Global 3D printer shipments are anticipated to grow by ten times between 2012 and 2017, a new IDC report revealed.
According to IDC’s ‘Worldwide 3D Printer 2012-2017 Forecast and Vendor Shares’ report, the global 3D printer market will experience massive unit and revenue growth, with compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) of 59% and 29%, respectively by the end of forecast period.
IDC Imaging, Printing and Document Solutions vice president Keith Kmetz said that print is extending beyond output on media to the creation of an actual object, and that presents incredible opportunity.
"While traditional print technologies are facing maturity, 3D printers will see worldwide unit shipments grow by 10 times over the forecast period, and worldwide hardware value will more than double in the short term," Kmetz said.
Currently, 3D printers are being used often in business applications such as general manufacturing/R&D applications, in addition to aerospace, automotive, education, dental, jewellery, medical, and recreation vertical industries.
Amid increasing demand from traditional printer vendors, HP is preparing entering the 3D printing market in mid-next year, and Konica Minolta is anticipated to sign a distribution deal with US.
