CHART: Readers predict 3D printing’s future

ENGINEERING.com’s readers expect steady, not explosive, growth. 

Chart showing predictions for 3D printing industry

Strong, steady growth for the entire 3D printing industry is what our survey results show. According to our readers, that growth will be driven by advances in materials, output quality, speed and overall performance.

What they aren’t accepting are the extremes: no growth or explosive growth. 

While the Economist magazine (and others) have predicted that a 3D printing industrial revolution is imminent, our readers expect an evolution. As professional engineers, they see how things work in the world of manufacturing. Does this create inappropriate skepticism that blinds them to the potential or healthy pragmatism that leads to sound decisions?