Formlabs conducts survey of 400 panelists worldwide
More recent user groups utilize... SLS method preferred

The '2022 Report on 3D Printing Industry Applications and Trends' presents examples of pioneering new applications for 3D printers, and 3D printers are emerging as a solution to resolve global supply chain disruptions.


Formlabs, a global 3D printing company, recently released the '2022 3D Printing Industry Utilization and Trends Report,' which surveyed 400 engineers, designers, and businesspeople worldwide regarding the usage and applications of 3D printers, in collaboration with partners such as IndustryWeek and MachineDesign.

Formlabs conducted a survey by dividing 3D printer users into an 'early adopter' group that has been using 3D printers for at least two years and a 'recent adopter' group that has started using 3D printers within the last two years.

The most significant feature of the results of this survey is that the 'recent adopter group,' which has been using 3D printers within the last two years, has pioneered many new applications that did not exist before.

This enables 3D printing for rapid prototyping and model production He added that while it remained at that level, it can be seen that a significant number of companies have recently been securing production capabilities for small-scale customized parts and end-use parts.

In addition, Formlabs stated that a significant number of 3D printer users are utilizing 3D printing for the final product of actual parts, rather than for product prototypes or testing.

It was found that the number of companies and engineers using 3D printers to save time and costs in order to overcome the global supply chain crisis caused by COVID-19 has also surged.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) was most frequently cited as the 3D printing technology that will lead the market in the future.

While the introduction of additive manufacturing processes for final part production has been commonplace so far, the importance and potential of the SLS method are expected to emerge in the future. In particular, considering that only 34% of all respondents are currently using SLS technology, it was stated that future investment prospects for SLS technology are expected to increase.

Formlabs stated that in a survey on the future of technology, current 3D printing users showed very consistent responses regarding scalability.

76% agreed that '3D printing will bring changes to product design,' and 72% agreed that 'the use of customized manufacturing tools will become possible.' As many as 71% of respondents believed that the use of 3D printing would become essential for business departments in manufacturing or engineering.

According to the survey, it can be confirmed that the investment value of 3D printing is rising. 26% of respondents answered that they expect significant investment in 3D printing within two years, and 33% answered that they expect significant investment within five years.

Max Lobovsky, co-founder of Formlabs, said, "Over the past few years, the utility of digital manufacturing technology has expanded significantly and extended to the manufacturing industry. Globally, supply chain issues have emerged multiple times due to the impact of COVID, and as a result, the scope of 3D printing is expanding faster than expected. New applications have been added to the 3D printing process, including flexibility, mitigation of supply chain risks, streamlined workflows, and use as an aid to traditional manufacturing methods."