FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. 3D print market remains white hot, fueled by the explosion of 3D print manufacturers from around the world who are setting their sites squarely on the United States. According to new research from International Data Corporation (IDC), the United States is the world's largest market for 3D printers with hardware revenues expected to approach $1.5 billion by 2019.
The increasing demand to reduce manufacturing cycle times and to reduce prototyping costs are major drivers of 3D printing. "The technologies that enable 3D printing continue to develop and expand in nearly every direction," said Tim Greene, Research Director, Hardcopy Solutions. "These technologies can help deliver larger, more accurate, and more solidly built models in a fraction of the time."
In terms of shipments, fused deposition modeling (FDM/FFF) is the largest technology within the 3D printing market, and there has been some explosive growth among suppliers of FDM/FFF printers. Additionally, the emergence of dual-extrusion printing, offered by an increasing number of suppliers, is gaining significant traction as this technology can effectively double the build speed.
Additional findings from IDC's research include:
- With key patents expiring in 2014, stereolithography (SLA) technologies, which offer the potential to increase speed and build size, are being more widely explored.
- FDM/FFF and SLA are by far the two largest 3D printer segments in terms of shipments.
- The entry of new players like HP in the MultiJet/PolyJet technology segment will fuel a growth rate of more than 30% per year between 2014 and 2019.
- The smallest but the fastest-growing technology segment is selective laser sintering (SLS).
The IDC study, U.S. 3D Printer Forecast, 2015–2019 (Doc #258875), covers 3D printer shipments and the revenue derived by those shipments through the year 2019. This covers a very interesting and dynamic phase of the market, with competitive technologies and a vast array of suppliers influencing the market. The IDC market sizing and forecasts are presented in terms of shipments of new printers and the revenue derived from the sale of those units. IDC calculates the revenue opportunity by multiplying the number of printer shipments by the selling price of those printers. IDC has rigorously examined the product lines of more than 150 3D printer manufacturers that participate in the U.S. and global market.
Look for IDC's worldwide 3D printer forecast by region coming in December 2015.
About IDC
International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,100 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC.
