What Were the 3D Printing Trends in 2024?

2025 is just around the corner, but with 2024 now ending, it is time once again for us at 3Dnatives to reflect on the past year. This time last year, many signs of what was to come were already present: notably speaking, the downturn in the industry. This is why this year, before getting into the 3D printing trends for 2024, it is worth looking a little more closely at how those from 2023 were reflected this year.

For example, we started our retrospective last year discussing AI and its impact on the industry. AI software has only continued to be present in additive manufacturing, though the initial all-encompassing optimism in its potential has been tempered. That is not to say that it has not lived up to expectations, but rather that it is finding its place more securely in applications where it will be useful, for example medical, as well as continuing its place in generative design. We can expect to see a continued adoption of AI not for every case, but similarly to 3D printing, in areas where it can really make a difference.

The Bambu Lab A1 was recalled this year, but the company still saw sharp growth (photo credits: Bambu Lab)

Budget also continues to play a role. In 2023, Bambu Lab made headlines throughout the sector as 3D printing enthusiasts turned en masse to the affordable, fast desktop solutions from the company. This is something that will only continue in 2024. Bambu Lab, despite some hurdles, including a recall on the A1 3D printer, continued to be a tour de force in the industry, growing rapidly and adding to its offerings. Showing that for many 3D printing users, affordability continues to be one of the major issues.