3D Printing Predictions For 2018!

The experts weigh in and point to these 5 trends:

Increased Adoption
New and Improved Metal 3D Printing
Improved Design
Polymers and Other 3D Printing Materials
Increased Speed and Productivity

From a 3D printing perspective, the are positive.

In particular, a slew of new metal 3D printing technologies were unveiled, including the Metal X 3D printer from Markforged, two new processes from Desktop Metal, a cheaper metal 3D printer from Xact Metal and a faster metal 3D printer from SPEE3D.

Formlabs introduced a desktop selective laser sintering (SLS) system, while Carbon introduced a new 3D printer and part-washing package. 3D Systems’ new CEO began implementing his vision for the company, while HP saw its Multi Jet Fusion make its way into the marketplace.

We also can’t forget the impact that GE Additive has had on the industry.  

However, my own personal bias that none of the roundtable experts mentioned is the increased use of 3D scanning. More and more handled scanners will hit the market, but they will occur in terms of software. Software that will be used with your smart phone.