Gartner Hype Cycle 2019: 3D Printing Predictions

Every year the Gartner Institute publishes its annual predictions for new technologies. It highlights the trends to consider for future manufacturing processes and products. In mid-December, they published their Gartner Hype Cycle showcasing their 3D printing predictions for 2019.

What is the Gartner Hype Cycle?

First, it is important to explain the Gartner curve, also referred to as the Gartner Hype Cycle. We can see that the first phase of the Gartner Hype Cycle is a phase of growing enthusiasm and rising expectations for the technology in question. Indeed, users of the technology are confident it will open new opportunities and has a lot to offer. Once these expectations reach a peak, consumers realise that the technology will be harder than expected to implement. Therefore, their enthusiasm for it starts to plummet. Finally, the curve will reach its second wave of growth. As investments and developments are made expectations start to rise more gradually once again until reaching a plateau.

Gartner Hype Cycle: 3D Printing Predictions for 2019

4D Printing Getting Started

Whilst 3D printing is expected to continue its growth, 4D printing has recently entered the market and is in the first phase of the Hype Cycle. 4D printing has the potential of offering dynamic capabilities. It is currently being researched and developed by universities and some companies such as Airbus, Autodesk, HP and Stratasys. Soon enough 4D printing will have to face computer, scientific and engineering hurdles. It is expected to only reach its plateau in about ten years. The Gartner report predicts that by 2023, startup companies working to commercialise 4D printing will attract $300 million in venture capital.