Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, an indirect subsidiary of Stratasys, Ltd, recently released an in-depth industry report titled “3D Printing’s Imminent Impact on Manufacturing“.
According to the company’s news release, a total of 700 designers, engineers and executives – 40 percent of whom are employed by companies with over $50 million in revenue – took part in the independent survey.
With the information gathered from employees in companies that already use 3D printing, the report unveils what applications, business benefits and challenges, equipment, materials and services are capturing the attention of 3D printing’s most committed users – and where their companies will invest.
“We needed to look beyond our factory walls to get a more complete sense of where 3D printing is headed, so we turned to those who live and breathe the technology just like we do – professional users,” said Joe Allison, CEO of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing.
“We set out to uncover the common themes among companies who are on the spectrum of larger-scale adoption and integration of 3D printing into their manufacturing process. We’re sharing our findings to help advance adoption and help manufacturers’ maximise the business benefits.”
According to the findings, additive metal use is expected to nearly double over the next 3 years. Further, most of the participants in the survey – representing the aerospace, automotive, consumer and medical sectors – said that more end-use parts will likely be designed specifically for additive manufacturing (AM) in the future and that there would always be value in partnering with an AM service provider to augment internal capabilities.
“If your company is a committed user of 3D printing, the report will provide assurance that you are headed down a similar path of your peers and face many of the same challenges to adoption. If you’re still dipping your toe in the water, the results may serve as a wake-up call to take swifter action,” added Allison.
Click here to download a free copy of the report.
