The solid imaging process, best known as 3D printing, but also as additive manufacturing, direct digital manufacturing and solid freeform fabrication, involves the creation of a three-dimensional object by adding some sort of material a little bit at a time in successive layers to build up a full-scale model. Depending on the material used, the end-result of this process might be a model which designers can use to verify a product’s qualities before full-scale manufacturing begins, or it might be an end-use specialty component for products ranging from aircraft engines to medical implants.

In the market study “3D Printing: Rapid Prototyping/Additive Fabrication/Solid Imaging via Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, Selective Laser Sintering and Inkjet Technologies,” (http://www.abiresearch.com/research/1002837-3D+Printing), ABI Research sees the global market for 3D Printing systems, services and materials dipping in the near term before returning to growth mode in 2011. By 2013, ABI Research anticipates, this market will grow to reach $782.6 million.

A number of specific technologies are used in the 3D printing process; these include stereolithography, fused deposition modeling, selective laser sintering, and even some varieties of inkjet technologies. The end-results of using these technologies are solid parts composed of plastics, resins or metals. The study’s author, Christopher Montaño, explains that, while initially restricted to use for product prototyping, 3D printing increasingly is being utilized in “markets that can take advantage of the capability for highly customized, short-run manufacturing, including industrial products firms, and medical and dental implant and device vendors.”

Given 3D printing’s current technological capabilities, Mr. Montaño says, “It is unrealistic to assume that traditional methods such as injection molding, machined or milled parts and manufacturing line assembly can be replaced by a single 3D printing system at lower costs.” However, he adds, implementing 3D printing processes for individual steps or subsystems in a traditional line manufacturing process can help reduce overall manufacturing costs. “If there also are enhanced end-user part capabilities, they provide additional incentives.”

This report is published under the Human-Machine Technology Research Service (http://www.abiresearch.com/product/service/Human-Machine_Technology_Research_Service) which is a part of NextGen, the ABI Research emerging technologies research incubator.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of emerging trends in global connectivity. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advise thousands of decision makers through 27 research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information, visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.