Just like the Internet in the '90s and home computers in the '80s, 3D printing — itself already more than 25 years old — is neither fad nor hype.
Now a new trade group, the 3D Printing Alliance, is convening “The Business of 3D Printing,” a June 18 conference in Harrisburg intended to look at how this $2 billion market can drive business in Pennsylvania.
“3D printing is one of those unstoppable forms of innovation that is already and will continue to transform manufacturing and a lot of other industries,” says Michael Antonucci, an Alliance managing partner.
Additive manufacturing technology, 3D printing’s formal moniker, “is most commonly used for designing physical models, prototypes, patterns, tooling components, and production parts in plastics, metal, ceramics, glass or other composite materials,” says Tom Palisen of the state's Department of Community and Economic Development. It is used in industries including consumer products and electronics, automotive, medical and dental devices, aerospace and military markets. Emerging industries include the oil and gas sector.
“From a pure application standpoint, 3D Printing has had the most traction to date with development of prototypes, and that's been the main driver for many, many years,” says Antonucci. “It's moved well beyond prototypes now and it's all about getting innovative new products to market quicker, with less reliance on outsourcing and offshoring.”
3D printing proponents believe that additional applications are virtually limitless, especially as early patents expire, leading to a proliferation and reduction in the price of equipment. It took 20 years for the 3D printing industry to reach $1 billion and an additional five years to reach $2 billion; it’s on track to reach $4 billion by 2015, reports Bob Fiori, also an Alliance managing partner. By 2017, the market set to reach $6 billion worldwide.
The 3D Printing Alliance, based in Downingtown, was formed last year to support the 3D printing industry throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Its mission is to commercialize innovation and drive economic growth centered on 3D printing through membership, workshops, events and other services.
Source: Michael Antonucci and Bob Fiori, the 3D Printing Alliance; Tom Palisen, DCED
Writer: Elise Vider