World demand for 3D printers and related materials, including plastics, is predicted by US market researcher Freedonia (Cleveland, Ohio; www.freedonia.com) to increase 21% annually reaching USD 5 bn in 2017. The 293-page report, "World 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing)", says plastics will continue to account for the majority of materials demand but forecasts faster growth for metals due to their greater strength and resistance as well as rapid gains in markets such as aerospace.

Prototyping will remain the largest application but stronger growth will come from production and consumer uses as 3D printers will increasingly be used to manufacture direct production parts and finished goods. Some of the fastest growth will be seen in the medical and dental sectors, while other significant markets include consumer products such as jewellery, toys, fashion clothing and electronics as well as automotive and aerospace. Pauline Tung, an analyst with Freedonia, expects “greater adoption of additive manufacturing technologies as 3D printing speeds and material quality improve”.

The US will remain the world’s largest market for 3D printing, accounting for 42% of global sales in 2017 when demand will have risen to nearly USD 2.3 bn from 2012’s level of USD 900m, according to the report. In Europe, demand is projected to climb from USD 495m in 2012 to more than USD 1.2 bn five years later. Rapid gains are expected in China where most applications, particularly those in large markets such as consumer products manufacturing, centre on design, sample testing or prototyping.