A new technique with unparalleled potential

With over 20 years of fast growth, 3-D printing has evolved from being just a definition found in textbooks, to a widely applied technology that is certain to generate more profits for companies in the future.

According to global technology advisory company Gartner, 3D printing is one of the top 10 strategic technology trends for this year. Likewise, technology consultancy firm IDC said in its latest report that 3-D printing will see significant activity among conventional document printing companies as they lay the groundwork for a looming battle for commercial and industrial markets in 2016.

The cost of 3-D printing is expected to gradually go down in the next three years and this in turn will trigger fast growth in the low-cost equipment market, said industry sources. Companies in sectors related to biomedical engineering and consumer-related industries are expected to benefit the most from the lower printing costs. In addition, with designs becoming more accurate, prototypes more reasonable and production flow more refined, 3-D printing will become a more reliable and profitable way of production, the IDC said.