The total value of 3D-printed parts increased 300% in 2019, suggesting a shift away from the high-volume, low-value consumer market in favor of professional users’ workflows.

3D printing is now adopted by the early majority for serial production. With ubiquitous applications across multiple industries—including automotive, aerospace, maritime, medical, sports, railway and defense—3D printing is changing new product development and aftermarket supply chains globally.

3D printing entrepreneurship is strong and driven by applications. A record-high $1.1 billion was raised by 3D-printing startups in 2019 alone. Applications of 3D printing are attracting the largest number of investors.

The 3D-printing market keeps growing at record speeds. Top analysts agree that, as adoption steadily increases, the total 3D printing market will continue to double in size approximately every three years, despite the current poor returns of publicly traded 3D-printing companies.

Professional users are turning to online manufacturing platforms. The plethora of 3D-printing materials and systems makes it impossible for companies to invest in in-house capabilities that cover all use-cases. Many professionals choose online manufacturing platforms as the most competitive solution to fulfill their serial 3D-printing production needs.

3D printing is only one aspect of the new digital manufacturing space. Combined with other digital manufacturing technologies, such as CNC machining and low-run injection molding, and powered by digital supply chains and smart factories, 3D printing is forming a new manufacturing landscape.