Material gains as 3D print market surges
3D printer shipments rose 29 per cent in second half of 2016 as users were offered a wider choice of materials and technology, according to IDC
3D Systems and Stratasys are leading a 3D print market that is apparently continuing to "surge" as more technology and materials options come online.
According to IDC, 3D printer shipments and revenues were up 29 per cent and 18 per cent annually, respectively, in the second half of 2016.
Leading the way on growth were the FFF/FDM and Stereolithography segments, which each saw shipments balloon 30 per cent year on year, and powder-bed fusion-based 3D printers, which enjoyed a near 40 per cent jump in revenues.
"The 3D-printing market surge continues on a worldwide basis with more technology and materials options, which are driving more investment in 3D printers and greater utilisation of the equipment that has been installed," said Tim Greene, research director, Hardcopy Solutions at IDC.
Revenue-wise, the market is led by 3D Systems, Stratasys and EOS, which pocketed 18.5 per cent, 12.3 per cent and 10.2 per cent of the market respectively (see chart, below).
Chinese manufacturers such as Flashforge, XYZ Printing and Tiertime were together responsible for 30 per cent of shipments but accounted for less than five per cent of hardware revenues due to the fact they sell low-end FFF/FDM printers.
There was no place in the top 10 for HP despite it launching a 3D-printer assault last autumn.
Asia-Pacific is now the largest 3D printer region in the world after shipments surged in the region last year, according to IDC.