By: Materialise Team

2023 was another year of change and growth for the additive manufacturing industry — and 2024 promises to be just as exciting. So, what can you expect?

At the end of every year, we at Materialise reflect on our industry and we ask ourselves: what will we see in the year to come? Normally, the answer is the same: “The industry continues to grow.”

This year is a little different. The adoption of 3D printing isn’t just increasing. It’s shifting. We see shifting approaches. Shifting mindsets. Shifting markets. And even shifting limitations.

These are the trends we expect to have the biggest impact in 2024:

• 3D printing: two distinct paths to adoption We can see two clearly defined — and co-existing — approaches to how companies adopt 3D printing.
• The rise of 3D printing’s ‘middle class’: mid-range machines for the mid-range market Traditionally, 3D printing offered two options: low-budget or a top-end machine. This left a large customer segment whose needs weren’t being met — until now.
• Shifting mindsets: from ‘Why?’ to ‘How?’ Companies are familiar with the benefits of 3D printing — they no longer ask why they should use it. Now, they’re asking how they can integrate the technology and scale up production.
• Mass manufacturing meets 3D printing: will dream become reality? Inspiring innovations in markets such as China, the US, and Germany are beginning to make 3D printing’s costs as desirable as its benefits. Will we see it become a viable mass-manufacturing technology?

These trends are a clear sign of how the industry is maturing and shifting to meet the ever-changing needs of manufacturers. Watch the Materialise 3D Printing Trends for 2024 video to learn more about the four trends we expect to have the biggest impact in the year to come.