Econolyst, a global additive manufacturing & 3D printing consultancy and research firm based in the UK, is conducting the ‘2013 3D Printing BIG survey’. After a soft launch late last week, to iron out any bugs, the company is now opening the survey up and invites anyone with their own 3D printer — or anyone that wants one — to take part in this fact-finding mission. The aim of the survey is to identify the true current status of 3D printing within the established prosumer and maker communities as well as the embryonic consumer market. Econolyst holds the view that there is currently no comprehensive, independent, reliable information available at this end of the market and has resolved to fill the gap with this undertaking.
Respondents to the online survey, which will take about 15 minutes to complete, will be entered into a draw to win a 3D printer of their choice (up to the value of $2,500). Five runners up will also receive $250 worth of 3D printing materials of their choice.
Initially respondents will be asked whether they have their own 3D printer or not. This will determine the questions posed. For existing users, questions beyond system type and materials used (brand and volume) include “Does you technology live up to expectation? What are you printing and how often? Where does your data come from and would you ever consider paying to download content?” Experiences and purpose are also explored.
For current non-users, the questions will necessarily be different, they will be asked about barriers to adoption, use of 3rd party services, motivation to enter the market and so on. The survey will, however, also help potential technology buyers to understand some of the all-important questions to ask technology vendors & resellers before parting with hard cash — as and when they decide to take the plunge.
The survey will also take into account geography to assess awareness and adoption patterns.
The survey will be open until 23:59 on 24th February 2013.
As a long-standing and well-respected proponent of AM and 3DP, Econolyst is extremely well-placed to conduct and assimilate the results from this survey, which will be the first of its kind at this end of the market.
Source: Econolyst
