3D Hubs Report: Key Market Findings and Trends for 2019

3D Hubs has released its traditional quarterly trends report. 3D Hubs is the world’s largest network of manufacturing services. Looking back on 2018, the company admits that the most significant change was the evolution of 3D printing from an almost exclusively prototyping technology to a viable manufacturing method. Mainly driven by the automative and aerospace industries, engineers are increasingly examining and considering 3D technologies as a viable process to integrate to their manufacturing portfolio. However, prototyping still remains the primary application of the technology.

Additionally, just like the last report we covered from Deloitte, 3D Hubs agrees that 3D printing is only part of the solution. Even though it will revolutionise many fields, it will not completely replace traditional methods of production such as CNC machining or injection moulding. Quite the opposite, it will work alongside them to create a digital manufacturing ecosystem. The report also touches on the online use of the technology, which is mainly driven by professional users. The geographic breakdown of the online 3D printing demand showed great concentration around areas with a strong tech and entrepreneurial scene.

Source: 3D Hubs

The most influential events of 2018

The current annual revenue of the global AM market for 2018 was estimated to be between $9.3 and $11.5 billion by different analysts. From 2013 to 2017, the market grew at a rate of 24.7% on average every year and for the next five years the projected growth rate will be between 18.2% and 27.2% according to the different experts. Therefore, it averages at 23.5% a year, which means that in the next three years the market should have doubled in size. Also, currently valued at $12.7 trillion, the report emphasises that it only represents 0.1% of global manufacturing despite the growth.