What Were the 3D Printing Trends in 2023?

As 2023 comes to a close, it is once again time to reflect upon the 3D printing trends that have dominated since January. In general, this year was a turbulent and exciting one, not just in additive manufacturing but around the entire world. Though escalating conflicts and general global economic difficulties have been prevalent, with a significant negative impact on much of the world, there have been positives as well.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in particular has been huge. Starting with the launch of ChatGPT at the end of last year, AI has been the term on everyone’s lips, with numerous (ever increasingly advanced) solutions being launched over the course of 2023. Of course, though the prospect of ever more mature AI was a welcome one to many, it also prompted discussions into the proper use of it, for example when it came to art and writing. Moreover, AI also was a subject in 3D printing.

Could this be the future of 3D printing with AI? Probably not, but the topic has been a popular one in 2023 (photo credits: inTinker)

It should be noted that AI and machine learning have been used for quite some time already in additive manufacturing. However, the use of these software focused mostly on process control during printing and automation. This year we also saw a discussion into new ways that AI could be used in 3D printing. For example, AI software could help to design 3D models.