Key Developments & Implications
3D printing has become a trusted technology across various sectors, from printing of customized pills and medical devices to the manufacturing of aviation components. As the technology continues to develop and, more importantly, overcomes challenges surrounding liability and certification, the 3D printing market is expected to grow tremendously with some estimates projecting the industry to be worth $550 billion by 2025. 3D printing will be highly applicable in areas such as spare parts production and will significantly impact related logistics services and volumes. A comprehensive ‘dematerialization’ of physical flows of manufactured goods is, however, still far off.
