The coronavirus pandemic has inspired many businesses to seek alternative solutions and has seen the widespread adoption of additive manufacturing, according to the latest research from Ultimaker.
3D printing
Awareness of 3D printing increased globally in 2020 to 71% with 65% of respondents believing it will become a major and widespread technology within their industry within five years, a 7% year-on-year increase.
More than a quarter said it represented an urgent and necessary businesses investment, according to the report.
Read more: ICON and NASA deliver world's first 3D printed rocket pad
The firm recently published its annual 3D Printing Sentiment Index which illustrates an increase across the board in 3D printing implementation and maturity.
The research provides a comprehensive view of current and future potential for 3D printing in 12 key global markets while covering a wide array of professions and trades.
The research suggests additive manufacturing will become a business-essential function within the next few years, with 49% of respondents believing this to be so. The data shows the implementation of 3D printing technologies is highest in the UK, US, Germany and France.
Other markets, such as Mexico, are also expected to see significant growth going into the future, partly due to the rise in outsourcing from its North American neighbours.
The firm recently published its annual 3D Printing Sentiment Index which illustrates an increase across the board in 3D printing implementation and maturity.
Among its millions of users, plastics and polymers are the most commonly used materials, with PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and PETT (Polyethylene coTrimethylene Terephthalate) gaining ground 31% (4% increase).
According to the index, the USA, UK and Germany have the highest expectations for implementing 3D printing and capitalising on opportunities.
Roughly one-third of respondents admitted to using 3D printing. However, the technology is only fully embedded in 1-in-10 businesses.
This provides a significant opportunity for market growth in awareness and adoption across many sectors.
The research hints the Covid-19 pandemic likely drove an increase in 3D printing adoption as it proved to be a reliable contributor for fast innovation and eased supply chain burdens for local manufacturing.
Furthermore, the use cases of 3D printing have become more advanced as companies sought to continue their business operations amidst ongoing challenges.
These use cases helped engineers globally to support disrupted supply chains in innovative ways. As a result, 55% of businesses using 3D printing produce end-use parts and almost three quarters use it to produce tools, optimise workshop organisation and streamline logistics.
Prototyping was down 8% but remains the most common use of 3D printing.
Read more: Full-scale 3D printing processes have doubled in the past year, research shows
Ultimaker's CEO Jürgen von Hollen said that manufacturers across the world had to act quickly once the pandemic hit and had a calamitous effect on global supply chains, with those with an "open mind" adopted the necessary changes rapidly and were able to thrive.
"It really shows the great way in which innovators globally work hard to ensure continuation of business, production and everyday life, despite or even because of external challenges. The possibilities of 3D printing are truly endless so it is exciting to see the amazing solutions designers and engineers come up with. We’re very proud that Ultimaker helps businesses ensure continuation, despite adversities, by embracing 3D printing,” he added.
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