for the creation of complex objects, layer by layer, directly from digital data, thus paving the way for what we know today as 3D printing.

This year, we will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of your discovery. What was your initial inspiration for getting into 3D printing?

We were approached by colleagues facing a problem and took a moment to think about a solution. More specifically, Alain Le Méhauté, who worked for a division of Alcatel called CILAS (Compagnie Industrielle des Lasers), which had the mission of finding applications using lasers, had invented a “green” laser capable of isotopic separation.

During an experiment, I used the sun as a stigmatic source since the laser was unavailable that day. I set up a system with masks to stop the sun’s impact on certain parts of the photosensitive resin layers, and it worked. We created a very rudimentary object, but we had established the proof of concept.

Could we discuss the patent issues faced with the invention of 3D printing in 1984?

We filed a patent in 1984 with the support of the CNRS, while six weeks later, Chuck Hull filed a patent for a similar invention in the United States. The French patent, which had been filed before the American one, was placed in the public domain by Alcatel’s hierarchy as they no longer wanted to pay for its maintenance.

Do you use 3D printing in your current and past research?

No, I do not use these technologies. I am often asked in interviews, “How many machines do you have at home?” to which I respond, “None.” However, when I see a piece being manufactured, I still find it “magical,” even after 40 years.

Did you have any idea of the applications of 3D printing when you were working on developing the process?

No. Initially, we were looking to provide solutions for some colleagues, and we proved the concept with rudimentary tools. We then developed a machine that could be “demonstrated.” From there, ideas started to emerge. “The ideas for applications came because there was a machine.” We realized that prototype parts could be made with these machines and discovered that these machines could make parts that were otherwise impossible to produce.

What is your view on the current uses of 3D printing?

An example I find pretty interesting is the ability to recreate identical replicas of buildings or objects from the past, like when the Roman ruins in Syria were destroyed and then reconstructed using 3D printing.

What are the major challenges you identify for the 3D printing industry?

One of the challenges of 3D printing comes from its very nature: While the technology excels in making individual pieces, mass production of parts is more complex and costly than collective manufacturing, even though progress has been made in recent years. Surface treatment is also one of the challenges that 3D printing must overcome to penetrate more applications.

Before our interview, you mentioned "4D printing," you have written several books on the subject. Can you give us an overview of this technology?

4D printing is essentially 3D printing with the addition of an active or smart material that can change shape under the influence of an energy stimulus. This field emerged in 2013, and scientific publications in this area have been growing at a rate of 44% per year.

Today, people need to change their thinking to make 4D printing find industrial applications. We need to start from the end, that is, the final application of the product, and work backward to manufacturing, considering the material, process, and energy to take advantage of this technology.

Any final words?

Let the younger generations thrive! In 3D or 4D printing, we won’t move forward with conformists. We need those who think outside the box. We need to reinvent a pioneering spirit!