3D Printing Industry Accelerates: Key Investments, Financial Growth, and Strategic Expansions

The landscape of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is continuously evolving, marked by relentless innovation and significant market expansion. From the introduction of groundbreaking technologies to the integration of additive processes within established production chains, the industry is propelling itself forward at an unprecedented pace. This overview delves into the most compelling business and financial news shaping the 3D printing sector, providing insights into the latest investment trends, quarterly financial reports, strategic company acquisitions, and ambitious expansion strategies from both industry giants and promising startups. Join us as we explore the dynamic forces driving growth and transformation across this exciting global industry.

Strategic Investments and Promising Kickstarter Innovations

Investment in the 3D printing sector remains robust, signaling strong confidence in its future potential across various applications. A notable example is the American manufacturing giant, Caterpillar, which recently injected $2 million into Fastbrick Robotics. This innovative startup is on a mission to revolutionize the home building industry with its unique robotic machine, capable of efficiently laying bricks at an unmatched speed. Caterpillar’s initial investment highlights a strategic interest in automating construction processes and improving efficiency in a traditionally labor-intensive sector. The company’s plans to invest an additional $8 million in the coming months further underscore its commitment to this transformative technology, positioning Fastbrick Robotics as a key player in the future of automated construction.

Another significant development comes from Adelaide, Australia, where metal 3D printing startup AML Technologies secured a substantial grant of $500,000 AUD. This funding is earmarked for advancing its innovative Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) process, specifically tailored for the production of medium to large metal parts. This investment is part of a larger $11.2 million AUD commercialization grant provided through the government’s Entrepreneurs Program, demonstrating a strategic national interest in fostering advanced manufacturing capabilities and supporting local innovation in high-value industries. The WAAM process holds immense potential for reducing material waste and production time in critical sectors such as aerospace, defense, and heavy machinery.

In a major funding milestone, Desktop Metal, a Boston-based startup, successfully raised an impressive $115 million in a Series D funding round. This latest injection of capital brings their total investments to a remarkable $212 million, solidifying their position as a formidable force in the metal 3D printing space. Desktop Metal is renowned for manufacturing advanced 3D printers that leverage innovative technologies to produce metal parts with unprecedented speed and efficiency. This substantial funding round will undoubtedly accelerate their research and development efforts, enhance their manufacturing capabilities, and expand their market reach, further driving the adoption of metal additive manufacturing across various industrial applications.

The democratization of 3D printing technology continues to gain momentum, largely thanks to platforms like Kickstarter. Several 3D printer campaigns have recently concluded or are currently running with exceptional success. The SparkMaker, an ultra-affordable SLA (Stereolithography) printer, achieved extraordinary success, surpassing its initial financing goal of $20,000 by more than tenfold, ultimately collecting over $270,000. This remarkable achievement is largely attributed to its accessible price point of just $99, making high-resolution SLA printing available to a broader audience of hobbyists, designers, and small businesses. Following this trend, the Obsidian desktop printer by Kodama also concluded its campaign successfully, raising an impressive $1.6 million. Similarly, the Bean SLA 3D printer from Kudo3D captivated backers, managing to collect a total of $709,000. These Kickstarter triumphs highlight a strong consumer appetite for affordable, high-quality 3D printing solutions and underscore the platform’s role in validating market demand and bringing innovative products to life.

Robust Financial Reports: Indicators of Revenue Growth

The financial performance of key players in the 3D printing and related sectors provides a clear picture of sustained growth and increasing market penetration. ProtoLabs, a leading global provider of rapid prototyping and on-demand manufacturing services, reported strong revenues of $82 million for the second quarter of 2017. This figure represents a healthy growth of 9.4% compared to the same quarter in 2016, reflecting increased demand for their diverse range of manufacturing solutions, including injection molding, CNC machining, and, significantly, 3D printing services. To meet this escalating demand and accommodate future expansion, the US-based company has announced plans to invest $4 million. This capital will be strategically allocated to enhance their manufacturing technologies and expand their printing centers in Telford, UK, ensuring they maintain their competitive edge and service capabilities in the European market.

Prodways, a prominent subsidiary of the French industrial group Gorgé, also delivered impressive financial results. For the second quarter, the company recorded total revenues of $7.2 million, a significant increase from $6.5 million in 2016. This revenue was judiciously split, with $3.5 million generated from the sales of their advanced 3D printers and materials, and $3.7 million from their comprehensive service offerings. Prodways is recognized for its cutting-edge DLP (Digital Light Processing) based 3D printers and has more recently expanded its portfolio to include metal 3D printers, catering to a broader industrial clientele. Their successful listing on the stock exchange a few months prior further underscores investor confidence in their growth strategy and the long-term potential of their additive manufacturing technologies.

In the realm of software, a critical component supporting the entire additive manufacturing ecosystem, French industry giant Dassault Systèmes reported robust financial performance. The company announced sales of $810 million in the last quarter, marking a healthy 6% increase when compared to the previous year. This growth highlights the increasing demand for sophisticated design, simulation, and manufacturing software solutions that underpin modern industrial production. Simultaneously, Dassault Systèmes proudly announced a landmark deal with Boeing, valued at approximately $1 billion. This strategic partnership involves the modernization of Boeing’s extensive production lines through the implementation of Dassault Systèmes’ advanced 3DEXPERIENCE platform, solidifying their role as a crucial technology enabler for large-scale industrial innovation and digital transformation.

Further Financial News and Strategic Global Initiatives

Beyond individual company performance, broader strategic initiatives are shaping the global additive manufacturing landscape. HeyGears Technology Ltd., a Guangzhou-based company specializing in intelligent wearables and advanced manufacturing, has unveiled ambitious plans for the construction of a €126 million center dedicated to 3D printing and additive manufacturing. This substantial investment is a testament to the company’s commitment to leveraging this technology, which it has already extensively applied in its product development. The new state-of-the-art facility is strategically designed to significantly advance China’s national 3D printing industry. It will encompass dedicated departments for training and education, cutting-edge research and development, and a high-capacity 3D production center, fostering innovation and talent within the region.

In Europe, the 3rd Additive Manufacturing European Conference concluded with pivotal decisions regarding the future direction of the EU AM Strategy. A core focus has been placed on bolstering education and training initiatives to secure Europe’s position as a global leader in additive manufacturing. This commitment translates into improved funding mechanisms for academic institutions and promising startups, along with increased accessibility to 3D printing technology through expanded 3DP training programs and the establishment of more FabLabs across the continent. Such measures aim to cultivate a skilled workforce and foster innovation at all levels. Furthermore, the strategy emphasizes the critical importance of minimizing cyber-attacks to protect intellectual property and sensitive manufacturing data, alongside promoting robust global AM trading frameworks to facilitate international collaboration and market growth.

On a similar note, Singapore has made a significant commitment with a $13 million investment in a dedicated research center for medical 3D printing. This strategic move highlights the growing recognition of additive manufacturing’s transformative potential in healthcare. The center will concentrate its efforts on exploring novel applications of 3D printing technology in medicine, developing new curricula for graduates to equip them with specialized skills, and forging strong partnerships with local companies to accelerate the commercialization of medical innovations. This initiative is expected to drive advancements in areas such as personalized implants, prosthetic devices, surgical guides, and potentially even bioprinting, positioning Singapore as a hub for medical additive manufacturing excellence.

These latest announcements from July underscore a period of dynamic growth, strategic investment, and forward-thinking policy development within the global 3D printing industry. From groundbreaking technological advancements and robust financial performances to significant educational and infrastructural initiatives, the additive manufacturing sector continues to demonstrate its immense potential to redefine manufacturing, healthcare, and construction worldwide. We are witnessing an industry rapidly maturing and expanding its influence across diverse economic sectors.

What are your thoughts on these impactful developments shaping the future of additive manufacturing? Share your insights and opinions in a comment below, or join the conversation on our Facebook and Twitter pages! For all the latest news and updates directly in your inbox, don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter.