How 3D Printing Will Evolve in Future Decades
At first, the financial investment in 3D printers may have been cost prohibitive. But, as the prices of these units decrease, the demand is picking up, and they are becoming more common in both businesses and homes. By 2014, the 3D printing industry boasted over $1B in revenue. As reported by ThomasNet.com, “According to a 2017 analysis by A.T. Kearney, 3D printing was expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.37 percent to nearly $17.2 billion between 2017 and 2020.” Statista reports that worldwide, the 3D printing industry will “exceed 40 billion U.S. dollars by 2024.”
What’s in store for this technology in the future? AMFG predicts that the software the industry uses will become easier to use and more integrated. Until recently, CAD software has not been fully optimized for 3D printing design requirements. As an example, “It can be difficult to use traditional CAD software to design components made with graded materials, create lattice structures or model porosity,” according to AMFG. But organizations like Autodesk and PTC are exploring avenues for making this transition easier for engineers.
AMFG also reports, “Metal 3D printing remains one of the fastest growing segments in 3D printing...As the industry matures you would see much more emphasis on materials, because utilization rates of 3D printers ideally a claim to support higher-value manufacturing and more regular serial use.” They report that quality control will also play a vital part in adopting metal 3D printing in the world of production. As industries see not only a faster process but a more reliable one come together, they are more likely to accept 3D printing as a whole and not just in the medical and aerospace worlds where it started.
The dental industry could see one of the biggest impacts caused by this technology. As reported by AMFG, “In dentistry, you could, in theory, have a great case for converting 80% plus of the means of production to an additive technology.” 3D printing is already making a big impact in dentistry through the production of surgical guides, crowns, and most dental aligner moulds. But it’s expected to get even bigger. By 2025, SmarTech Analysis forecasts 3D printer sales will exceed machining hardware and by 2027, it’s predicted, “The technology will become the leading production method for dental restorations and devices.”
In the not-too-distant future, 3D printing is expected to produce products much faster than it even does today. This means the larger industries can grow to use this technology on a regular basis as well as the ones that do now. Forbes also notes that MELD Manufacturing is designing machines that can be used in less controlled environments, and that means using the technology in the field will grow in popularity. Supply chains will almost certainly be affected as parts can be produced locally if not on demand. With the worldwide market impact of 40 billion US dollars predicted by Statista in just a few years, it’s clear the 3D printing industry continues to excel and evolve, and it will be interesting to see how all the industries that use this technology evolve with it.
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