3D Printing Sentiment Index: USA leads as most advanced country in 3D printing

Inaugural research commissioned by Ultimaker shows positive growth potential for 3D printing on global scale

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The index is a
measure of market awareness and adoption; adoption levels over time; as well as
overall sentiment towards the potential impact of the technology. It is based on
2548 interviews with qualified professionals and in-depth analysis of
macro-economic factors. Six key elements were investigated: market awareness,
adoption and install base, 3D printing growth indicators, perceived future
impact and optimism, and technology infrastructure and ease of adoption. Overall,
67 percent of respondents are currently aware of the terms ‘3D printing’ and ‘additive
manufacturing’. However, only 35 percent have adopted the technology. Two thirds — 65 percent — think that
3D printing will revolutionize their industry and nearly 40 percent
say that 3D printing will bring significant operational
efficiencies and cost savings to their businesses over the coming 12
months, indicating the market’s rapid evolution.

Market awareness of 3D printing or additive
manufacturing
The survey shows
that the Netherlands (83%), Switzerland (82%), and the USA (77%) have the
highest levels of awareness. The Netherlands, home to several 3D printing
companies, is often considered a leader in technology. Switzerland has strong
growth in both the manufacturing and research field — industries where 3D printing has
a high innovation and adoption rate.

Level of adoption of 3D printing technology

By investigating the number of businesses that have adopted 3D printing and
used the technology for more than 5 years, the survey determines the current
maturity level across various countries. In China, 53 percent of businesses
have adopted 3D printing and 11 percent have used it for more than five years,
followed by the USA (34 percent adoption and 19 percent have 5+ years of usage)
and France (42 percent adoption and 8 percent have 5+ years of usage). This is
significantly higher than the global average.

Current 3D
printing budget and plan to increase investment in the future

When the 67 percent of respondents who are aware of the technology were asked
about their current and future 3D printing budgets, China, India, and the
Netherlands came top with the highest current budget and future investment
plans over the next 12 months. Wang Peng, Secretary-General of the Additive
Manufacturing Alliance of China shared with The Telegraph that: “3D printing is entering a
golden period in China. After years of development, it has turned from an
innovative concept to something quite helpful in upgrading manufacturing plants.”
With current install bases being low in India and Netherlands, an increase in
investment is inevitable driven by the positive sentiments.

“Sentiments are the start of a
domino effect,” says Rohit Jhamb, Director Global Research & Analytics
at Ultimaker. “Positive sentiments lead to
positive behaviour and investments,
resulting in a future of significant and sustainable growth. This research is the widest and most in-depth in terms of coverage that combines end
customer voice with macro-economic indicators. It offers a complete view of the
current ecosystem and future growth potential for 3D printing and shows that we have moved past the
hype often associated with 3D printing. For potential stakeholders who haven’t
embraced the additive manufacturing market and are hesitant about entering,
this Index shows they should be unafraid to contribute and can expect a healthy
return on that contribution.”

 ”Being close to
end-customers is something we always highly value,” says Jos Burger,
CEO at Ultimaker. “These findings confirm our current
strategy for delivering easy-to-use, reliable solutions that anyone
can leverage to gain a fast ROI with 3D printing. In that sense, Ultimaker
is uniquely positioned, since we provide the market with an open ecosystem of
hardware, software and materials. By delivering a complete solution that
seamlessly integrates with existing workflows, we are on track to facilitate
this positive future growth potential and continue to be the driving force to
achieve true digital distribution and local manufacturing.” 

Methodology

Savanta Group, independent market research consultancy, conducted this
research on behalf of Ultimaker between August 1st to September 30th, 2019
across three key regions — Europe, APAC, and North America. The study was
administered online and fielded in 12 different countries in 8 languages. The
survey targeted professionals working in education, automotive and aerospace,
manufacturing, architecture and construction, consumer goods, healthcare and
medical technology, entertainment and the creative industry. More country-level details on material use and
key applications can be found here: https://3d.ultimaker.com/Ultimaker-3D-Printing-Sentiment-Index

About Ultimaker

Since
2011, Ultimaker has built an open and easy-to-use solution of 3D
printers, software and materials that enable professional designers and
engineers to innovate every day. Today, Ultimaker is the market
leader in desktop 3D printing. From offices in the Netherlands, New York,
Boston, and Singapore — plus production facilities in Europa and the US — its
global team of over 400 employees work together to accelerate the world’s
transition to digital distribution and local manufacturing. ultimaker.com