The top 10 most asked questions about 3D printing

New data has revealed that in the last 12 months interest in 3D printing has exploded, with the term receiving 6,600,000 searches on Google.  

To find out exactly what the world wants to know about the technique, 3D printing experts at Hubs.com have analysed Google search data to reveal the questions on everyone’s lips.  

Read more: China is going to 3D print a dam with AI-controlled robots

As 3D printing becomes more mainstream, it seems most people are curious to know what it actually is, with the most popular question ‘What is 3D printing?’ receiving 156,000 searches from June 2021 to 2022. 

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is simply described as a method of creating a three-dimensional object layer-by-layer using a computer-created design. 

10 most Googled questions: June 2021-2022 

  • What is 3d printing? - 156,000 
  • How much is a 3D printer? - 97,200 
  • How does a 3d printer work? - 64,800 
  • What can I make with a 3D printer? - 28,800 
  • What is PLA? - 28,800 
  • Who invented 3D printing? - 18,000 
  • What materials are used in 3d printing? - 16,800 
  • How to make money with 3d printing? - 15,600 
  • How to design for 3d printing? - 14,400 
  • What is 3D printing used for? - 10,800 

‘What is 3D printing used for?’ is another popular question on the top 10 list, further indicating the phenomenal interest.

While in previous years, 3D printing has been mainly used by engineers looking to develop prototypes, in 2022, an increasing number of hobbyists are using them at home.

Read more: How 3D printing is inspiring the next generation of engineers

On TikTok, the hashtag #3dprinting has 10.3 billion views while #3Dprintingideas has 15.8 million, with tech fans showing off their latest creations.  

People are also keen to understand how 3D printing works, which is the third most popular question with 64,800 searches, along with ‘What can I make with a 3D printer?’ (28,800) and ‘What materials are used in 3D printing?’ (16,800).  

Those who are developing their knowledge are asking ‘What is PLA?’ as this question also makes the list. Google searches for this material have increased by 123% in the last year, which shows immense growth. PLA, which stands for Polylactic Acid is one of the most popular materials for 3D printing. It’s a great material for beginners, as it’s easy to use and is cost-efficient. PLA is also one of the most environmentally friendly 3D printing materials as it's biodegradable.  

Budding entrepreneurs are also looking for ways to make money from their 3D printers. From gaming accessories to homeware and fashion, thousands of designers are using 3D printing to sell unique items. The online design platform Thingiverse is becoming one of the industry’s hot spots, with 550,000 searches every month, and a YOY growth of 23%. 

When it comes to specific printers, the Longer lk5 pro is the most searched for overall, with 1,600 average monthly searches and a YOY increase of 235%.  

Read more:  MakerBot & Ultimaker to merge to accelerate global adoption of 3D printing

Filemon Schoffer, cofounder & CCO from Hubs.com commented: “It’s amazing to see what questions most asked about 3D printing, as the industry grows from strength to strength. 

“It’s also exciting to see just how many people around the world are experimenting with designs at home in a bid to create unique items with this incredible technology. Over the next 12 months, we’ll no doubt see a staggering number of new innovations deriving from 3D printed models.” 

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