The results are in thanks to Robo3D’s 3D Printer Consumer Survey and it appears the private sector ought to have the growth most market analysts predict. While most of the numbers reflect a common sense hypothesis, there are some disconcerting figures that need to be addressed as the industry moves forward. In one of the more understandable discoveries, most consumers want to stay under $1000 for a 3D printer. The blatant fact should foster cost-effective models to flood the market. With a survey like this, the 3DP consumer world takes shape and manufacturers can see where a core base might be and weaknesses that could easily be addressed to increase proliferation of the industry.
In what should come as no surprise, online purchases comprise the bulk of 3DP consumer activity. A lack of store carriers is an easy conclusion, yet so much of the creativity and nature of the industry lends itself to a strong online presence. And with the unprecedented connectivity and data sharing available to each progressive generation, having most of the business taking place online could be seen as a sign of a more accurate future model for consumers. The more telling and unfortunate statistic is the low purchase percentage among women and millennials.
“The survey is indicative of nationwide consumer trends in the 3D printing industry. To be truly mainstream, the industry as a whole needs to be appealing to both women and millennials.” said Braydon Moreno, CEO, ROBO 3D “The survey also showed us that the majority of consumers are not willing to spend more than $1000 on a 3D printer, which shows us that there is a market need for more lower priced units.”
The site contains easy-to-navigate data on consumers, but there are a few that stick out.
- 46% of users are printing office items.
- 65% are printing items for the home/household
- 63% are printing parts for machinery
- 80% are printing prototypes
- Only 4% of the survey respondents were women
- Millennials are the least engaged age group in 3D printing, followed closely by baby boomers at 10% and 15% conversely.
- 45% of the respondents have an income of up to $80,000.
As is famously quipped, “Numbers don’t lie.” What do these numbers tell us? 3DP is still a luxury and it can create a more convenient lifestyle judging by the tendency of parts printed. The people able to afford a 3D printer are the same people who can afford to experiment with money and have an interest in prototyping (the main use among consumers). The gender gap is odd, and hopefully it proves to be an initial anomaly in the industry as efforts are made to bridge that disparity. Apart from the aforementioned realities, 3DP continues to forge ahead and meet forecasts predicted by aficionados and industry watchers.
Source: Robo3D
