The 2021 3D Printing Sentiment Index, announced by Ultimaker and conducted by independent research firm Savanta, covers 3D printing in 12 key markets globally. It also shows use by a widening range of verticals and professions, including education. Awareness of 3D printing increased globally to 71%. Regionally, China’s awareness is 84%, Switzerland at 83%, The Netherlands and U.S. at 76%.

65% of respondents aware of 3D printing believe use will be widespread in their industry in the next five years, and 27% of respondents claimed 3D printing is an investment priority. Almost half (49%) believe it will become a business-critical function.

Other takeaways include:

• Use is highest in the U.S., U.K., Germany and France
• Plastics and polymers are the most commonly used materials, with PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and PETT (Polyethylene co-Trimethylene Terephthalate) gaining ground 31% with a 4% increase.
• 1-in-3 businesses surveyed are currently using 3D printing, it is only fully embedded in less than 1-in-10 businesses.
• The COVID-19 pandemic drove adoption as 3D printing as a reliable alternative for fast innovation and local manufacturing.
• Adoption maturity therefore increased in 2020 with companies advancing from a small team using the technology to a well-implemented application.
• Use cases helped engineers globally to support disrupted supply chains in innovative ways with 55% of businesses using 3D printing to produce end-use parts and almost three quarters use it to produce tools, optimize workshop organization and streamline logistics.
• Prototyping was down 8%, however it is the most common use of 3D printing.

The study was conducted online by Savanta in December 2020. The sample covered 2.525 professionals of which 1,692 professionals were aware of the technology from twelve countries: United States, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, China, Japan, South Korea and Australia and completed the survey. Professionals came from all levels of business, as well as a wide variety of industries, including but not limited to healthcare, manufacturing, architecture and automotive.

Original Source: PR Newswire