International Data Corporation (IDC) released its "Worldwide Semiannual 3D Printing Spending Guide" in January this year, indicating that global spending on the 3D printing industry (including hardware, materials, software, and services and maintenance) was approximately US$12 billion in 2018, an increase of 19.9% over 2017.
By 2021, IDC expects this figure to increase to US$20 billion, with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.5%. Global 3D printers and materials will account for two-thirds of this total spending, estimated to reach US$6.9 billion and US$6.7 billion respectively in 2021.
(Image source: IDC data)
Which sectors contributed to this massive figure? Let's take a look at the highlights from various industry presentations at the TCT conference.
．Cross-industry trends
From an economic perspective, Formnext is the most important business exhibition in the 3D printing industry, and this year it was the largest ever, with 632 exhibitors from 32 countries and 26,919 professionals from various industries; from automotive to medical, design to engineering, the diverse industries create opportunities for experts in every field.
．Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is closely focused on rapid prototyping, and BMW has already developed a strategic blueprint to use 3D printed metals and plastics for mass production. According to Peter Mischke, a technical expert at BMW, they currently use 3D printing to replace small jigs and improve part design.
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 utilize the advantages of 3D printing, for large enterprises, how to integrate 3D printing into current business models will be key." (Further reading: How Ford Motor Company is winning the production line war?)
．Aerospace Technology
In recent years, the aerospace industry has also continuously benefited from 3D printing, and aircraft manufacturers presented various new advancements at the TCT conference during this year's Formnext. Premium AEROTEC GmbH showcased the design process of the Airbus A320 auxiliary stabilization point, as well as the developed Engineering Data Management (EDM) and automation systems. ASCO Industries also discussed recent additive manufacturing test projects for "goosenecks" in aircraft motion systems. (Further 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 suffering is priceless, and thanks to rapid prototyping, diagnoses can be made more easily and affordably.
In the session on medical applications at the TCT conference, a surgical resident from the Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital in the Netherlands also discussed the added value of 3D printed models in preoperative work for X-rays and CT expansions, as well as the cost-effectiveness of 3D printing. Following this, a researcher from the University of Padua presented products and features of porous scaffolds made from biocompatible materials such as titanium and 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 their feel and how they are used. Adidas also presented its groundbreaking new shoe, the Futurecraft4D, launched at the end of 2017, at this conference. By eliminating some traditional manufacturing processes, the sole is produced using 3D printing. This not only offers an excellent experience in the innovative product process but also confirms that the integration of 3D printing technology will be a reason to adjust or update business models.
(Image source: Adidas official website.)
．New Industrial Applications
Kai-Uwe Mietzner of Siemens presented 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 challenges of combining AR, VR, and robotics with 3D printing 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 unveiled new materials specifically for desktop SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) 3D printers. Desktop equipment is still rare for 3D printing with SLS technology. Only a few manufacturers can offer small and medium-sized enterprises purchases for under $10,000.
Sinterit has expanded its powder range to seven different materials; PA12 nylon is the standard, while PA11 Onyx is impact-resistant and tougher. There is a large market demand for rubber-like materials, primarily Flexa Black and Flexa Gray TPU materials, 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 industries. These improvements, achieved through 3D printing in workflows and business models, will continue to impact the global economy and manufacturing. We look forward to seeing more amazing advancements next November and at the upcoming Formnext 2019. (Further reading: 2018 Formnext Exhibition Dispatch, 3 Major Innovative Technologies to See!)
Want to learn more about 3D printing technology? 3DMart will hold a 3D Technology Sharing Session on December 21st (Friday)! In addition to understanding different 3D printing technologies and application areas, and various samples, there will also be practical operations of 3D printers (teaching originally priced at over NT$3000) and an introduction to and application demonstration of 3D software Autodesk Inventor (this session's theme: 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/