3D Printing Automation: $11.2bn Market by 2027

In the last two years, many major industrial companies have studied additive manufacturing closely to see how they can integrate it into their production chain. They hope to automate the process and make it a mass-produceable. This is one of the findings from SmarTech Publishings’ recent study of ‘Markets for Automated 3D Printing 2016-2017’, focusing on automating 3D printing in the next 10 years until 2027.

3D printing automation encompasses the machine, the supply of materials, post-processing, and the robotics or electronic systems which connect each machine. SmarTech Publishing focuses on the entire digital production chain. The diagram below shows this cycle:

SmarTech predict that in the next ten years the majority of industrial 3D printers will incorporate automation, reducing the need for skilled operators to supervise them. This will help rapid prototypers cut costs, and add value to stakeholders.