3D printing technology continues to revolutionize the tech industry with advancements from companies like IBM, General Electric, and Divergent Technologies, improving manufacturing efficiency and product quality. Despite a decline in patent applications and strategic deals in recent quarters, the US remains a leading adopter, while countries like China, Canada, Japan, and South Korea are also significant players. The technology sector is seeing reduced job postings in 3D printing, with notable hiring from companies such as Stratasys and 3D Systems. The impact of 3D printing extends beyond the technology sector, influencing various industries. GlobalData’s 3D printing market report provides comprehensive analysis of the market. Buy the report here.
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This article presents a quarterly round-up of the latest trends in the technology industry regarding 3D printing. It provides an overview of recent developments in 3D printing-related deals, talent acquisition, and patent filings within the technology industry.
Diverse applications of 3D printing in technology industry
Technology companies are advancing 3D printing through innovative patents that enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality. IBM's continuous 3D printing with a conveyor belt allows for streamlined production, enabling the creation of complex objects with supporting stabilizers, thus improving throughput. Their combination of additive printing and laser beam machining optimizes resource use, reducing time and material waste. Divergent Technologies focuses on integrating 3D printed components with commercially available parts, enhancing design flexibility. General Electric's diagnostic system employs machine learning to monitor additive manufacturing devices, ensuring operational reliability. Freeform Future Corp's method for metal additive manufacturing enhances process control, leading to higher precision. These advancements position companies to significantly improve their manufacturing capabilities and product offerings.
The industry experienced an 18% decline in the number of 3D printing-related patent applications in Q2 2024 compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, the number of 3D printing-related patent applications in the technology industry witnessed a drop of 15% compared with Q2 2023.
Strategic deal trends in 3D printing in technology industry
Technology companies are not only focusing on innovation to enhance their patent portfolios but are also making strategic investments in 3D printing. These investments aim to secure lucrative deals with partners and position themselves at the forefront of industry advancements. Some of the recent deals underscore the importance of 3D printing in the technology industry.
In Q2 2024, the number of 3D printing-related deals in the technology industry declined by 46% compared with Q2 2023. On a quarterly basis, there was 11% drop in the number of deals in Q2 2024 compared with the previous quarter.
Impact on hiring
In terms of new job posting, in Q2 2024, the technology industry experienced a 17% drop compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, job postings also declined by 28%. Notably, computer and mathematical occupations, with a share of 31%, emerged as the top 3D printing-related job roles within the technology industry in Q2 2024, with new job postings drop by 20% quarter-on-quarter. Architecture and engineering occupations came in second with a share of 21% in Q2 2024, with new job postings dropping by 20% over the previous quarter. The other prominent 3D printing roles include Management Occupations with an 11% share in Q2 2024, and production occupations with a 4% share of new job postings.
Stratasys, Belcan, 3D Systems, Faro Technologies, and Markforged Holding are among the top companies leading in 3D printing hiring within the technology industry.
Countries driving adoption of 3D printing in technology industry
The US is the leading country in 3D printing adoption within the technology industry, boasting the highest number of 3D printing-related patents, jobs, and deals. Meanwhile, China, Canada, Japan and South Korea also maintain significant positions in 3D printing adoption within the technology industry.
Despite recent declines in patent applications and deal activity, 3D printing remains a crucial technology driving innovation and efficiency in the industry. Continued investment and strategic focus will be essential for maintaining progress and competitive advantage.
To further understand GlobalData's analysis on 3D printing in the technology industry, buy the report here.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData patent analytics tracks patent filings and grants across companies and themes. Proprietary databases on deals and job analytics are used to respectively monitor global deal activity and uncover insights from daily job postings to identify trends, company activities, and industry dynamics across different sectors globally.
