Although metal 3D printing may seem like a new technology, it’s been around since the 1980’s, and used chiefly in production of high value, highly engineered, complex parts and prototypes. Companies have been pouring R&D dollars into 3D printing to manufacture industrial parts with geometric complexity in metal shapes at lowered costs. Metal 3D printing is now used in a wider range of metal manufactured parts in the aerospace, automotive, and medical device sectors.
To get a better view of the metal 3D printing market, Sculpteo surveyed more than 400 metal manufacturing companies. We asked respondents about their short- and long-term expectations for metal 3D printing, how they are using it now and the benefits they’re realizing, or what’s preventing them from implementing the technology.