Rapid Prototyping Industry Produces $421 Million, Up from 1995’s $295 Million

Last year, the primary rapid prototyping (RP) market grew by 42.6% to an estimated $421 million

FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, April 17, 1997 — Last year, the primary rapid prototyping (RP) market grew by 42.6% to an estimated $421 million, up from 1995’s $295 million. The primary market consists of all products and services directly associated with rapid prototyping. Products include RP systems, system upgrades, materials, and after-market products such as third-party software and lasers. Services include revenues generated from RP models and patterns produced on RP systems at service bureaus, RP system maintenance contracts, training, seminars, conferences, expositions, advertising, publications, and consulting services.

3D Systems, Inc., a U.S. manufacturer of stereolithography systems, was the single largest contributor to the RP market in 1996, generating almost 19% of the $421 million. Based on recent growth trends, Wohlers Associates expects the RP industry to reach a new milestone in 1999, with sales of products and services to exceed $1 billion.

Wohlers Associates reports RP market data in a new publication titled Rapid Prototyping State of the Industry: 1997 Worldwide Progress Report. This 96-page publication focuses on new applications, developments, and trends in RP, rapid tooling, CAD solid modeling, 3D printing, and reverse engineering. It includes 27 charts and graphs, 12 tables, and 14 photographs.

The report is available for $260, which includes priority mail shipping in the US. For orders outside the US, the price is US$280, which includes air mail shipping. To order one or more copies, please send an official company purchase order or check (in US$) for the total amount to Wohlers Associates, Inc., or provide credit card (VISA or MasterCard) details. If you are not fully satisfied with the report, you will be issued a refund.

Wohlers Associates, Inc. is a 10-year old independent consulting firm focusing on RP, CAD/CAM/CAE, reverse engineering, and rapid product development. RPA/SME was founded in 1993 by Terry Wohlers, president of Wohlers Associates, and 13 individuals from industry and academia.

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