Canalys estimates that some 33,000 3D printers were shipped worldwide in the third quarter of 2014, representing quarter-on-quarter growth of 4%. Revenue from printers, materials and services grew 9% on the back of strengthening global demand.
In terms of printer shipments, the consumer sector experienced large sequential growth for yet another quarter, up 16% worldwide. ‘These results are extremely encouraging for the future of the 3D printing industry,’ said Canalys Research Analyst Joe Kempton. ‘Most of the major 3D printing companies had positive growth rates and will be looking to reinvest their profits to fuel further growth.’
The consumer market is growing fastest, as 3D printer prices have continued to fall and the technology has rapidly improved.
‘We expect consumer growth to pick up substantially during the holiday season as shoppers are enticed to make their first purchases of 3D-printed products and printers,’ said Canalys VP Analysis Rachel Lashford. ‘In the past few months, Amazon and eBay have launched marketplaces for customizing and 3D printing a limited selection of consumer products. Additionally, leading vendors are extending their presence in consumer channels. MakerBot, for example, has started selling through Home Depot in the US, and 3D Systems’ Cube line of 3D printers are now available from Ryman in the UK. Various retailers are also offering booths to create personalized 3D-printed products for consumers to buy in the run up to Christmas. Large retailers bringing 3D printing into their stores is a hugely positive sign for the market. It is early days, but there is clear present and future demand for 3D printing that retailers are eager to capitalize on.’
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