Wohlers Associates

Industry Briefing
September 2006

Additive Fabrication Around the World

In 1997, North America accounted for 52.6% of the additive systems installed worldwide. Its share declined to 43.8% in the four years that followed, but has changed very little over the past four years. It is expected to slowly decline in the years to come as countries in Asia and other developing regions modernize their product development methods and embrace additive fabrication.

In 2005, the number of installations in the Asia/Pacific region grew by 12.1% to 975 machines. This is down from the 43% growth in 2004 and 22.7% growth in 2003. The cumulative installed base for the region now stands at 5,254 machines through the end of 2005. An estimated 29.6% of all machines were installed in this region at the end of 2005.

Additive processes are established at various levels in many countries in Europe. Organizations in these countries are conducting world-class research and development and using the technology for prototyping, tooling, and manufacturing. Much collaboration between industry, academia, and local and national government is taking place. The experience and expertise from these projects are leading to new products and services.

Europe as a whole had a good 2005 as measured by new installations, although the region cooled some from its extraordinary growth of 2004. In 2005, the number of installations in Europe grew by 34.6%, compared to 95.2% the year before. Through the end of 2005, an estimated 3,455 machines were installed in Germany, France, Italy, and the UK. This is up 26.2% from the end of 2004.

Countries that have historically installed few systems each year are beginning to purchase more substantial quantities. Most notable is South Africa with 24 new systems in 2005 and 15 in 2004. Previously, no more than two systems per year were sold and installed in the country.

Note: The previous information was excerpted from Wohlers Report 2006. A detailed overview of the report, as well as additional information on the market and industry, are available at http://wohlersassociates.com.

Wohlers Talk: Cosmic Modelz

On August 3, 2006, The Wall Street Journal published an article titled New Copiers Create 3D Plastic Models on Demand. The story introduced 3D printers to many readers and cited recent developments and applications of 3D printing. Also, it revealed that SolidWorks is launching a new business called Cosmic Modelz in the coming weeks. Cosmic Modelz will permit kids—or anyone—to use the company's Cosmic Blobs software to create custom action figures. This easy-to-use software sells for $40 and is targeted at kids. Using a new website operated by Z Corp., the Cosmic Blobs models will be sent to Z Corp. for production on one of its color 3D printers. The cost per model: $25 to $50.

If you go to http://www.cosmicmodelz.com, you will see a "Coming Soon" page (as of today) that introduces the visitor to the new service. The page shows examples of the kinds of figures that are possible.

If SolidWorks and Z Corp. follow through with the plan, it will be the first serious attempt to "commercialize" the use of 3D printers for the mass home market. Pricing is aggressive, so I would expect that many people will give it a try. When they see the model quality from the latest generation machines from Z Corp., they will undoubtedly show and tell their neighbors and friends.

Nothing quite like this has been available, so its novelty could lead to something big. If even a tiny fraction of the kids with access to computers choose to have a model produced, it could generate millions of dollars of revenue.

I applaud SolidWorks and Z Corp. for their creativity and originality. I will be among the first in line to give it a try. And that line will likely grow long as the word gets out.

Note: Wohlers Talk is a blog that offers views, perspective, and commentary related to rapid product development and a wide range of other topics. One hundred commentaries have been published since February 2003. To view them, visit http://wohlersassociates.com/blog.