As 2014 is rapidly coming to a close, people are looking forward to 2015 and wondering what the new year will bring. Everyone seems to be gazing into a crystal ball and now the internet is buzzing with lists containing what products and technology will be hot in 2015.

One technology that is sure to turn heads again in 2015 is 3D printing. As an engineering and design firm we are always interested in the manner in which 3D printing will become more mainstream. 3D printing is a fascinating technology that is currently able to assist businesses in a variety of ways but, we know that there is still so much more this technology can accomplish.

We have found two great lists that focus on 3D printing technology in 2015. One list from Tech Advisor, Tech trends 2015: 3D printing grows up, focuses on the continued growth and innovations within the 3D printing (a/k/a additive manufacturing) industry. The other list was produced by Gartner, Gartner Identifies the Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2015, and focuses on technology that will impact all aspects of business. Below are excerpts about the future of 3D printing from both articles…

3D Printing Insight from Tech Advisor: “Where the growth is really going to happen is in commercial manufacturing. This is an area where 3D printing is so well established that as a concept it hasn’t been exciting for a few years now. Here it’s new developments such as affordable multi-material printing that are going to get product, furniture, fashion and technology designers exciting – and we’ll all reap the rewards of their efforts.” Tech Advisor goes on to mention the expanded use of 3D printing in medicine. Advancements with prosthetic prototypes is sure increase and hopefully become mainstream to help keep medical costs low. (View more from Tech Advisor.)

Gartner’s 3D printing prediction: “3D Printing: Worldwide shipments of 3D printers are expected to grow 98 percent in 2015, followed by a doubling of unit shipments in 2016. 3D printing will reach a tipping point over the next three years as the market for relatively low-cost 3D printing devices continues to grow rapidly and industrial use expands significantly. New industrial, biomedical and consumer applications will continue to demonstrate that 3D printing is a real, viable and cost-effective means to reduce costs through improved designs, streamlined prototyping and short-run manufacturing.” (View more from Gartner.)

What do you think about these predictions? Seem accurate or miss the mark for you? Please share your thoughts on the future of 3D printing with us!

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3D Innovations is a full service 3D Engineering/Design company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.

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