Objects on Demand: The Rise of the 3D Printing Revolution

OBJECTS ON- dDEMAND THE RISE OF THE 3D PRINTING REVOLUTION Every so often a technology comes along that disrupts the entire world in a profound way. Think of the internal combustion engine, the personal computer, the smartphone, and now 3D printing. This innovation enables users to quickly, easily,and cheaply produce three-dimensional objects straight from their computer. The possibilities of this technology are virtually endless, and early adopters are already putting it to creative use. Below we explore how 3D printing works and how big the market is expected to grow. HOW 3D PRINTING WORKS 3D printing functions by a process known as "additive manufacturing." Here is how it works: Material Material Material A three-dimensional object is modeled by a designer using software such as CAD. The design is sent to the printer, and a printing material is selected. The printer makes passes, releasing Once all the layers a small amount of the material in a have been added, layer-by-layer process. the object is fully formed. Some of these machines, such as those made by Objet, can print in over 100 materials. These materials can create: Rubber materials Hard plastics Polyurethane-like materials Temperature-resistant Opaque and transparent materials materials This is a wholly different process from traditional "subtractive manufacturing," where material is machined away to form an object. THE GROWTH OF THE 3D PRINTING INDUSTRY The 3D is expected to change nearly every industry it touches, completely disrupting the traditional manufacturing process. As a result, the projected value of the industry is expected to explode in the near future, reaching: $5.2 BILLION $6 $5 $3.1 BİLLION $4 2020 2016 300% $3 2012 $1.3 BİLLION $2 $1 This represents a 300 percent growth in just eight short years. 2012 2016 2020 Several 3D printing companies are already publicly traded. The current top stocks are: PROTO LABS NYSE: PRLB* 3D SYSTEMS NYSE: DDD** STRATASYS NASDAQ: SSYS* $58.87 $39.08 $37.00 $24.07 $12.78 $17.88 HIGH HIGH HIGH LOW LOW LOW *Price range since February 2012 IPO to July 2012 **Price range from July 2011 to July 2012 3D PRINTING IN PRACTICAL USE Even though this technology is still very young, it is already being employed in a number of practical ways. MEDICAL ARCHITECTURE The medical industry can print human body parts, including a human lower jaw that was successfully implanted in a patient earlier this year. Designers use 3D printing to create models of buildings and developments. Some architects also use pieces printed from 3D printers to build structures with. DEFENSE AUTOMOTIVE The Department of Defense uses 3D printing to create highly specialized aerospace pieces quickly and cheaply. Auto enthusiasts, including Jay Leno, have used 3D printers to create discontinued parts for classic cars. DHighTable Sources: On3dprinting.com | Forbes.com IN BILLIONS USD