Five signs that 3D printing is growing

What do you think?
POST A COMMENT

By Steve Erickson, vice-president at First American Plastic
13 February 2014

The potential applications of 3D printing are increasing exponentially, according to First American Plastic (cc Compfight // fdecomite)

Enthusiasm is surrounding the 3D printing industry, and the business and manufacturing worlds are taking notice. Don't believe it? Here are five recent developments that demonstrate how 3D printing is gaining steam.

1. A mutual fund for the industry

3D printing is growing out of its 'niche' market status, as well as going global. Recognising the rapid growth the industry has seen, portfolio management company Outlook Advisors announced a mutual fund focused on the industry. The fund itself will consist of global 3D printing companies, as Europe and Asia are expected to approach and eventually surpass theUnited States in terms of revenue in the industry.

2. GE forecasts heavy 3D involvement

General Electric has been actively expanding the usage of 3D printers in its operations, and has estimated that, within 20 years, 3D printing will affect half of GE's manufacturing. Business segments expecting to adopt the technology to a greater degree include aviation, energy technology, medical equipment and home appliances.

GE already uses 3D printing, to a certain extent, in medical device manufacturing, jet engine part manufacturing and prototyping washing machine components. GE's push into 3D printing technology could mean that many other large-scale manufacturers will follow, resulting in further growth and mainstream exposure in the industry.

3. Researchers aim to 3D print a house

Researchers at The University of Southern California have built a 3D printer large enough to – theoretically – build a house in 24 hours. The printer includes a concrete-pouring nozzle and uses Contour Crafting, a system that glides along guide rails to lay cement based on a computer-generated pattern. Contour Crafting could potentially reduce the cost of owning a home and open up yet another avenue for the nascent technology.

4. MakerBot chief executive headlines Businessweek Design Conference

Bre Pettis, the chief executive officer of 3D printing manufacturer MakerBot, is slated to headline the Bloomberg Businessweek Design Conference. The Bloomberg Businessweek Design conference, held in San Francisco, is a gathering of the biggest players in the business world to discuss architecture, transportation, graphic design, technology, urban design and product manufacturing, among other market sectors. This announcement places 3D printing firmly among the major technologies currently used in construction and design.

5. 3D Printing makes it into the Golden Mousetrap Awards

Design News magazine's Golden Mousetrap Awards has a new addition to the materials and assembly category. This year, 3D printing and rapid prototyping materials, tools and services will be included as a new section, the first time that the technology has been recognised by the awards board.

Positioned at the cutting edge of innovation and technology, the 3D printing industry is seeing enthusiasm build as more and more people become aware of the possibilities that the technology presents within myriad industries. These and other stories demonstrate the trajectory the industry is on and the continuing growth it will see.

Steve Erickson, vice-president, sales and engineering, brings more than 30 years of experience in the plastic injection moulding industry to First American Plastic and Quad, both in South Beloit, Illinois. First American Plastic is a custom plastic injection-moulding manufacturer that specializes in 3D printing.