<p>Comparing trends show that 3D printing stepped over to another level around 2012~2013. Why?</p>
<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/9tFj9.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/9tFj9.png" alt="3D printing vs 3D scanning" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/N488f.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/N488f.png" alt="3D printer vs 3D scanner" /></a></p>

A great story on the history of 3D printing is published by
3DSOURCED
. It shows that the patents for FDM and SLA expired a few years earlier and the
RepRap
3D printer self replicating project became very popular. Also, 3D printer manufacturers emerged and electronics, software and parts became available at a larger scale, so that it was more affordable for a hobbyist to dive in.