National 3-D Day – Mar. 16, 2027

National 3-D Day
Submit your updates or photos
Categories:
Tags:
AppreciationTechnology
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
3rd Tuesday of March
Holiday emoji:
👓

National 3-D Day, observed annually on the third Tuesday of March, celebrates the fascinating world of three-dimensional technology. From immersive cinema to advanced medical imaging, 3-D has revolutionized how we perceive and interact with digital content. Dive into the history of stereoscopy, explore modern applications, and appreciate the creative minds pushing the boundaries of spatial design.

Want to sponsor National 3-D Day? Learn how

Expected National 3-D Day Deals

As National 3-D Day approaches, expect tech retailers and software companies to offer special promotions. Look for discounts on 3-D printers and filaments from brands like Creality and Prusa Research, or bundles on 3-D modeling software from Autodesk and Blender Market. Virtual and augmented reality headset manufacturers, such as Meta and HTC Vive, may also feature deals on their latest devices and content. Additionally, some cinemas might run special screenings of classic 3-D films. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March 17 approaches.

Platform Guide for National 3-D Day

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #National3DDay. Share insights on how 3-D technology is transforming your industry or profession.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #National3DDay. Showcase your favorite 3-D art, prints, or immersive experiences through captivating visuals and Reels.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #National3DDay. Join discussions on the latest trends in 3-D printing, VR/AR, and spatial computing, sharing news and opinions.

Social Media Tips for National 3-D Day

Individuals

Watch a classic 3-D movie at home or visit a local cinema for an immersive experience. Share your favorite 3-D moments or creations online.

Creators

Design and share a new 3-D model, render an animation, or create an augmented reality filter. Document your creative process and the tools you use.

Brands

Highlight how your products or services utilize 3-D technology, from product design to virtual showrooms. Offer a special discount on 3-D related items or services.

Partners & Brands for National 3-D Day

  1. NVIDIA

    Founded in 1993, NVIDIA is a global leader in graphics processing units (GPUs), which are crucial for rendering complex 3-D graphics in gaming, professional visualization, and AI applications. Their technologies power many 3-D design and simulation tools.

  2. Autodesk

    Established in 1982, Autodesk is a multinational software corporation that makes 3-D design, engineering, and entertainment software. Its products, like AutoCAD and Maya, are industry standards for architects, engineers, and animators creating 3-D content.

  3. Unity Technologies

    Founded in 2004, Unity Technologies developed the Unity game engine, a cross-platform engine used to create 3-D and 2-D video games, simulations, and other interactive experiences. It's widely adopted by developers for its versatility in real-time 3-D content creation.

  4. Stratasys

    A pioneer in 3-D printing, Stratasys was founded in 1989 and is known for its FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and PolyJet technologies. The company manufactures 3-D printers and materials used across various industries for prototyping, tooling, and manufacturing.

  5. Meta

    Formerly Facebook, Meta Platforms, Inc. was founded in 2004 and has heavily invested in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. Their Oculus Quest headsets are a leading platform for immersive 3-D experiences and the metaverse.

  6. Pixar Animation Studios

    Co-founded by Steve Jobs in 1986, Pixar is a renowned computer animation studio celebrated for its groundbreaking 3-D animated films. Their innovative use of 3-D rendering and storytelling has set benchmarks in the entertainment industry for decades.

  7. Sony

    A Japanese multinational conglomerate, Sony, founded in 1946, has contributed significantly to 3-D technology through its PlayStation VR platform, 3-D televisions, and professional 3-D cameras. They continue to explore immersive visual experiences.

National 3-D Day Hero

Charles Wheatstone

Charles Wheatstone (1802–1875) was an English scientist and inventor credited with inventing the stereoscope in 1838. His device demonstrated how presenting two slightly different images to each eye could create the perception of depth, laying the fundamental groundwork for all subsequent 3-D imaging technologies. Wheatstone's work was crucial in understanding binocular vision and its application in creating immersive visual experiences.

History of National 3-D Day

3D Space, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of stereoscopic images, founded National 3D Day two years ago, but the history of 3D dates earlier than that. In 1838, Sir Charles Wheatstone produced the first stereo 3.D. drawings. Viewing 3.D. photos became a popular kind of home entertainment in the second half of the nineteenth century.

The invention of 3.D. movies, comic books, holography, and other methods of viewing 3.D. representations of the world occurred during the 20th century. Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies have opened up new ways to create and interact with 3.D. material. Because of the cost and techniques required to produce and broadcast 3.D. pictures, they had been mainly limited to a niche in the motion picture industry since 1915. Nonetheless, 3.D. films were quite popular in American cinema in the 1950s, and they had a worldwide renaissance in the 1980s.

Lenny Lipton, a filmmaker, inventor, novelist, and songwriter, has had a lasting impact on numerous parts of 3.D. He began his career in the early 1980s, when he founded StereoGraphics Corp. CrystalEyes, a stereo visualization system launched by StereoGraphics in 1989, was utilized for medical imaging, aerial mapping, and molecular modeling.
He was also the principal developer of the ZScreen polarization modulator, which allowed a projector to show both the left and right sides of a stereo pair on the same screen. This method, which was first introduced in 1988, was utilized for molecular modeling and aerial mapping visualization.

National 3-D Day timeline

1844
The Introduction of the Stereoscope

David Brewster introduces the stereoscope, a device for taking stereo photos.

1851
The Great Exhibition

At the Great Exhibition, a 3.D. photo of Queen Victoria is on display.

1922
The First 3.D. Film

The first-ever 3.D. film, “The Power of Love,” premieres in Los Angeles at the Ambassador Hotel Theatre.

2009
“Avatar”

James Cameron’s film, “Avatar,” pushes 3.D. films into the public consciousness.

2010
The World's First 3.D. T.V. Station Debuts

South Korea's SKY 3D, the world's first 3.D. television station, debuts with stunning 1920x1080i quality.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National 3-D Day

Local businesses can honor National 3-D Day by showcasing how they integrate 3-D technology into their operations. Architecture firms can display 3-D renderings of upcoming projects, while manufacturing companies can highlight products created with 3-D printing. Retailers selling 3-D related products, like VR headsets or 3-D art supplies, could offer special discounts. Consider hosting a workshop or demonstration on 3-D modeling or printing to engage the community and attract new customers.

National 3-D Day FAQs

When is National 3-D Day?

In 2027, National 3-D Day is observed on Tuesday, March 16. It’s a day to recognize the ongoing evolution of 3-D imaging, printing, and immersive experiences.

How does 3-D technology create depth perception?

The core principle behind 3-D technology is to simulate binocular vision. By providing distinct perspectives for the left and right eyes, the brain’s visual cortex interprets these disparities as depth, allowing us to experience objects in three dimensions.

What is the global market for 3-D technology?

Projections for the 3-D technology market indicate a robust expansion, with the global valuation expected to continue its upward trajectory. This growth is fueled by increasing adoption across healthcare, manufacturing, education, and consumer electronics sectors.

What are the main applications of 3-D technology?

The applications of 3-D technology span numerous industries. Key areas include virtual and augmented reality for training and collaboration, advanced visualization in scientific research, product development through rapid prototyping, and creating immersive digital content for various platforms.

National 3-D Day Activities

  1. Read about the origins of 3.D. technology

    Read about how 3.D. technology came about. This includes Sir Charles Wheatstone and everything that has happened since his invention. Learn about how 3.D. technologies evolved from cinema to 3.D. printing, art, and virtual reality programs.

  2. Watch a 3.D. film

    Invite your friends and family to see a 3.D. film. “Avatar” is always a classic and is a milestone in the history of 3.D. films. You can also share your favorite 3.D. experiences with your friends and family, whether they be movies, books, or art.

  3. Create a 3.D. design

    Create a three-dimensional design and share your project and ideas! If you're looking for design inspiration, go online or visit the National 3-D Day website.

5 Interesting Facts About 3.D.

  1. It’s older than you think

    In the 1980s, the first 3.D. printing experiments and patents were published.

  2. 3.D. printing was invented in France

    3 French inventors filed a patent for 3.D. printers in 1984.

  3. 3.D. printing is used in outer space

    Not only can 3.D. printing be used on Earth, but it can also be used in space.

  4. The world's most expensive 3.D. printer

    Imprimere's Model 2156 is the world's most expensive 3.D. printer, costing $2.5 million.

  5. 3.D. cinema screens

    There are 1,263,000 3.D. cinema screens in the world.

Why We Love National 3-D Day

  1. It is aesthetically pleasing

    3.D. street art is not only visually stunning but also entertaining and engaging. It’s very visually distinct from other mediums of art. The sky's the limit when it comes to 3.D.

  2. It allows for complex designs

    More complicated patterns can be designed and printed using 3.D. printing. You don't have the same design constraints that traditional printers do.

  3. Waste reduction

    3.D. printers are very efficient and produce very little waste. The procedure not only saves resources, but it also lowers the cost of the materials used.

National 3-D Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 March 17 Tuesday
2027 March 16 Tuesday
2028 March 21 Tuesday
2029 March 20 Tuesday
2030 March 19 Tuesday