The 10 most influential tools and making inventors
Ten tools, fabrication platforms, and mechanisms that broadened access to making or set durable product standards.
The 2026 selection
Ranked within tools & making using evidence of physical-world reach, a defining technical contribution, sustained relevance and source quality. Open any profile to inspect the underlying evidence.
- 01
Stereolithography established a major 3D-printing method with broad industry impact.
Profile + sources - 02
FDM became the dominant consumer and professional desktop-3D-printing method.
Profile + sources - 03
RepRap seeded a global open-hardware movement and influenced low-cost desktop 3D printing.
Profile + sources - 04
The Prusa i3 became one of the most influential and widely replicated desktop-printer architectures.
Profile + sources - 05
Raspberry Pi brought programmable computers into classrooms and workshops worldwide.
Profile + sources - 06
The PST was the standard-setting first pliers-based multi-tool to succeed in the American market.
Profile + sources - 07
CLIP is a high-resolution continuous 3D-printing technology developed for practical fabrication.
Profile + sources - 08
Formlabs broadened professional-quality resin 3D printing beyond specialist labs.
Profile + sources - 09
The Worker’s opening hole and pocket-clip layout set a widely adopted pattern for one-handed folding knives.
Profile + sources - 10
The frame lock became a widely copied industry-standard mechanism for high-performance folding knives.
Profile + sources