3D Printing Trends: Six Major Developments

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced environment, time is a valuable resource. Companies must accelerate development cycles to innovate and implement new ideas quickly. With advancements in 3D printing, including more efficient machines, a wider range of materials, and enhanced accuracy in delivering parts with true mechanical properties, 3D printing has proven to be a time- and cost-effective solution for design and manufacturing. For businesses looking to leverage these advantages, choosing a reliable 3D Printing Service In Malaysia can significantly streamline the process.

Since its inception, 3D printing has had the potential to revolutionize manufacturing. Its benefits—such as flexibility, design freedom, faster time-to-market, mass customization, and distributed manufacturing—have significant strategic implications. Despite ongoing challenges, the advantages of 3D printing are becoming increasingly apparent, and companies are finding value in the offerings of Malaysia 3D Printing Service providers.

1. The Use of 3D Printing Is Expanding Rapidly

Although 3D printing has been around for only about three decades, it has already made significant strides across various industries. The findings from the recent studies starkly contrast with the data from our initial 2017 survey. Over the past two years, the use of 3D printing has surged dramatically. Our research highlights a clear increase in the popularity and diverse applications of additive manufacturing.

In 2017, the most common use of 3D printing among participants was rapid prototyping, with nearly 70% of respondents indicating this as their primary application. This was far more prevalent than any other use, such as jigs, fixtures, and tooling, which only 30% of respondents selected. Since then, the range of 3D printing applications has expanded significantly.

Today, research and development have surpassed prototyping as the leading application for 3D printing, with other use cases also experiencing significant growth. Since 2017, the proportion of companies using additive manufacturing for production parts and for jigs, fixtures, and tooling has roughly doubled, while the use for production parts has nearly tripled.

Nearly all participants now utilize 3D printing for creating functional or end-use parts, though the extent varies. Almost 80% report that additive manufacturing accounts for at least 25-50% of their functional or end-use parts. As the cost of 3D printers continues to decrease and their capability to support mass production grows, technologies offered by a 3D Printing Malaysia service are set to become more widely accessible, potentially transforming the entire manufacturing sector.

2. 3D Printing Industry Growth Projections are at It’s Peaks

The future outlook for 3D printing is highly optimistic. A significant majority of manufacturing professionals anticipate substantial growth in their use of 3D printing. Ninety-seven percent of those surveyed expect their 3D printing activities to increase over the next five years.

Most respondents project that their company’s use of 3D printing will at least double in that period. Nearly half foresee a doubling of their usage, while almost 40% expect it to increase dramatically, by five times or more. This anticipated growth is fueled not only by the broader acceptance of 3D printing across industries but also by the increasing accessibility of the technology.

As companies aim to enhance their 3D printing capabilities, there are strong expectations for its use in production parts and goods. Over 80% of respondents anticipate that their application of additive manufacturing for production parts will at least double within the next five years, reflecting the growing role of services such as 3D Printing Service Selangor.

3. Brands Are Reaping a Variety of 3D Printing Benefits

In several survey, many of the benefits of 3D printing were still theoretical. However, with increased adoption and application over recent years, these benefits have become tangible realities. Participants in our latest survey are more enthusiastic about the advantages of additive manufacturing than they were two years ago. We’ve identified the top three benefits that companies are experiencing with 3D printing.

This growing optimism toward 3D printing might be linked to its role during the COVID-19 crisis. As the pandemic unfolded, companies with 3D printing capabilities rapidly produced and scaled essential medical personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators and face shields. Additionally, 3D printing accelerated the development of diagnostic equipment and testing kits by speeding up prototyping and design processes.

Survey respondents highlighted faster production of parts as the primary advantage of additive manufacturing. For instance, the Auburn Hills facility utilized 3D printing for tooling to avoid the lengthy iterative cycles of traditional methods. This not only accelerated manufacturing but also reduced costs, achieving savings of 30-40% on tooling and 80% on delivery time. Companies seeking similar benefits can turn to 3D Printing In Malaysia for efficient solutions.

Analysis by job level revealed that executives generally view the benefits of 3D printing more favorably than team managers. This optimism, stemming from executives who influence the company’s strategic vision and budget, indicates that 3D printing is poised to gain further significance.

4. The Variety of Accessible 3D Printing Materials is Expanding

Since 2019, there has been a significant increase in the types of 3D printing materials available. While plastics and polymers remain the most commonly used, other materials have made considerable progress. This trend aligns with the growing range of use cases for 3D printing.

The gap between the use of plastic and metal in 3D printing is smaller than expected. Over a third of respondents reported using both plastics and metals equally, and among those who prefer one over the other, plastics are used slightly more—by just over 10%.

However, challenges remain before some materials can become widely accessible. More than half of respondents indicated that the development time for necessary materials is too lengthy, nearly double the percentage from 2019. Additionally, some materials are still considered too expensive for large-scale use, are not readily available, or lack certification.

Despite these hurdles, there is strong interest in expanding the range of 3D printing materials. Although plastics remain the top choice, the desire to use other materials exceeds current usage. For example, interest in glass exceeds current use by 20%, ceramics by 14%, and metals by 10%. It will be intriguing to observe how the adoption of different additive materials evolves over the next two years.

5. Challenges in Additive Manufacturing Remain Unresolved

Although there is optimism about the growth of additive manufacturing, companies still face unresolved issues with 3D printing. While nearly half of respondents in 2019 cited “cost of materials” as a problem, only about 40% identified it this year. Most challenges are consistent, with many hovering around the 40% mark.

Financial barriers remain a significant concern, with 95% of respondents reporting cost-related issues. The primary challenge is obtaining the necessary qualifications and certifications, followed by capital expenditures for machines and the need for in-house expertise.

In 2021, the most significant challenge was the cost of pre- and post-processing. Companies seem to be diversifying their pre- and post-processing methods; in 2019, just over half used machining, whereas nearly three-quarters are now employing this method, surpassing polishing in popularity. As all processing methods have seen increased use, it is possible that companies are experiencing growing pains, with challenges expected to diminish as additive manufacturing becomes more prioritized.

6. Companies Are Emphasizing In-House Expertise

Currently, about 75% of survey participants handle their additive manufacturing in-house. The decrease in mentions of “lack of in-house expertise” as a challenge since 2019 indicates that companies are prioritizing employee training in additive manufacturing or hiring staff with prior 3D printing experience.

This does not mean that companies are averse to outsourcing their additive manufacturing needs; nearly all respondents indicated they would consider this option. When evaluating potential manufacturing partners, companies prioritize design capabilities, followed closely by the ability to scale, pricing, and experience. The shift from the low-tech, human-powered manufacturing of the 1950s to the modern integration of human and machine capabilities has been significant. 3D printing is increasingly becoming a core component of the supply chain.

In the 3D printing sector, growth rates vary: some areas are experiencing rapid expansion, while others see more gradual increases. Although four years ago, many companies only used 3D printing for rapid prototyping, the landscape has shifted towards broader applications, including full-scale production. As challenges related to materials and use cases are addressed, 3D printing is expected to make a significant impact across various industries. While growth may be steady rather than dramatic, additive manufacturing is firmly established and poised to continue its evolution in the world of digital manufacturing.

Conclusion

In summary, 3D printing is advancing rapidly with improvements in technology, materials, and applications, leading to increased adoption across industries. Companies are focusing on enhancing in-house expertise, addressing cost issues, and exploring new materials. As the industry evolves, 3D printing is becoming a more integral part of production processes, driving significant changes in manufacturing.

Contact us today. We offer professional support to align solutions with your vision and are ready to assist with 3D printing services in Malaysia or specific industry needs. Let us help bring your ideas to life with our expertise.