3D printing is a disruptive and revolutionary technology with significant potential to bring about a transitional change in manufacturing, business, and society. It is a powerful medium between the digital and physical world. The technology turns digital files into physical objects, allowing people to design, scan, share, and send digital representations of physical objects anywhere to print 3D objects.
The technology found its initial applications in manufacturing processes like prototyping, mass production, and product development that transformed the process. Since then, its utilization has spread across various industries like healthcare, automotive, aerospace, defense, power & energy, and construction.
With the rising horizon, many players acquired top positions in the global 3D printing market, namely, Stratasys Ltd, 3D Systems, J Autodesk Inc, Exone Company. Along with this, the market has been welcoming new entrants, most likely to be based in the US. This is due to its massive growth potential and bright prospects for increased R&D funding for product innovation.
Top Startups in the Global 3D Printing Market:
Align Technology
Align technology is a California-based global medical device company founded in 1997. The teledentistry company supplied the Invisalign system and pioneered the invisible orthodontics market. The company manufactures 3D-printed scanners and clear aligners used in orthodontics.
Robo 3D
Robo 3D is a US-based 3D printer manufacturing company established in 2012, headquartered in San Diego, California. The company’s product offerings include Desktop 3D printers, 3D printing software, app, kits, and 3D printing in education.
Desktop Metal
Desktop Metal is a technology company founded in 2015, headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts. The company designs and markets metal 3D printing systems to manufacturers for mass production. It also provides metal 3D printing software solutions to support engineers, system operators, and shop managers.
Markforged
Markforged is a US-Based manufacturing company founded in 2013. The company manufactures and provides 3D printers like Carbon Fiber 3D printers and Metal 3D printers, Eiger 3D printing software, and materials to various customers.
HP Inc.
HP Inc. is an American multinational technology company founded in 1947 in California, the US. The company provides computer-related products and services, including hardware, software, technologies, solutions, and services, to various customers. The company offers business across segments, namely personal systems, printing and corporate investments. Its printing business includes 3D printing solutions, which offer HP’s Multi-Jet Fusion 3D Printing Solution. In 2019, the company’s 3D Printer, in partnership with SmileDirect Club, revolutionized the dental sector by increasing mass production of personalized clear aligners and other teeth-straightening treatments.
Regional Prospects
With the dominant position of North America in the global scenario, these startups will thrive under the booming economy. Also, with the introduction of new 3D printing categories and the ongoing surge in industrial automation, manufacturing, energy, and chemical, the regional market promises massive opportunities and a bright prospect for startups and innovations.