3D printing is showing immense potential and is expected to revolutionize the manufacturing industry. According to recent reports, global spending on 3D printing is projected to reach $66.7 billion by 2020, growing at a compound annual rate of 66.5%. Sales are anticipated to exceed $6.5 million, highlighting the rapid adoption of this technology. Industry experts predict that by 2020, 75% of motion control manufacturing will utilize 3D printed tools and fixtures from internal or third-party service departments, significantly reducing product launch times by 25%. Additionally, enterprise 3D printer shipments are expected to grow at a 57.4% compound annual rate.
The primary applications of 3D printing include accelerating product development, offering customized and limited-run production, and enhancing manufacturing flexibility. Market forecasts indicate that 57% of all 3D printing jobs are in the early stages of new product development. In 2017, 55% of companies planned to increase their investment in 3D printing services, while 47% reported higher returns compared to 2016.
By 2020, the market is expected to see over 15 times more 3D printers sold, with revenue reaching $21 billion. A significant 71% of manufacturers are already using 3D printing, and 50% plan to boost their spending within the next year. Furthermore, 60% use 3D printing for creating product features. The transformation of industries, especially the massive $12 trillion manufacturing sector, is underway as 3D printing moves from innovation and prototyping into mainstream production.
Although early adoption was limited to prototype design and new product introduction (NPI), the technology has now reached a stage where it supports large-scale manufacturing. Thanks to continuous innovation and successful case studies, 3D printing is gaining traction in mature production environments. A survey by Dimensional Research and Jabil revealed that 40% of manufacturing decision-makers expect 3D printing usage to more than double in the next five years, with some anticipating growth of over five times. Most believe this shift will change how they operate and think about production.
John Dulchinos, vice president of advanced digital manufacturing at Jabil, emphasized the need for a new approach to design and manufacturing. “We need end-to-end digital solutions that connect R&D, quality, supply chain, and manufacturing processes,†he said. Ensuring product quality during the transition from traditional methods to digital systems requires a strong commitment to rigorous manufacturing standards. At the same time, R&D and engineering teams face challenges in verifying the time and cost of new, destructive methods.
Despite these hurdles, 85% of respondents are more willing to adopt 3D printing rather than rely on it as the main process. While many hope for a higher success rate before moving forward, about 20% prefer to wait until 3D printing becomes a standard. Joanne Moretti, Jabil’s chief marketing officer, noted that the pressure from new entrants using mobile and 3D printing technologies is reshaping the industry. These newcomers apply agile methods and innovative thinking, challenging traditional OEMs still relying on conventional manufacturing and supply chains.
From a personal perspective, the future of 3D printing is here, and those who delay its adoption risk losing customers and market share. Distributed manufacturing, enabled by 3D printing, allows products to be produced closer to the end customer, reducing transportation costs and delivery times while bringing jobs back to local markets. Jabil and other pioneers have demonstrated the value of this model, with HP’s MultiJet Fusion technology being used to mass-produce 50 end-product parts.
The benefits of 3D printing are clear. For example, producing a part traditionally costs $20, but with 3D printing, it only costs $6. Additionally, the elimination of multiple components reduces weight by 70%. Real-world examples like Jabil’s Silicon Valley R&D team collaborating with a smart factory in Singapore showcase the power of distributed manufacturing. By sharing digital files and integrating final parts into production lines, the process becomes more efficient and adaptable.
High-quality teams are combining 3D printing with traditional methods to offer the best of both worlds, meeting customer needs and adapting to the evolving demands of modern manufacturing.
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