The Case For Investing In 3D Printing
Between 2013 and 2014, 3D printing underwent a surge of interest from the public, as its potential everyday applications excited consumers. However, since then, 3D printing has suffered from a decline in interest from consumers and investors alike.
The reality, however, is that 3D printing has numerous exciting applications and advancements that make it a strong potential disruptor in the technology field. This article by ARK examines some of the reasons for investors to consider adding 3D printing to their portfolios.
3D printing capabilities are expanding.
Since 2015, 3D printing's capabilities have grown steadily. As one example, GE has expanded its 3D printing capability from a single fuel nozzle to more than 304 parts of their GE9X engine in the last 4 years alone. Soon, they could be 3D printing almost all of the engine. By 2024, the majority of engine parts could be 3D printed, if this expansion of ability continues at the same pace.
3D printing simplifies the manufacturing process.
3D printing is being used by some organizations, particularly in the aerospace industry, to improve productivity and speed in the manufacturing process. For example, 3D printing has contributed to the ability to build rockets in less than a year (as opposed to 2 years' of build time using traditional methods). 3D printing has also improved rocket design, simplified the supply chain, and reduced the number of parts necessary for the rocket.
The 3D printing market is positioned to grow exponentially.
In light of 3D printing's current rate of advancement, ARK estimates that the industry could grow 65 percent annually and be worth $97 billion by 2024.
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