The 3D printing process was invented by Chuck Hill in 1983, called “stereolithography” as a technique for constructing solid objects by successively printing thin films of ultraviolet material on top of each other. This technique laid the foundation for the current scenario of 3D printing. The modern definition of 3D printing can be defined as an additional engineering process to generate a physical object from a digital source or design. There are various 3D technologies and materials on the market today, but they all follow the same standardized procedure: a solid material from a digital design by adding successive layers. A typical 3D print initiated by forming a digitized design file of an individual. The next step varies depending on the technology and material used, starting with the system printers to melt the material and place it on the print platform. Time is highly dependent on print size and often on post-processing events. Common printing techniques include fused deposition patterning, stereolithography, digital light processing, selective laser sintering, polyjet and multijet patterning, jet bonding, and metal printing (selective laser melting and electron beam melting). Print materials vary with print options ranging from rubber, plastics (polyamide, ABS, PLA and LayWood), ceramics, biomaterials, sandstone, metals and alloys (titanium, aluminium, steel, cobalt chrome and nickel).
The 3D printer is advantageous because it offers the construction of complex designs that cannot be produced by traditional methods, the customization of products without additional parts or tools and without additional pricing, and it creates hope for entrepreneurs or designers in cost-effective production for market testing or other needs. In addition, traditional factory production methods generate a huge amount of waste from raw materials, for example, the production of staples wastes nearly 90% of raw materials. On the other hand, the 3D printing manufacturing process involves minimal material loss and can be recycled in the next cycle.
However, the concept of 3D modeling is often associated with disadvantages such as high cost of large-scale production, limited strength and durability, and lower resolution. In addition, there are more than 500 3D printing materials on the market, most of which are made of plastics and metals. However, thanks to rapid technological advancements, the number of materials is increasing rapidly, including wood, composites, meat, chocolates, etc.
According to public sources, by 2027 one tenth of the world’s production will be 3D printed. Therefore, the price of printers will drop from $18,000 USD to $400 USD over the next 10 years. Because of this, various companies have started their 3D printing production, such as the dominant shoe companies as well as in aircraft structures. The evolving technology will create a scenario where smartphones are enhanced with a scanner allowing everything to be built at home, for example, China created an entire 6-story building using 3D printing technology.
3D printing has diverse applications in the fields of medicine, manufacturing, socio-culture and industry. Based on production applications, the field is divided into flexible tools, food, research, prototyping, cloud-based add-ons, and mass customization. On the basis of medical application, the field is segmented into bioprinting devices and drugs. For example, in August 2015, a 3D-printed surgical bolt device called the “FastForward Bone Tether Plate” was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of bunions. In addition, in May 2017, the researcher from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Germany, developed a micromachine called microswimmers, using Nanoscribe GmBH’s 3D printer technology, to precisely deliver drugs to the site of infection and can be controlled inside in the body. Various industries have adopted 3D printing technology to manufacture their products. For example, Airbus SAS, France declared that its Airbus A350 XWB product contains more than 100 3D printed components. The aerospace industry has developed a 3D printer through the collaboration of NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and Made In Space, Inc. for printing in zero gravity.
This is a market
The global 3D printing market is projected to reach XX USD by 2022, from XX in 2015 at a CAGR of XX% from 2016 to 2022 according to the latest updated report available on DecisionDatabases.com. The market is segmented on the basis of printer type, material type, material form, software, service, technology, process, vertical, application, and geography.
On the basis of printer type, the market is segmented on the basis of desktop 3D printers and industrial printers. On the basis of material type, the market is segmented as plastics, metals, ceramics, and others (wax, wood, paper, biomaterials). On the basis of material form, the market is segmented on the basis of filament, powder and liquid. On the basis of software, the market is segmented on the basis of design software, proofing software, printer software, and scanning software. On the basis of technology, the market is segmented on the basis of stereolithography, fused deposition modeling, selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering, polyjet printing, inkjet printing, electron beam fusing, laser metal deposition, digital light processing, and laminated manufacturing. objects. On the basis of process, the market is segmented on the basis of bond jetting, direct energy deposition, material extrusion, material jetting, powder bed fusion, bath photopolymerization, and sheet lamination. Vertically, the market is segmented on the basis of automotive, healthcare, architecture & construction, consumer products, education, industrial, energy, printed electronics, jewelry, food & culinary, aerospace & defense, and others. On the basis of application, the market is segmented on the basis of prototypes, tools, and functional parts.
By geography, the market is segmented on the basis of North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa
Factors such as high investment in research and development (R&D), low wastage of raw materials, and ease of custom-built products are driving the growth of the market. However, factor like limited availability of printer, high cost of materials and shortage of skilled professionals are hindering the growth of the market.