H. Joseph Gerber: Pioneer of Plastics Innovation for Various Industries

The legacy of H. Joseph Gerber, inducted into the prestigious Plastics Hall of Fame in 2024, stands as a testament to his boundless creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to innovation. A prolific inventor and visionary, Gerber’s impact on industries ranging from textiles to electronics remains unparalleled.

Born in 1924 and passing in 1996, Gerber's journey into the world of invention began during his college years, where he conceptualized the Gerber Variable Scale, a graphical-numerical computing device. This invention laid the foundation for the Gerber Scientific Instruments Co., which he founded to manufacture what was hailed as “the greatest engineering tool since the slide rule.”

Over the decades, Gerber’s ingenuity led to transformative advancements in multiple industries, with plastics at the forefront of his innovations. His pioneering use of plastics in apparel and furniture production, sign making, eyeglass fabrication, commercial printing and electronic products manufacturing reshaped the landscape of manufacturing.

One of Gerber’s most significant contributions was to the textile industry, where he introduced the use of plastic bristles for a computer-controlled knife. This revolutionary method enabled rapid and precise cutting of fabrics and flexible materials, marking it as the textile industry's most crucial advancement of the 20th century.

Gerber’s impact extended far beyond textiles. Through his company, he pioneered new uses for plastics, often spearheading entire industries. His introduction of systems for graphics under digital control and leadership in computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) were pivotal. Gerber systems played a vital role in the development of UPC barcodes, printed circuit boards and commercial printing processes — all based on innovative plastic films.

The field of billboard manufacture and sign making experienced a revolution thanks to Gerber’s advancements, which created a substantial demand for plastic-based billboards, store signs and vehicle graphics. Gerber systems became synonymous with sign making worldwide, revolutionizing the graphic arts industry.

Moreover, Gerber's innovations transformed the eyeglass industry, facilitating the local production of prescription plastic lenses instead of glass. His pioneering work in mass customization extended to numerous other industries, leaving an indelible mark on manufacturing.

As the chief executive and principal inventor of Gerber Scientific Instruments Co. from its founding in 1947 until his passing in 1996, Gerber amassed an impressive 648 U.S. and foreign patents. Today, three of Gerber's original engineering computation products and his cloth-cutting system are honored in the permanent collection of the National Museum of American History.