How Many 3D Printers Have Been Sold by Year [2024] 🖨️

Did you know that the 3D printing industry has been steadily growing over the years? As more and more individuals and businesses discover the benefits and possibilities of 3D printing, the demand for 3D printers continues to rise. If you’re curious about the number of 3D printers sold each year and the market size of this industry, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of 3D printers and explore the growth and statistics behind this fascinating technology. So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• Quick Answer
• Quick Tips and Facts
• Background and History
• Market Size and Growth
• Industry Adoption
• Printer Sales
• Applications
• Materials
• Technology
• Benefits and Challenges
• Job Market
• Future Outlook
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recommended Links
• Reference Links

Quick Answer

The number of 3D printers sold each year has been steadily increasing, reflecting the growing interest in this technology. In recent years, millions of 3D printers have been sold worldwide, with no signs of slowing down. The market size for 3D printers is projected to reach billions of dollars in the coming years. If you’re looking to join the 3D printing revolution, now is an exciting time to get started!

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Quick Tips and Facts

Before we delve deeper into the details, here are some quick facts about the number of 3D printers sold by year:

• In 2021, approximately 2.2 million 3D printers were shipped worldwide.
• There were 871,000 3D printing machines in use in 2021.
• In the UK alone, there were 168,000 installed 3D printers.
• The market size for 3D printers was valued at $14.5 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $62.76 billion by 2030, with a growth rate of 20.8%.
• 71% of businesses use 3D printing for prototyping and pre-series manufacturing.
• Fused deposition modeling (FDM) or fused filament fabrication (FFF) is the most widely used 3D printing technology, preferred by 71% of businesses.

Now that you have a snapshot of the key statistics, let’s dive into the background and history of 3D printers.

Background and History

The concept of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, originated in the 1980s. The technology was initially used for rapid prototyping to create physical models and prototypes quickly and cost-effectively. Over the years, 3D printing technology evolved, becoming more advanced and accessible to both individuals and industries.

The first commercially available 3D printer, the SLA-1, was introduced by 3D Systems in 1988. This printer used stereolithography, a process that involved curing liquid resin with a laser to create solid objects layer by layer. Since the introduction of the SLA-1, numerous advancements have been made in 3D printing technology, including the development of new printing methods and more affordable printers.

As 3D printers became more affordable and user-friendly, their popularity grew among hobbyists, artists, engineers, and even educators. The ability to turn digital designs into tangible objects opened up a world of creative possibilities. Today, 3D printers are used in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods.

Now that we have a brief history of 3D printers, let’s explore the market size and growth of the 3D printing industry.

Market Size and Growth

The market size of the 3D printing industry has been growing significantly over the years. According to analysts, the global 3D printing market was valued at $14.5 billion in 2018, and it is expected to reach a whopping $62.76 billion by 2030. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8%, highlighting the tremendous potential of the industry.

In addition to the global market, specific regions are also witnessing significant growth in the 3D printing market. For instance, the UK 3D printing market is projected to reach £685 million by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of around 10%. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of 3D printing technology across various sectors.

The market for small industrial metal printers is also set to expand. It is expected to reach $1 billion by 2027, fueled by the rising demand for metal parts in industries like aerospace and automotive.

With the market for 3D printers growing at an impressive rate, it is clear that this technology has a promising future. But who is driving this growth? Let’s find out in the next section.

Industry Adoption

The adoption of 3D printing technology has been on the rise, with both individuals and businesses recognizing its potential. According to surveys, 61% of 3D printer users express a desire to increase their investment in the technology, while 36% want to maintain their current level of investment.

When it comes to the barriers to greater adoption, cost is often cited as the main concern. 55% of respondents highlighted cost as the primary barrier to using 3D printing more regularly. This is because the initial investment in 3D printers and materials can be significant, especially for small businesses and individuals.

Despite the cost concerns, businesses are finding value in 3D printing technology. 71% of businesses use 3D printing for prototyping and pre-series manufacturing, enabling them to iterate quickly and reduce time-to-market. Furthermore, 59% of respondents use 3D printing for proof of concept, while 40% of businesses leverage the technology to produce functional items. A smaller percentage of businesses, 27%, use 3D printing to produce finished consumer goods.

Now, let’s explore the number of 3D printers sold each year and the growth of the industry.

Printer Sales

The number of 3D printers sold each year is a key indicator of the growth and popularity of this technology. In 2021, approximately 2.2 million 3D printers were shipped worldwide. This number reflects the increasing demand for 3D printers across various sectors and among individuals.

In terms of installed 3D printers, there were 871,000 machines in use globally in 2021. These machines are being utilized for a wide range of applications, from rapid prototyping to small-scale production.

In the UK alone, there were 168,000 installed 3D printers. This indicates the growing adoption of 3D printing technology in the country and the numerous opportunities it presents for innovation and manufacturing.

The increasing sales of 3D printers and the expanding user base demonstrate the relevance and potential of this technology in various industries. But what are the common applications of 3D printers? Let’s explore in the next section.

Applications

3D printing technology has found applications in diverse fields, revolutionizing various industries. Let’s take a look at some of the common applications of 3D printers:

• Prototyping and Pre-Series Manufacturing: 71% of businesses use 3D printing for prototyping and pre-series manufacturing. This allows them to quickly iterate on designs and test them before embarking on large-scale production.
• Proof of Concept: 3D printing is often used to create proof of concept models, enabling designers and engineers to visualize and test their ideas before investing in expensive tooling or manufacturing processes.
• Functional Items: In addition to prototyping, 40% of businesses use 3D printing to produce functional items. From customized tools to replacement parts, 3D printing provides a cost-effective solution for creating objects with specific functionalities.
• Finished Consumer Goods: While still in the early stages, 3D printing is increasingly being used to produce finished consumer goods. With advances in materials and printing techniques, it’s now possible to create complex and highly detailed objects like jewelry, fashion accessories, and even furniture.

These are just a few of the many applications of 3D printing technology. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting possibilities to emerge.

Materials

The variety of materials available for 3D printing has expanded significantly, contributing to the growth of the industry. While there are numerous types of materials used in 3D printing, let’s focus on two prominent categories:

• Plastics: Plastics are the most commonly used materials in 3D printing, offering a wide range of properties and colors. They are used in both FDM and SLA printing technologies, allowing for versatile and durable printed objects.
• Metals: Metal is gaining popularity in the world of 3D printing, especially in industries that require high-strength parts like aerospace and automotive. Metal filament, powders, and alloys are used to create strong and heat-resistant objects.

The market for 3D printing materials is expanding alongside the growing adoption of 3D printing technology. Metal, in particular, accounts for a significant portion of the market for 3D printing materials, contributing to more than 48% of global revenue.

Now that we have explored the materials used in 3D printing, let’s talk about the different technologies behind this innovative process.

Technology

3D printing encompasses various technologies, each with its own unique process and applications. Let’s take a look at the two most widely used 3D printing technologies:

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF): FDM/FFF is the most common and accessible 3D printing technology. It works by extruding heated thermoplastic material through a nozzle, which moves in a specific pattern to create layers that ultimately form a 3D object. FDM/FFF technology is preferred by 71% of businesses, thanks to its affordability and versatility.
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): SLS is another popular 3D printing technology that uses a high-powered laser to selectively fuse powdered materials, such as plastics or metals, layer by layer. This process creates highly detailed and complex objects with excellent mechanical properties. SLS is utilized by 42% of businesses due to its ability to print intricate designs.

Other 3D printing technologies, such as Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP), offer different advantages and applications. As the technology continues to advance, new and improved methods are being developed to cater to specific needs and requirements.

Benefits and Challenges

As with any technology, 3D printing comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. Let’s take a closer look at what businesses and individuals have to say:

• Benefits: 69% of businesses cite the ability of 3D printing to produce complex shapes as the primary benefit. With 3D printing, objects with intricate geometries that would be impossible or costly to create using traditional manufacturing methods can be produced with ease. Other benefits include rapid prototyping, customization, and reduced waste.
• Challenges: 29% of respondents express a lack of confidence in the reliability of 3D printing technology. While the technology has come a long way, there can still be issues with print quality, material compatibility, and print failure. Additionally, 71% of businesses feel they lack the knowledge or training required to use 3D printing technology efficiently.

Despite the challenges, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for many businesses and individuals, leading to increased adoption and investment in 3D printing technology.

Job Market

The growing adoption of 3D printing has also created new opportunities in the job market. As more businesses invest in 3D printing technology, the demand for skilled professionals in this field has increased.

According to surveys, 36.3% of large companies regularly post new 3D printing jobs. This includes positions such as 3D printer technicians, design engineers, materials specialists, and more. Even small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and intermediate-sized enterprises (ETIs) are getting in on the action, with 30.7% of them regularly posting 3D printing jobs.

The job market for 3D printing is expanding, offering a range of exciting career opportunities for individuals interested in this innovative technology.

Future Outlook

The future looks bright for the 3D printing industry, with several exciting trends and opportunities on the horizon. Here are a few noteworthy predictions:

• The market for orthopedics 3D printing is expected to reach $3.7 billion by 2027, driven by the demand for customized medical implants and devices.
• The metal additive manufacturing (AM) hardware market is projected to generate over $4 billion in revenue by 2024, reflecting the growing adoption of metal 3D printing in industries like aerospace and automotive.
• 3D printing is expected to create 2-3 million new jobs by 2027, as companies invest in this technology and utilize it for various applications.

With constant advancements and innovations in the field of 3D printing, the possibilities are endless.

FAQ

How many 3D printers are sold each year?

• In 2021, approximately 2.2 million 3D printers were shipped worldwide.

Read more about “How Many 3D Printers Have Been Sold in the US in 2024? 🖨️”

What percentage of Americans own a 3D printer?

• The percentage of Americans who own a 3D printer is not specified in available sources.

Read more about “How Many 3D Printers Have Been Sold in the USA … 🖨️”

What is the market size for 3D printers?

• The market size for 3D printers was valued at $14.5 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $62.76 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 20.8%.

Read more about “🔥 How Many Americans Own a 3D Printer? … 🖨️”

What percent of companies use 3D printers?

• 71% of businesses use 3D printing for prototyping and pre-series manufacturing.

Read more about “21 Mind-Blowing 3D Printing Statistics of 2020 … 📊”

How much do companies spend on 3D printing?

• The average spending on 3D printing varies across companies. According to a survey, 23% of respondents said they spent close to £80,000 on 3D printing annually.

Feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions!

Read more about “How is 3D Printing Changing the Manufacturing Industry in 2024? 🖨️”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the number of 3D printers sold each year has been steadily increasing, reflecting the growing popularity and adoption of this technology. With millions of 3D printers shipped around the world, the industry is experiencing significant growth. The market size for 3D printers is projected to reach billions of dollars, highlighting the immense potential of this technology.

As businesses and individuals continue to explore the applications and benefits of 3D printing, new opportunities are emerging. From rapid prototyping to small-scale production, 3D printing is revolutionizing various industries. The future of 3D printing looks promising, with increasing job opportunities and exciting advancements on the horizon.

So, if you’re considering delving into the world of 3D printing, now is the perfect time! The technology is more accessible, versatile, and affordable than ever before. Join the 3D printing revolution and unleash your creativity!

Recommended Links

• ✅ CHECK PRICE on: [Product/Brand on Thingiverse | Amazon | Walmart | Etsy | eBay]
• Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing
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• How Many 3D Printers Have Been Sold in the US?
• Reference Link: 3D Printing Statistics: 69 Facts and Trends to Follow in 2023

Reference Links

• Learn.g2.com: 3D Printing Statistics