For many people, 3D printing and additive manufacturing are new, novel, fun, and empowering. For many engineers, though, this is the second time 3D printing and additive manufacturing have been presented as transformative technology. The first time, about 25 or so years ago, the technology was intriguing and somewhat useful. But after a brief time, many engineers turned away from it because it didn’t quite deliver on the promises made then.

So what is different this time? What is fueling the momentum? Why should you pay attention?

Is it simply a case of timing?

Maybe. But other reasons may apply as well. According to Terry Wohlers, president, Wohlers Associates Inc., you can trace the ignition point of the rapid growth of this industry to the third quarter of 2012.  It was during this time period that the industry saw the introduction of a number of low-cost 3D printers, those less than $5000.00, which helped create an awareness of this technology among the general public.

It was during this quarter that investors, government agencies, corporations, and others took note of this industry and began to formulate plans on how best to participate with it.

Today, low-cost 3D printers are being sold at Home Depot, on Amazon, and in some office supply retailers. And a week does not go by without some entrepreneur announcing a new low-cost 3D printing looking for Kickstarter funding.

Other factors have and are contributing to the continuing growth of this industry. Some of these factors have nothing to do with technology.

One of the technical factors, though, is the airline industry, which has become a large user of additive manufacturing. Tens of thousands of Boeing parts are flying on planes now. Airbus is using AM parts on its planes. And GE is using AM to produce and innovate parts for airplane builders. Two key benefits of using additive manufacturing technology are weight and material savings, which are driving acceptance. Airbus has 20 projects under way. Airbus also has placed hundreds of Ultem 9085 plastic AM made parts on its planes, which hold wiring and cabling.

The medical industry has had, and continues to have amazing success with additive manufacturing. Both high end and low-end applications have exploded. Hearing aids and dental appliances have a long successful history with additive manufacturing. Now, the industry is expanding into surgical aids and surgical instruments. And this technology could radically transform prosthetic development.

A non-technology factor is the confusion between the low cost desktop models and professional 3D printers, especially among the media. This confusion includes what each type of 3D printer can and cannot do as well as future capabilities. But, this confusion is driving the awareness of this technology forward. It has helped lead to enthusiasm as well as hype, but it is also helped create the excitement around the industry.

Which leads to controversy. Controversy has been a major factor in the awareness of 3D printing, from 3D printed guns to 3D printed organs.

The other factor that has increased awareness is the attention of mainstream media, magazines and news organizations like the Economist, Forbes, Wired, CNN, and others. The initial event was around the year 2011, when the Economist wrote about 3D printing a Stradivarius violin.

A critical factor in the development, and ultimately the sustainability, of this industry was the announcement of the formation of America Makes—the institution/organization charged with spearheading research and development. The announcement from President Obama, “…. lit a fire under other governments around the world, such as China,” noted Wohlers. These governments are investing in this industry now, which may help spur greater U.S. investment.

And lastly, the other driver behind 3D printing is its continued growth. The following figures are from Wohlers Associates report on the state of the industry. This industry has experience more than 30% compounded average growth rate over the last three years. It has nearly tripled in four years. (Without this growth, the previous awareness factors would have less of an effect on this industry.) The metal additive manufacturing portion grew 76% during 2013 alone! The use of additive manufacturing for part production grew by more than 65%, with more than 1/3 of growth going into end-use parts.

The bottom line is that money is going into this industry for use, growth, research, and more. This time, barring a disaster, 3D printing / additive manufacturing is here to stay.

Leslie Langnau
llangnau@wtwhmedia.com