AMR Software
AMR Data Centers

3D Metal Printer Sales on The Rise, But Still a Long Way From Becoming Mainstream

Share this Article

metalgrowthSometimes sales numbers can be deceiving, especially when looking at percentages. In the latest press release by Wohlers Associates, they discuss the growth of 3D metal printers. These are mostly machines that use SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) technology to print out actual metal objects. Basically this works by using a laser to melt layers of metal powder to gradually build (print) an object.

The Wohlers report discusses the growth of this market. They compare 2013 with 2012, in which there was a 75.8% growth in the market. However, as metalgrowth-printerimpressive as these percentages may sound, the numbers, by themselves, are not all that impressive. In 2012, there were 198 3D metal printers sold, while in 2013 that number jumped up to 348. These are world-wide totals. 348 3D metal printers sold worldwide isn’t exactly what we would consider to be groundbreaking, nor world-changing.

3D metal printers are extremely expensive, and require special safety precautions. They are not printers that would be operated in a home or office. They are printers that are mostly being used by large corporations such as Airbus, GE, and Lima Corporate, in order to print out specialized metal parts.

“Printing in metal is another animal,” Terry Wohlers told Forbes. “Temperatures are much higher, so safety is an issue. Also, removing support material and finishing parts require shop tools such as band saws and grinders, as well as a lot of know-how. Printing in plastic is difficult enough and most consumers will never do it.”

We should probably expect to see an increase of similar proportions over the next few years, with perhaps more and more companies deciding to go the route of 3D printing. However, we appear to be a long ways off from 3D metal printers becoming commonplace for most companies.

Discuss these stats, and let us know what you think. Post in the ‘Growth of 3D metal printers‘ thread on 3DPB.com



Share this Article


Recent News

Nano Dimension Evaluates Desktop Metal Post-Takeover, Completes Acquisition of Markforged

Luxury Residential Resort Community in Texas to Feature 5 ICON 3D Printed Homes



Categories

3D Design

3D Printed Art

3D Printed Food

3D Printed Guns


You May Also Like

New Business: Temporary, Migratory, & Modular 3D Printed Architecture

If we look at potentially emerging 3D printing businesses, then architecture has not been fully explored. Yes, there is a lot of house 3D printing going on worldwide. From deployable...

3D Printing News Briefs, April 19, 2025: Material Extrusion Standard, Metal Powder, & More

In today’s 3D Printing News Briefs, we’re covering a proposed standard for material extrusion, before moving on to business and metal powder. We’ll end with a commercial store’s robotic 3D...

Japan Unveils World’s First 3D Printed Train Station

Japan is now home to what we believe is the world’s first train station built with 3D printing technology. Located in Arida City, just south of Osaka, the new Hatsushima...

restor3d Raises $38M to Expand 3D Printed Orthopedic Implants

Backed by $38 million in new funding, restor3d is pushing ahead with the launch of four personalized implant lines, set to roll out in 2025 and 2026. This latest venture...