Wohlers Report Reveals Continued Growth in 3D Printing

Wohlers Associates announced the release of the Wohlers Report 2013, the company's annual in-depth analysis of additive manufacturing and 3D printing worldwide.

The market for 3D printing in 2012, consisting of all products and services worldwide, grew 28.6% (CAGR) to $2.204 billion. This is up from $1.714 billion in 2011, when it grew 29.4%. Growth was 24.1% in 2010. The average annual growth (CAGR) of the industry over the past 25 years has been 25.4%. The CAGR is 27.4% over the past three years (2010 "2012).

Growth of the low-cost (under $5,000) "personal" 3D printer market segment averaged 346% each year from 2008 through 2011. In 2012, the increase cooled significantly to an estimated 46.3%, according to research by Wohlers. Most of these machines are being sold to hobbyists, do-it-yourselfers, engineering students, and educational institutions.

The 3D printing industry is expected to continue strong double-digit growth over the next several years. By 2017, Wohlers believes that the sale of 3D-printing products and services will approach $6 billion worldwide. By 2021, the company forecasts the industry to reach $10.8 billion. It took the 3D printing industry 20 years to reach $1 billion in size. In five additional years, the industry generated its second $1 billion. It is expected to double again, to $4 billion, in 2015.

For more information, visit Wohlers Associates.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.