Survey predicts 3-D printing’s effect on manufacturing

Stratasys Direct Mfg., Valencia, Calif., has released “3D Printing’s Imminent Impact on Manufacturing,” an industry report highlighting current and impending trends in 3-D printing.

The report is based on an independent survey of 700 designers, engineers, and executives, 40 percent of whom are employed by companies with more than $50 million in revenue. Respondents work for companies that are committed to using 3-D printing.

According to the report:

• Most respondents—representing the aerospace, automotive, consumer, and medical sectors—strongly believe more end-use parts will be designed specifically for additive manufacturing (AM) in the future.
• Additive metal use is expected to nearly double over the next three years.
• Most respondents said that regardless of their company’s in-house AM capabilities, they believe there will always be value in partnering with an AM service provider to augment internal capabilities.

To download a free copy of the report, visit pages.stratasysdirect.com/trend-forecast.html.