3D printing has been one of the hottest technologies of all time. With numerous applications in hundreds of verticals, the overall 3D printing market is growing momentously. While the advent of technology promises to keep revolutionizing the 3D printing realm, developments in 3D printing materials is also equally important for maintaining a success graph.
As far as developed regions are concerned, 3D printing market has already been capturing hefty revenues and witnessing rapid adoption in various application sectors. Considering developing regions, such as Middle East, the 3D printing technology market is expanding at a rapid pace and the market for novel 3D printing materials is expected to spring up with the emergence of a large number of start-ups based on 3D printing technology. While availability of cost-effective 3D printed medical devices and organs are seen to be the prime boosters of the market within the Middle East, the entire Middle Eastern 3D printing materials market will possibly witness healthy expansion at a compound annual growth rate of over 16% by 2025.
Introduction of advanced materials holds a major influence on the quality of end-products and unlocks new opportunities in market that eventually impact the pricing of materials and end-products. Recently, Carbon has expanded its 3D printing material line-up especially for ultrafast 3Dprinting, whereas Formlabs has launched a new series of durable 3D printing resin. Every now and then, a new material is added to the 3D printing materials pallet. Let us discuss how does this section counts among the most important ones of the 3D printing industry.
While 3D printing on metallic materials, such as silver, gold, titanium, stainless steel, nickel, bronze, and more, is already an established trend, it is more likely that the market will observe emergence and growth of organic materials for 3D printing of skin and organs. Another growing trend will be of using multiple materials for a single 3D printing application. Eco-friendly 3D printing materials will constitute another major trend in the industry, whereas use of composite materials can also gather momentum in near future.
Bio-inks and other bio-compatible materials
Organic or bio-compatible materials have been recently introduced to the pallet of 3D printing materials. Using patients’ stem cells for 3D printing of complex human tissues has been one of the coolest research topics over the years. A team of Bristol-based scientists has recently developed a bio-ink based on a gel to experiment 3D printing of complex tissues using stem cells. While this is the only beginning, the next series of applications could include 3D printing of surgical bones and even cartilage implants. Research in hip and knee replacement surgeries is anticipated to gain a major boost through such revolutionary technological advances. Massive growth of the Middle Eastern medical industry can benefit from this trend in near future.
More than one material at a time
Using two or multiple 3D printing materials simultaneously is a remarkable emerging trend in the 3D printing industry. Ultimaker, one of the leading industry players, has recently brought on the market a new 3D printing device i.e. Ultimaker 3 that possesses a dual material capability. This device can enable simultaneous use of two materials for 3D printing. However, it meticulously processes and delivers highly intricate prototypes, and above everything else, it has a novel feature to detect smart materials that can prove to be beneficial for its sales in near future.
Composite material for stronger end-products
Use of composite materials in a bid to obtain stronger 3D printed end-products is among the recent trends introduced. Printing with materials, such as carbon fiber and fiberglass evidently enhances the endurance of end-products. Though using purely composite materials is not yet a mainstream trend, manufacturers have already grasped it as a major growth opportunity in the 3D printing industry. This trend can potentially enable printing of almost everything, including automotive parts, aircraft panels, next-generation buildings, top-notch infrastructure, and much more. This development can possibly push the 3D printing materials market in Middle East.
New materials in consumer electronics sector
Consumer electronics, one of the top consumers of 3D printing materials over the years, will remain among the key application areas. Some top-of-the-line specialist 3D printer providers are emphasizing semi-proprietary 3D printing materials promotion since the recent past. Although consumer electronics have been recording heavy consumption of 3D printing materials, such as nano-silver inks over the years, nickel and optical inks will possibly emerge to capture a new market over the next few years.
Read more on the market for 3D printing materials in Middle East in Future Market Insights’ recently published report outlook at http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-eu-1345
Author: Abhishek Budholiya is a tech blogger, digital marketing pro, and has contributed to numerous tech magazines. Currently, as a technology and digital branding consultant with Future Market Insights, he offers his analysis on the tech market research landscape. His forte is analysing the commercial viability of a new breakthrough, a trait you can see in his writing. When he is not ruminating about the tech world, he can be found playing table tennis or hanging out with his friends.
