In January, International Data Corporation (IDC) released its "Worldwide Semiannual 3D Printing Spending Guide," which indicated that global spending on the 3D printing industry (including hardware, materials, software, and services and maintenance) was approximately $12 billion in 2018, an increase of 19.9% from 2017.
By 2021, IDC projects this will increase to $20 billion, with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.5%. Global 3D printers and materials are expected to account for two-thirds of this total expenditure, reaching an estimated $6.9 billion and $6.7 billion, respectively, by 2021.
(Image source: IDC data)
Which sectors contributed to this massive figure? Let's look at the key highlights from various industries presented at the TCT conference.
．Cross-industry Trends
From an economic perspective, Formnext is the most important trade show in the 3D printing industry. This year was the biggest ever, with 632 exhibitors from 32 countries and 26,919 professionals from various industries; from automotive to medical, design to engineering, diverse industries create opportunities for experts in every field.
．Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is closely focused on rapid prototyping. BMW has developed a strategic blueprint for using 3D printed metals and plastics for mass production. According to BMW's technical expert, Peter Mischke, they currently use 3D printing to replace a small number of fixtures and improve part designs.
Audi also welcomed another key figure this year, Martin Bock, who is specifically responsible for Audi's in-house metal 3D printing center using SLM (Selective Laser Melting) technology. Partner Christian Foltz also emphasized the driving force of 3D printing in his speech: "To fully leverage the advantages of 3D printing, the key for large enterprises will be how to integrate 3D printing into their current business models." (Extended reading: How "Ford Motor Company" is winning the battle on the production line?)
．Aerospace Technology
In recent years, the aerospace industry has continuously benefited from 3D printing, and aircraft manufacturers presented various new advancements at the TCT conference during Formnext. Premium AEROTEC GmbH showcased the design process for the auxiliary stability point of the Airbus A320, as well as the developed Engineering Data Management (EDM) and automated systems. ASCO Industries also discussed recent additive manufacturing test projects for the "gooseneck tube" in aircraft motion systems. (Extended reading: Royal Netherlands Air Force: Taking Flight with 3D Printing Technology!)
．Medical Industry
Compared to all industries benefiting from 3D printing, medicine may have the most significant advancements; saving lives or alleviating pain is priceless. Thanks to rapid prototyping, diagnoses can be made more easily and affordably.
In the TCT conference's theme on medical applications, a surgical resident from the Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital in the Netherlands discussed the added value of 3D printed models in pre-operative work for X-ray imaging and CT expansion, as well as the cost-effectiveness of 3D printing. Afterward, a researcher from the University of Padua also presented products and features of porous scaffolds made from biocompatible materials (such as titanium, shape-memory alloys).
．Design Field
The impact of 3D printing on future design and aesthetics may be more significant than we currently imagine. 3D printing not only affects the appearance of new devices but also how they feel and are used. Adidas also presented its revolutionary new shoe, the Futurecraft 4D, launched in late 2017, at this conference. Skipping some traditional manufacturing processes, the sole is produced using 3D printing. This not only provides an excellent experience in the process of innovating products but also confirms that the addition of 3D printing technology will be a reason to revise or update business models.
(Image source: Adidas official website.)
．New Industrial Applications
Kai-Uwe Mietzner of Siemens demonstrated a case of overcoming the challenge of providing accessories in the railway industry using FDM molding technology. The head of NAMIC in Singapore addressed the challenge of combining AR, VR, and robotics with 3D printing series products. Virtual reality combined with modern CAD software is a powerful tool for engineers and designers applying 3D printing technology.
．Emerging Materials
Meanwhile, Sinterit also released new materials specifically for desktop SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) 3D printers. For SLS technology in 3D printing, desktop equipment is still rare. Only a few manufacturers enable SMEs to purchase it for less than $10,000.
Sinterit expanded its powder range to seven different materials; PA12 Nylon is the standard, while PA11 Onyx is impact-resistant and tougher. There is high market demand for rubber-like materials, starting with the TPU materials Flexa Black and Flexa Gray, followed by Flexa Soft, which has the lowest Shore A hardness among materials.
Flexa Bright is Sinterit's first white powder, easy to dye. The latest release is TPE, a polymer of elastic and thermoplastic materials.
This year's TCT conference saw many new ideas, materials, and technological exchanges across various industries. These improvements, achieved through 3D printing in workflows and business models, will continue to influence global economic and manufacturing changes. We look forward to seeing more amazing advancements next November and at the upcoming Formnext 2019. (Extended reading: 2018 Formnext Exhibition Correspondent, Bringing You 3 Major Innovative Technologies!)
Want to learn more about 3D printing technology? 3DMart will hold a 3D technology sharing session on Friday, December 21st! In addition to understanding different 3D printing technologies and application scopes, and various samples, there will also be a practical demonstration of 3D printers (teaching originally priced at over NT$3000) and an introduction to 3D software Autodesk Inventor for beginners and application demonstrations (this session's topic: achieving optimized design and extending to manufacturing through Autodesk Inventor). Click here for details or register directly!
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Original link: https://www.sinterit.com/our-kind-of-show-the-formnext-is/