According to a growth forecast from research group, Freedonia, the 3D printing market is expected to reach $5.0bn in 2017. This represents an annual growth rate of 20.7%, from $1.95bn in 2012.
Production and consumer applications are seeing a rapid growth in the use of 3D printers and will continue to be a driving factor in the demand for 3D printing. The use of 3D printers will also continue to be used in the manufacture of direct production parts and finished goods in a variety of markets.