3D Printing Trends: Inside MakerBot's Inaugural Report

MakerBot's first 3D Printing Trend Report set out to map how businesses use the technology and where they plan to take it. The headline 3D printing trends are clear. Nearly three-quarters of respondents, 74%, planned to invest in 3D printing in the year ahead, and half expected to spend up to $100,000.

The report gathered these views during the COVID-19 period, which makes the confidence notable. This article breaks down the key findings and what they mean for Australian businesses today.

What MakerBot's 3D printing trends report found

The report surveyed businesses and educators on how they invest in 3D printing, which applications they run, and what they plan next. The standout figure is investment intent: 74% planned to put money into 3D printing in the coming year.

Spending ambitions were real, not token. Half of respondents expected to invest up to $100,000, which signals a shift from hobby budgets to capital planning.

Why businesses kept investing through COVID-19

COVID-19 disrupted the operations of nearly 70% of respondents. Even so, 56% said their 3D printing investment plans had not changed. That resilience is the report's most telling result.

MakerBot's CEO framed it directly:

"These findings confirm what we have known for some time, and that is the potential of 3D printing to transform business operations," said Nadav Goshen, CEO.

His point was simple. When budgets tighten, firms cut non-essential spending first. Holding 3D printing investment through a downturn marks it as core, not optional.

What is driving 3D printing adoption

Customisation leads the reasons for adoption. The report found 68% want to make custom low to mid-volume parts, and 57% value the freedom to print complex geometries that older methods struggle with.

Research and development remains central. Concept modelling sits top at 70%, followed by functional prototypes at 66% and broader R&D at 44%. These applications keep 3D printing close to the design bench.

Print quality decides which machine teams buy. Reliability ranks highest at 65%, with dimensional accuracy close behind at 61%. Buyers want parts right the first time.

On technology, FDM dominates. The report found 77% use FDM or FFF printers, with plastics the main material at 93% and resins well behind at 25%.

Barriers and what comes next

Cost is the main barrier. Budget limits hold back 53% of respondents, and 29% point to a lack of technical expertise on the team. Both are solvable with the right printer and supplier support.

Looking ahead, respondents expect fast progress. Over the following three to five years, 61% anticipated more material options, and 58% expected operating costs to fall.

MakerBot's CEO tied the findings to a wider shift:

"We are pleased to release the MakerBot 3D Printing Trend Report, our first report on the trends and factors that are impacting the use of 3D printing... as the technology moves from prototyping to production, we expect to see the expansion of its use and applications continue to grow," added Goshen.

MakerBot published the full findings in its inaugural report. Download the full MakerBot 3D Printing Trend Report.

What the trends mean for Australian businesses

The same patterns play out in Australian workshops and classrooms. Cost remains the first hurdle, which is why a clear view of pricing matters. Our 3D printer cost guide for Australia lays out what to budget across entry and production machines.

The move from prototyping to production is already here. Design firm Pensa added a MakerBot Method XL for small-batch production, the exact shift the report describes. For Australian teams, the MakerBot Method range covers that production step, while the Sketch range suits schools building early skills. We covered the Method's Australian launch in detail.

Australian 3D Printers supplies the full MakerBot range with local advice and support, so cost and expertise need not block adoption.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MakerBot 3D Printing Trend Report?

The MakerBot 3D Printing Trend Report is MakerBot's first survey of how businesses and educators adopt 3D printing. It covers investment plans, applications and buying factors. The report found strong investment intent even through the COVID-19 disruption.

What are the main 3D printing trends in the report?

The main 3D printing trends are rising investment, customisation and a shift toward production. The report found 74% planned to invest, 68% wanted custom parts, and 77% used FDM printers. Concept modelling and functional prototypes stayed the top applications.

Why are businesses investing in 3D printing?

Businesses invest in 3D printing to make custom parts, print complex geometries and speed up research and development. The report found 56% kept their plans through COVID-19, which points to 3D printing as core to resilience and long-term profitability rather than a cost to cut.

What are the biggest barriers to 3D printing adoption?

The biggest barriers to 3D printing adoption are cost and skills. The report found 53% cite budget limits and 29% cite a lack of technical expertise. The right printer choice and supplier support address both, which lowers the risk of a first investment.

Where can Australian businesses buy a MakerBot 3D printer?

Australian businesses buy MakerBot printers, including the Method, Method XL and Sketch range, through Australian 3D Printers, the local authorised reseller. The team advises on the right printer for prototyping, production or the classroom, with local support and supply.

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