The Gartner group is a frequent resource for tracking technical developments. Its Hype Cycle curve being one of the more referenced graphics for analysis. Of course, hype refers to the amount of attention a subject is getting as it relates to development.

Recently, Gartner released a report on the state of 3D printing for 2017. According to the report, the subjects “on the rise” of the hype curve and that you will be hearing more about include:

–3D Printing Workflow Software

–3D-Printed Drugs

–3D Bioprinted Organ Transplants

–IP Protection in 3DP

–Macro 3D Printing

–Sheet Lamination

–3D Printing in Oil and Gas

Categories that may be at their peak of media attention include:

–Powder Bed Fusion

–Directed Energy Deposition

–3D Printed Surgical Implants

–3D Printing in Supply Chain

–3D Bioprinting for Life Science R&D

Those subjects receiving less attention (or that the media have inundated in coverage) and moving into the trough include:

–3D Printing of Medical Devices

–3D Bioprinted Human Tissue

–Consumer 3D Printing

–3D Printing in Manufacturing Operations

–3DP in Aerospace and Defense

–Stereolithography

–3DP Presurgery Anatomical Models

–3D Printed Tooling, Jigs and Fixtures

–3D Printed Electronics and Fabrication

And those categories that have something new to talk about courtesy of recent investment and development (i.e., climbing the slope) include:

–3D Printing of Dental Devices

–Binder Jetting

–Material Jetting

–3DP in Automotive

–Enterprise 3D Printing

–Material Extrusion

–3D Scanners

–3D Print Creation Software

–3D Printing Service Bureaus

And those categories that are “entering the plateau” of the curve and settling into various states of productivity.

–3D Printing for Prototyping

–3D Printing of Hearing Devices

You can get more on the report here:

Leslie Langnau
llangnau@wtwhmedia.com