3D Printing Makes Gartner Top 10

3D printing has risen to the number-three spot in the Gartner top 10 strategic technologies list for 2015.

While the technology first entered the top 10 last year, it has risen in the ranks because of the number of enterprises that have deployed systems for prototyping and other applications. The technology has now reached a phase where it can provide a true return on investment, as measured by Gartner’s “hype curve.”

3D printing came in just behind computing everywhere and the Internet of Things on this year’s list. The company unveiled the new list at its Gartner Symposium/ITxpo in Orlando on Oct. 8. Gartner defines a strategic technology as one with the potential for “significant impact on the organization in the next three years.” Those affects can include disruption for the business, end users or IT; the need for a major investment; or the risk of being late to adopt.

“We have identified the top 10 technology trends that organizations cannot afford to ignore in their strategic planning processes,” said David Cearley, vice president and Gartner Fellow. “This does not necessarily mean adoption and investment in all of the trends at the same rate, but companies should look to make deliberate decisions about them during the next two years.”

Worldwide shipments of 3D printers are expected to grow 98% in 2015, followed by a doubling of unit shipments in 2016. According to Gartner, 3D printing will reach a tipping point over the next three years as the markets for relatively low-cost printers and industrial use expand. “New industrial, biomedical and consumer applications will continue to demonstrate that 3D printing is a real, viable and cost-effective means to reduce costs through improved designs, streamlined prototyping and short-run manufacturing,” Gartner said in its announcement.

At the same conference, Gartner also predicted that by 2017, nearly 20% of durable goods e-tailers will use 3D printing to create personalized product offerings.

“Almost every single durable goods category will see a surge in [3D printing]-enabled personalization and manufacturers will develop capabilities for bringing the consumer closer to the design experience,” Gartner said. “The companies that set the strategy early will end up defining the space within their categories. This requires a corporate culture that is supportive of nonconformance products, new front office concierge business capabilities, and back office IT and operations skills. It will require a new agility that goes beyond rigid process automation, and may require entirely new business systems.”

Source: Gartner