The ecosystem of 3D printers is poised to grow as each printer finds its niche market. To do this advances must be made in the modeling and design software so that novice users can create things for 3D printing. Desktop printing benefited from the rise of word processing and desktop publishing software. Most mid-sized and large offices contain multiple paper printers, each with it’s own use. It is not uncommon to find a large scale Xerox machine with stapling and binding abilities in a small office. Add in personal printers for one off documents, high definition printers capable of making product mocks up, and label printers in many shipping departments and there is an opportunity for a whole Eco-system of printers in every office.
Smaller offices, and even most mid-sized offices, still outsource hundreds of print jobs. Take business cards for example. Even though these get reprinted when titles change, new employees start, or branding for an organization is redone, it’s rare that anyone actually brings this in house. Of course there are even larger jobs that still make sense to move outside. Companies like Plastek Cards Inc. exist to service all sorts of membership and gift cards. This type of specialized service company will ultimately exist for 3D printers as well. Even if home use additive manufacturing machines appear in the next few years it is unlikely they will have the power and precision of those used for industrial applications.
As personalized fabrication becomes more prevalent the 3D printing market will deliver growth but it is important to consider what related markets will do. CAD software companies and to a great extent gaming software companies are poised to grow along with the 3D printing market. These software companies that regularly develop 3D worlds and products capable of creating 3D worlds are only going to grow in popularity. The skills required to utilize this software will need to trickle down, but this could happen very quickly. Just as a generation of millennials grew up learning typing skills through Oregon Trail and math blaster soon a new generation will rise with skills and knowledge of 3D modeling.
With newly acquired skills in CAD design and 3D modeling this new generation is sure to invent entirely unique business models. Currently companies like Shapeways and Thingiverse are creating new markets for models, either for personal use or for remote printing for a fee. The future of these systems is still unclear but it will be exciting to be a part of these new developments.
This post is endorsed by Plastek Cards Inc.