3D Printing Trends For 2024: Adoption Isn’t Just Growing — It’s Shifting

At the end of every year, we reflect on our industry. What has changed in the last twelve months? And what will we see in the year to come? Normally, the answer is the same:

“The industry continues to grow.”

This year is a little different. The adoption of 3D printing isn’t just increasing. It’s shifting. We see shifting approaches. Shifting mindsets. Shifting markets. And even shifting limitations. These are the trends we expect to have the biggest impact in 2024:

• 3D printing: two distinct paths to adoption
  We can see two clearly defined — and co-existing — approaches to how companies adopt 3D printing.
• The rise of 3D printing’s ‘middle class’: mid-range machines for the mid-range market
  Traditionally, 3D printing offered two options: low-budget or a top-end machine. This left a large customer segment whose needs weren’t being met — until now.
• Shifting mindsets: from “Why?” to “How?”
  Companies are now well aware of the benefits of 3D printing — they no longer ask why they should use it. Now, they’re asking how they can integrate the technology and scale up production.
• Mass manufacturing meets 3D printing: will dream become reality?
  Inspiring innovations in markets such as China, the US, and Germany are beginning to make 3D printing’s costs as desirable as its benefits. Will we see it become a viable mass-manufacturing technology?

It’s clear that 3D printing has a bright future and will continue to develop in the months to come. These trends are a clear sign of how the industry is maturing and shifting to meet the ever-changing needs of manufacturers. Watch the video below to learn more about them and why we feel they’ll have the biggest impact on 3D printing in 2024.