Gartner has revealed that worldwide shipments of 3D printers (3DPs) priced less than US$100,000 will grow 49 per cent to reach a total of 56,507 units in 2013. Rapid quality and performance innovations across all 3DP technologies will drive enterprise and consumer demand. Gartner said that shipments will increase further in 2014, growing 75 per cent to 98,065 units, followed by a near doubling of unit shipments in 2015.
In 2013, combined end-user spending on 3DPs will reach US$412 million, up 43 per cent from US$288 million in 2012. Enterprise spending will total more than $325 million in 2013, while the consumer segment will reach nearly $87 million. In 2014, spending will increase 62 per cent, reaching $669 million, with enterprise spending of $536 million and consumer spending of $133 million.
The 3D printer market has reached its inflection point. While still a nascent market, with hype outpacing the technical realities, the speed of development and rise in buyer interest are pressing hardware, software and service providers to offer easier-to-use tools and materials that produce consistently high-quality results, said Pete Basiliere, Research Director, Gartner.
Basiliere added, In the next 18 months, we foresee consumers moving from being curious about the technology to finding reasons to justify purchases as price points, applications and functionality become more attractive.
3D printer prices will decrease during the next several years due to competitive pressures and higher shipment volumes.
Gartner expects that by 2015, seven of the 50 largest multinational retailers will sell 3D printers through their physical and online stores.
