3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a technology that creates physical objects from digital models by depositing layers of material on top of each other. 3D printing has been used for various applications, such as prototyping, product development, medical devices, aerospace, and automotive parts. However, in 2023, 3D printing is expected to expand its scope and impact in new and exciting ways. As a 3D printing enthusiast and expert, I have been following the latest trends and innovations in this field for over a decade. I have also personally experimented with different types of 3D printers, materials, and software. In this article, I will share with you some of the trends that will shape the 3D printing industry in 2023.

What are the benefits of 3D printing and why should you care? 3D printing offers advantages such as speed, cost-efficiency, design flexibility, and customization in building structures and components. It can also enable the use of recycled or biodegradable materials, reducing environmental impact. Moreover, 3D printing can facilitate the repair, reuse, and remanufacturing of products, extending their lifespan and reducing waste. Whether you are a hobbyist, a professional, or a business owner, 3D printing can help you create amazing things that were not possible before. Read on to discover some of the most promising trends in 3D printing for 2023.

3D Printing

Consolidation and IPOs in the 3D Printing Market

One of the trends that emerged in 2020 and 2021 was the consolidation and IPOs of 3D printing companies. Several 3D printing companies went public through mergers with special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), such as Desktop Metal, Markforged, Velo3D, and Shapeways. Other companies, such as Materialize and Stratasys, acquired smaller players to expand their portfolio and market share. These moves indicate that the 3D printing market is maturing and becoming more competitive, as well as attracting more investors and capital.

Consolidation and IPOs

The consolidation and IPOs of 3D printing companies have several implications for the industry. First, they increase the visibility and credibility of 3D printing as a viable technology for various sectors. Second, they enable the companies to access more resources and scale up their operations, improving their products and services. Third, they create more opportunities for collaboration and innovation among different players in the ecosystem. Fourth, they challenge the existing market leaders to adapt and innovate to maintain their competitive edge.

The consolidation and IPOs trend is likely to continue in 2023, as more 3D printing companies seek to capitalize on the growing demand and potential of the technology. According to a report by SmarTech Analysis, the global market for additive manufacturing is expected to reach $51 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15%. The report also identifies some of the key drivers for the market growth, such as metal additive manufacturing, mass customization, digital manufacturing platforms, and sustainability initiatives.

Sustainability and Circular Economy in 3D Printing

Sustainability and circular economy are two concepts that aim to reduce the environmental impact of human activities by minimizing resource consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. 3D printing can offer solutions that align with these concepts, as it enables the creation of products that are more efficient, durable, and adaptable. Moreover, 3D printing can facilitate the use of recycled or biodegradable materials, as well as the repair, reuse, and remanufacturing of products.

Sustainability

Recycled and Biodegradable Materials

One of the ways that 3D printing can contribute to sustainability and circular economy is by using recycled or biodegradable materials as feedstock. Recycled materials can be derived from post-consumer or post-industrial waste, such as plastic bottles, fishing nets, or metal scraps. Biodegradable materials can be derived from natural sources, such as algae, wood, or starch. These materials can help reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, lower the carbon footprint, and decrease the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or oceans.

Some examples of 3D printing companies that are using recycled or biodegradable materials are:

Reflow, a social enterprise that produces high-quality filament from recycled plastic waste collected in developing countries.
Fillamentum, a filament manufacturer that offers a range of biodegradable materials, such as PLA, CPE HG100, and Timberfill.
Evonik, a specialty chemicals company that recently launched INFINAM® eCO PA12, a polyamide 12 powder that substitutes 100% of fossil feedstock with bio-circular raw material from waste cooking oil.

Repair, Reuse, and Remanufacturing

Another way that 3D printing can support sustainability and circular economy is by enabling the repair, reuse, and remanufacturing of products. Repair refers to restoring the functionality of a damaged or worn-out product. Reuse refers to extending the lifespan of a product by finding a new purpose or user for it. Remanufacturing refers to restoring a product to its original condition or performance by replacing or refurbishing its components.

Some examples of 3D printing applications that involve repair, reuse, and remanufacturing are:

Spare Parts 3D, a company that provides on-demand 3D printing solutions for spare parts production and inventory optimization.
Re:3D, a company that produces large-scale 3D printers that can print with recycled materials and create objects for various purposes, such as furniture, art, or housing.
Circularise, a company that develops a blockchain-based platform that enables traceability and transparency of materials and products throughout their lifecycle.

Non-Polymer Materials in FDM 3D Printing

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the most popular and accessible 3D printing technologies, which uses thermoplastic filaments to create objects. However, in 2023, FDM 3D printing will not be limited to polymers anymore. Several companies have developed FDM solutions for non-polymer materials, such as metals, ceramics, composites, and even food. These innovations will open up new possibilities and applications for FDM 3D printing.

Metal FDM 3D Printing

Metal FDM 3D printing is a process that uses metal filaments that consist of a polymer binder and metal powder. The metal filament is extruded through a heated nozzle and deposited layer by layer on a build platform. After the printing is completed, the printed part undergoes a debinding and sintering process that removes the polymer binder and fuses the metal particles together, resulting in a dense and strong metal part.

Some examples of companies that offer metal FDM 3D printing solutions are:

The Virtual Foundry, which produces Filamet™, a range of metal filaments that can be printed with any FDM printer and sintered with a furnace or a microwave.
BASF, which launched Ultrafuse® 316L, a stainless steel filament that can be printed with standard FDM printers and sintered with an industrial furnace.
Markforged, which developed the Metal X system, a dedicated metal FDM printer that uses Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM) technology to print and sinter metal parts.

Ceramic FDM 3D Printing

Ceramic FDM 3D printing is a process that uses ceramic filaments that consist of a polymer binder and ceramic powder. The ceramic filament is extruded through a heated nozzle and deposited layer by layer on a build platform. After the printing is completed, the printed part undergoes a debinding and sintering process that removes the polymer binder and fuses the ceramic particles together, resulting in a hard and brittle ceramic part.

Some examples of companies that offer ceramic FDM 3D printing solutions are:

StoneFlower, which produces ceramic filaments and extruders that can print pottery and sculptures with any FDM printer.
Tethon 3D, which offers Porcelite®, a porcelain ceramic resin that can be printed with SLA or DLP printers and sintered with a kiln.
Kwambio, which developed the Ceramo One, a dedicated ceramic FDM printer that uses Ceramic Shell Deposition Modeling (CSDM) technology to print and sinter ceramic parts.

Composite FDM 3D Printing

Composite FDM 3D printing is a process that uses composite filaments that consist of a polymer matrix and reinforcing fibers. The composite filament is extruded through a heated nozzle and deposited layer by layer on a build platform. The printed part has enhanced mechanical properties, such as strength, stiffness, or toughness, depending on the type and orientation of the fibers.

Some examples of companies that offer composite FDM 3D printing solutions are:

Markforged, which produces Onyx™, a nylon filament reinforced with chopped carbon fiber, and Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (CFR), a technology that embeds continuous carbon fiber, fiberglass, or Kevlar® strands into the printed part.
Anisoprint, which developed the Composer series, a range of composite FDM printers that use Composite Fiber Co-extrusion (CFC) technology to print parts with continuous carbon or basalt fiber reinforcement.
Arevo, which created the Aqua series, a line of composite FDM printers that use Direct Energy Deposition (DED) technology to print parts with continuous carbon fiber reinforcement.

Food FDM 3D Printing

Food FDM 3D printing is a process that uses food materials as feedstock. The food material is extruded through a nozzle and deposited layer by layer on a plate or tray. The printed food can have various shapes, textures, flavors, and colors, depending on the type and composition of the food material.

Some examples of companies that offer food FDM 3D printing solutions are:

Natural Machines, which developed the Foodini, a food FDM printer that can print various types of food, such as pasta, pizza, cookies, or burgers.
byFlow, which created the Focus, a portable food FDM printer that can print different kinds of food, such as chocolate, cheese, dough, or fruit puree.
BeeHex, which invented the Chef 3D, a food FDM printer that can print customized pizzas with different toppings and shapes.

3D Printing in Construction: From Houses to Lunar Bases

One of the sectors that will see a significant growth of 3D printing in 2023 is construction. 3D printing can offer advantages such as speed, cost-efficiency, design flexibility, and customization in building structures and components. Several projects around the world have demonstrated the potential of 3D printing in construction, such as houses, hotels, bridges, and even a lunar base. Some of the companies that are leading the way in this field are ICON, Apis Cor, COBOD, MX3D, and Relativity Space.

3D Printed Houses

3D printed houses are one of the most common and popular applications of 3D printing in construction. 3D printed houses can be built faster, cheaper, and more sustainably than conventional houses, as they use less material, labor, and energy. 3D printed houses can also be customized to fit different needs, preferences, and environments.

Some examples of 3D printed houses are:

ICON’s Vulcan II printer, which can print a 1900-square-foot house in less than 24 hours using a proprietary concrete mix. ICON has partnered with New Story, a non-profit organization, to build affordable housing communities in Mexico and Haiti.
Apis Cor’s mobile printer, which can print a 400-square-foot house in less than a day using a concrete mixture. Apis Cor has printed houses in Russia, Dubai, and the US.
COBOD’s BOD2 printer, which can print a two-storey house in less than a week using a concrete mixture. COBOD has printed houses in Germany, Belgium, and India.

3D Printed Hotels

3D printed hotels are another application of 3D printing in construction that aims to provide unique and innovative hospitality experiences. 3D printed hotels can be designed and built with more creativity and flexibility than conventional hotels, as they can create complex shapes and structures that are not possible with traditional methods.

Some examples of 3D printed hotels are:

The Fibonacci House, a luxury villa in Mexico that was designed by Studio Mortazavi and printed by ICON. The Fibonacci House features a spiral shape inspired by the Fibonacci sequence and has a living area of 500 square meters.
The Hotel BOD2, a boutique hotel in Copenhagen that was designed by Eentileen Architects and printed by COBOD. The Hotel BOD2 features a modular design that allows for easy expansion and customization.
The Tecla House, an eco-friendly hotel in Italy that was designed by Mario Cucinella Architects and printed by WASP. The Tecla House features a dome shape made of clay and straw that blends with the natural environment.

3D Printed Bridges

3D printed bridges are another application of 3D printing in construction that showcases the technical and aesthetic capabilities of the technology. 3D printed bridges can be built faster, cheaper, and more safely than conventional bridges, as they use less material, labor, and equipment. 3D printed bridges can also be designed and built with more accuracy and precision than conventional bridges, as they can create complex geometries and structures that are not possible with traditional methods.

Some examples of 3D printed bridges are:

The MX3D Bridge, a steel bridge that was designed by Joris Laarman Lab and printed by MX3D. The MX3D Bridge features an organic shape that spans over 12 meters across a canal in Amsterdam.
The Concrete Bridge Project, a concrete bridge that was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and printed by XtreeE. The Concrete Bridge Project features a parametric design that spans over 30 meters across a river in Shanghai.
The Striatus Bridge, a concrete bridge that was designed by Block Research Group and Zaha Hadid Architects and printed by Incremental3d. The Striatus Bridge features an arched design that spans over 16 meters across a canal in Venice.

3D Printed Lunar Base

A 3D printed lunar base is one of the most ambitious and futuristic applications of 3D printing in construction. A 3D printed lunar base aims to provide a sustainable and habitable environment for humans on the moon, using local resources such as lunar soil and ice. A 3D printed lunar base can also reduce the cost and risk of transporting materials and equipment from Earth to the moon.

One example of a 3D printed lunar base is:

Project Olympus, a project that was initiated by NASA and awarded to ICON. Project Olympus aims to develop a robotic construction system that can print lunar habitats using lunar regolith.

Software is an essential component of 3D printing, as it enables the creation, optimization, simulation, and control of digital models and physical prints. In 2023, software advances in 3D printing will include the use of artificial intelligence (AI), digital thread, and cloud computing. AI can help improve the quality, efficiency, and reliability of 3D printing processes by analyzing data, detecting errors, optimizing parameters, and generating designs. Digital thread can help connect the entire lifecycle of a product from design to production to use to disposal by creating a digital record of its history, performance, and status. Cloud computing can help enable remote access, collaboration, scalability, and security of 3D printing operations by storing data and running software on online servers.

Artificial Intelligence in 3D Printing

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that aims to create machines or systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and decision making. AI can be applied to various aspects of 3D printing, such as:

Design: AI can help generate novel and optimal designs for 3D printing by using techniques such as generative design, topology optimization, and neural networks. For example, Autodesk’s Dreamcatcher is a generative design tool that uses AI to explore multiple design options based on user-defined goals and constraints. Another example is Nvidia’s GauGAN, an AI tool that can produce 3D models from text input.
Process: AI can help monitor and control the 3D printing process by using techniques such as computer vision, machine learning, and feedback loops. For example, Sigma Labs’ PrintRite3D is a process monitoring and quality assurance tool that uses AI to detect defects and anomalies in real time during metal 3D printing. Another example is HP’s SmartStream, a process optimization tool that uses AI to predict and adjust the optimal print parameters for each layer of a multi-jet fusion print.
Post-Processing: AI can help automate and improve the post-processing steps of 3D printing by using techniques such as image recognition, natural language processing, and robotics. For example, PostProcess Technologies’ AUTOMAT3D is a post-processing platform that uses AI to automate the removal of supports and excess material from 3D printed parts. Another example is AMT’s Digital Manufacturing System, a post-processing platform that uses AI to automate the surface finishing and coloring of 3D printed parts.

Digital Thread in 3D Printing

Digital thread is a concept that refers to the creation and management of a digital representation of a physical product throughout its entire lifecycle. Digital thread can help enhance the traceability, transparency, and efficiency of 3D printing by enabling the integration and communication of data across different stages, systems, and stakeholders. Digital thread can also help ensure the quality, consistency, and security of 3D printed products by enabling the verification and validation of their design, production, and performance.

Some examples of companies that offer digital thread solutions for 3D printing are:

Link3D, a company that provides a digital manufacturing execution system (MES) that connects the entire additive manufacturing workflow from design to delivery.
Identify3D, a company that provides a digital supply chain platform that protects the intellectual property and quality of 3D printed products from design to distribution.
Authentise, a company that provides a data-driven platform that automates the reporting and analysis of 3D printing operations.

Cloud Computing in 3D Printing

Cloud computing is a concept that refers to the delivery of computing services such as storage, processing, software, and networking over the internet. Cloud computing can help enable remote access, collaboration, scalability, and security of 3D printing by allowing users to store data and run software on online servers rather than on local devices. Cloud computing can also help reduce the cost and complexity of 3D printing by providing users with flexible and pay-per-use options.

Some examples of companies that offer cloud computing solutions for 3D printing are:

Ultimaker, a company that provides a cloud-based platform that allows users to manage multiple 3D printers from anywhere.
MakerBot, a company that provides a cloud-based platform that allows users to access thousands of ready-to-print models from various sources.
Onshape, a company that provides a cloud-based platform that allows users to create and edit CAD models collaboratively.

Conclusion

3D printing is a technology that has the potential to revolutionize various industries and sectors, such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and entertainment. In 2023, 3D printing will witness new trends and innovations that will expand its scope and impact in new and exciting ways. Some of the trends that will shape the 3D printing industry in 2023 are:

Consolidation and IPOs in the 3D printing market, which will increase the visibility, credibility, and competitiveness of 3D printing companies.
Sustainability and circular economy in 3D printing, which will reduce the environmental impact of 3D printing by using recycled or biodegradable materials and enabling the repair, reuse, and remanufacturing of products.
Non-polymer materials in FDM 3D printing, which will open up new possibilities and applications for FDM 3D printing by using metals, ceramics, composites, and food as feedstock.
3D printing in construction, which will offer advantages such as speed, cost-efficiency, design flexibility, and customization in building structures and components, such as houses, hotels, bridges, and even a lunar base.
Software advances in 3D printing, which will include the use of artificial intelligence, digital thread, and cloud computing to improve the quality, efficiency, and reliability of 3D printing processes.

These trends are not exhaustive or exclusive, but rather indicative of the direction and potential of 3D printing in 2023. As a 3D printing enthusiast and expert, I hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about this fascinating technology.