3D Printing – where’s it all heading?

In the previous two posts in this series we have looked at the origins of 3D printing and where we are now in terms of the technologies and industrial applications.

Since 2011 in particular things have speeded up significantly in terms of developments and applications. In this third and final article we look to the future based on our current knowledge. It goes without saying, that without a crystal ball, it is not an exact science…

Where’s it all heading?

It is widely accepted that the industrial use of 3D printing has passed through what Gartner calls the “Hype Cycle”, hit the bottom of the trough of disillusionment and is now leveling out as an established technology field for prototyping and manufacturing applications.

The future looks bright. All the industries we talked about in the previous post are likely to increase adoption of 3D printing technologies for their entire product development process, including exponential occurrences of production.

Aerospace companies are already referencing 3D printed parts that are in flight and have gone on record announcing testing for critical 3D printed-components that are set to bring significant weight and cost benefits to aircraft life-cycles. Automotive examples like this also exist, and will continue to emerge.

Yet at the entry-level end of the market there is an unprecedented level of hype and hysteria about the technology, both across industry and mainstream press.

Predictions abound that one day soon we will all be 3D printing what we want, when we want it, in the comfort of our own homes.

There is no doubt that uptake at this level is increasing steadily, and is likely to continue to do so as the price point continues to drop and materials continue to improve, but this is more to do with the growing maker movement.

Look no further than the 3D printed gun designed by a group led by a US law student and manufactured using printed components made from ABS plastic in May 2013.

But despite this development, our view is that broad consumer adoption of 3D printing is unlikely to be a reality any time soon. It’s still the case that the technical know-how and design skills needed are simply too involved for the average person.

Which raises the question of education.

Clearly this is key if the uptake of 3D design and 3D printing is to increase and flourish, and if the UK is to retain its status as a global leader in product design

There’s a well-recognised skill gap that needs to be bridged across design, engineering and manufacturing, and the only solution is education at the earliest possible opportunity. Including these disciplines in the educational curriculum should be a key goal.

As 3D printing continues to evolve we do expect to see more and more businesses develop around the technology — as organisations compete to find ways to bring the benefits to their customers.

This evolution will be driven largely by the ever increasing demand for customisation and personalisation in almost everything we do — the way we live, travel and work, in the ways we communicate and in everything we use in leisure, sport and entertainment.

The crystal ball? 3D printing, in one form or another, is here to stay.

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