From digital manufacturing to a diverse range of materials, the power of 3D printing lies in its ability to bring business benefits to organizations, industries and our world, according to Mr. Grimm. We are looking at a $3 billion 3D printing market that includes hardware, software, materials and services.According to Wohlers Report 2013, North America and Europe lead the 3D printing market with 60% of the market share; however, it is believed that Asia Pacific region is poised to take the lead in 3D printing in the coming future.
At the same time, Mr. Grimm said that one should be consciously realistic about the hype. The industry has experienced two cycles of hype – in the 1990s, claims of rapid prototyping would replace computer numeric control (CNC) manufacturing and in the early 2000s, proclamations of a manufacturing revolution would ensue. Today, CNC is thriving and ten years after, manufacturing has not been given any game-changing upheaval.
However, if one takes a closer look, Asia Pacific is the key region for potential 3D printing adoption, primarily dominated by South Korea, China and Japan which currently contributes to 21% of the market share. The growth potential is supported by an extensive industrial base, supportive government policies and funding in research & development those countries provide, while both Japan and China are noteworthy in terms of government initiatives and rapid growth in this field.
Japan accounts for 9.7% of the market as it was an early entrant in the 3D printing market. Today, Japan is a global leader in metal sintering, which is a hybrid platform for milling and additive manufacturing. Through Technology Research Association for Future Additive Manufacturing (TRAFAM), Japan’s focused efforts in research and development coupled by commercial initiatives driving for 3D printing adoption among small and medium enterprises, the country has a definite opportunity to take leadership in 3D printing.
But 3D printing is not here to upset or replace existing technologies. Rather, it serves as a value-added complementary solution to existing methodologies. 3D printing evolutionizes the manufacturing landscape by changing the ways things are made, in a faster and more cost-effective approach. The key is to set different goals and expectations.
The progress of machine tools industry implies the future of 3D printing. The industry of machine tools is evolving with a diversity of tools. Costs will not plummet and in fact, costs will remain the same in certain classes. Today’s dynamics in 3D printing will mimic the evolution of the machine tools industry. The market opportunities and promising potential have expanded the 3D printing technology by attracting new entrants, representing different technologies providing an impressive array of solutions.
