Crowdfunding: An accelerator for 3D printing?

3D printing is a fascinating technology that gives its users unlimited possibilities to further one’s creative aspirations or to provide the push needed to completely revolutionize an entire industry. With the possibilities that 3D printing offers, it is no surprise that companies are trying to break out into this disruptive market, creating an undeniable trend in those who want to help progress the future of 3D printing.

In the Wohlers Report for 2016, their study of the 3D printing industry showed that they had a total sale of 278,000 desktop 3D printers, numbers that obviously don’t lie. These numbers clearly demonstrate the pull that many industries feel that leads them to jump head first into this technology. Making the plunge more often than not has been 3D printing startups who are wanting to hit while the iron is still hot. Although the goals between companies may change, they have been able to bring new projects to the table that offer cheaper, more cost effective solutions to the market.

Crowdfunding

A key accelerator from many of these projects has been crowdfunding platforms. The reason for its popularity in projects like 3D printing is because it is easier to reach people who are interested in this type of technology; enabling startups to both promote and fund their ideas all on one platform. To have an idea of the impact that crowdfunding platforms could potentially have in relation to this technology can be seen in the numbers alone. In 2016, more than $800 million was raised by around 5.6 million contributors on the two largest crowdfunding websites: Indiegogo and Kickstarter. With people looking to back something and with money to give, crowdfunding ultimately attracts makers and innovative thinkers who want to make their 3D printing aspirations a reality.