FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, USA, May 23, 2013—Wohlers Associates, Inc. today announced the release of the Wohlers Report 2013, the company’s annual in-depth analysis of additive manufacturing and 3D printing worldwide.

Wohlers Report 2013 covers all aspects of 3D printing, including its history, applications, processes, manufacturers, and materials. It documents important developments from the past 18 months, covers R&D and collaboration activities in government, academia, and industry, and summarizes the state of the industry in countries around the world. This edition marks the report’s 18th consecutive year of publication.

Wohlers Report 2013 provides an in-depth look at market forces, competitive products and services, and industry growth. The market for 3D printing in 2012, consisting of all products and services worldwide, grew 28.6% (CAGR) to $2.204 billion. This is up from $1.714 billion in 2011, when it grew 29.4%. Growth was 24.1% in 2010. The average annual growth (CAGR) of the industry over the past 25 years is an impressive 25.4%. The CAGR is 27.4% over the past three years (2010–2012).

Growth of the low-cost (under $5,000) “personal” 3D printer market segment averaged 346% each year from 2008 through 2011. In 2012, the increase cooled significantly to an estimated 46.3%, according to research by Wohlers Associates. Most of these machines are being sold to hobbyists, do-it-yourselfers, engineering students, and educational institutions.

The 3D printing industry is expected to continue strong double-digit growth over the next several years. By 2017, Wohlers Associates believes that the sale of 3D-printing products and services will approach $6 billion worldwide. By 2021, Wohlers Associates forecasts the industry to reach $10.8 billion. It took the 3D printing industry 20 years to reach $1 billion in size. In five additional years, the industry generated its second $1 billion. It is expected to double again, to $4 billion, in 2015.

About Wohlers Associates: Wohlers Associates is an independent consulting firm that provides technical, marketing, and strategic advice on the new developments and trends in additive manufacturing and 3D printing. (The company uses the terms interchangeably.) For more information, visit https://wohlersassociates.com.

Wohlers Report 2013: The 297-page annual study is packed with up-to-date and practical information. It includes 35 charts and graphs, 55 tables, and more than 200 photographs and illustrations. The report, which sells for US$495, was created with support from 74 service providers, 31 system manufacturers, and the valuable contributions of 70 co-authors from around the world.

Report Development Team
The following individuals and organizations contributed to Wohlers Report 2013
and served as important sources for information.

Nadra Angerman