Gartner:3d printing popularization at least 5-10 years.

Beijing time August 21 Morning News, market research company Gartner reported that 3D Printers and 3D printing technology is developing, but in the short term the development of this technology will focus on the commercial and medical markets, and 3D printing in the consumer market for at least 5-10 years.

With 3D printing technology, users can print out 3D-shaped objects using plastic (0,-10845.00,-100%), metal and wax. In recent years, many manufacturers have introduced a 3D printer, and the use of the technology of the three-dimensional printing for surgery and fashion has also aroused outside interest in this technology. However, according to Gartner, there are still many hurdles to overcome before the market is fully open to consumers, one of which is the high price of 3D printers.

"It will take 5-10 years for consumer 3D printers to receive mainstream users," said Pete Basiliere, vice president of Gartner Research, Pitt Baslier. Today, about 40 companies sell 3D printers, most of which are used for commercial purposes. More than 200 start-ups around the world are developing and selling consumer-oriented 3D printers with a minimum price of $ hundreds of. However, even taking into account the widespread public awareness of the technology and the media's interest in the technology, such prices are still too high for mainstream consumers. ”

Gartner believes that currently, 3D printing technology may be more beneficial to some enterprises, including the provision of 3D printing software, 3D scanners and 3D printing services companies. This development is expected to come in the next 2-5 years, and the medical industry will use the 3D printing technology further.

"By then, as the world begins to use 3D printing technology for organ repair and transplant, 3D-printed medical devices will bring exciting and life-changing benefits," Baslier said. ”

According to Gartner, the use of 3D printing to make large structures, or the application of this technology to teaching has some attempts, but the widespread adoption of these scenarios will take more than 10 years. This is mainly due to the high cost of using this technology and the difficulty of technology implementation, particularly given the limited budget of many schools and the use of the budget for more critical purposes only.

In the end, 3D printing will bring more complex scenarios than people would expect, which is a big factor hindering the technology's popularity among consumers. "There is a complex software, hardware and material ecosystem around the home of 3D printing technology," says Baslier. The use of these devices is not as simple as a normal printer. ”

(Responsible editor: Lvguang)