Additive Manufacturing Technology: A Hotbed of Opportunities Not Only for Global Chemical Producers, Sees Kline

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Dec. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The highly disruptive additive manufacturing technology (AMT) or 3D printing has given rise to a rapidly growing multi-billion-dollar global market offering highly profitable opportunities to companies along its supply chain. Understanding the importance of this expanding growth space, Kline offers a new study, The Additive Manufacturing Industry: Opportunities in 3D Printing Chemicals Market, which will provide a comprehensive overview and assessment of the current scenario and future of the 3D printing industry as an emerging chemicals marketplace. This study aims to help global chemical producers, such as suppliers of polymers, materials, and specialty chemicals, to penetrate this market and benefit by identifying the right opportunities.

The global 3D printing market, including 3D printing systems, materials, and services, is estimated to be worth USD 8 billion in 2017, with the global market of 3D printing materials being around USD 700 million. Geographically, North America and Europe together account for around two-thirds of the 3D printing global market revenues, and Asia-Pacific accounts for above one-fourth. Asia-Pacific, mainly China and Japan, are expected to be the fastest-growing markets.

More than a dozen technologies for 3D printing are in use currently, ranging from stereolithography, material jetting, selective laser sintering, binder jetting, and fused deposition modelling to laminated object manufacturing, nanoparticle jetting, and direct metal laser sintering. Comparative assessment of each of these technologies as relative growth markets for printing materials is essential for material suppliers to target customers effectively. The study will help answer what the technologies for 3D printing are and their relative importance.

The consumption of different chemicals used in 3D printing technologies will be closely analyzed as a variety of 3D printing materials are in use, ranging from photopolymers, thermoplastics, metals, ceramic to nanoparticles and biomaterials. The largest share is held by photopolymers currently, and the fastest growth will be seen in metals as metal printing moves from just products of precious metals and alloys into serial production of mechanical and plant engineering products.

The global 3D printing industry is set to grow at well above 20% annually in the next 10 years. The future holds continued advancements in technologies and manufacturing processes of 3D printing, which will, in turn, invoke continued development in material engineering, enabling improved and even novel materials for additive manufacturing.

To draw out the maximum benefits of this explosive phenomenon of 3D printing, material suppliers not only need an impeccable understanding of the supply chain, but also should be vigilant of its potential challenges, such as the long time needed in R&D for material development. An advanced understanding of the developments in printers and printing technologies, including their patent scenario and IP white space; in addition to identifying the key R&D areas, can remarkably enable material suppliers to create their best positioning.

Kline's new study on The Additive Manufacturing Industry: Opportunities in 3D Printing Chemicals Market will provide a comprehensive understanding and assessment of the current scenario and future of the 3D printing industry as a fast-emerging chemicals marketplace. This study aims to be a powerful tool for companies supplying technologies and materials into the 3D printing market. It helps identify the best opportunities, manage the changes that will inevitably occur in their supply chains, and to design optimal business strategies to ensure profitable growth in the 3D printing chemicals sector.

About Kline
Kline is a worldwide consulting and research firm dedicated to providing the kind of insight and knowledge that helps companies find a clear path to success. The firm has served the management consulting and market research needs of organizations in the agrochemicals, chemicals, materials, energy, life sciences, and consumer products industries for over 50 years. For more information, visit www.KlineGroup.com.

Contact: Vera Sandarova, +420-722-018-881, vera.sandarova@klinegroup.com

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SOURCE Kline