5 Top 3D Printing Stories of 2017

If there’s one thing we can take away from the 3D printing market in 2017, it’s that there’s plenty to look forward to in the industry over the next several years in terms of its uses being applied in other sectors.
Additive manufacturing has led the way in terms of consumer and business applications, whereas consumer 3D printing growth has taken a step back this year.
Still, there’s plenty of interest in the overall 3D printing sector, and if there’s anything to be said from our most read stories of the year, it’s that investors remain excited about the future of the market. Continue reading below to find out what our top read 3D printing stories of the year were.

1. 3D Printing Software Market Poised to Reach $4.5 Billion By 2021

Our top 3D printing story of the year came in October, when a reportby Research and Markets was released October 20–called the “Global 3D Printing Software and Services Market, Analysis & Forecast.”
The report looked at the future growth the market growth between 2017-2021. According to Research and Markets, the 3D printing software and services sector will reach $4.5 billion by 2021, an increase from $1.45 billion in 2016.

2. HP Introduces Innovations in 3D Printing

Second on our 5 top read 3D printing stories of the year is the story on HP (NYSE:HPQ) introducing new innovations in 3D printing. As noted in the article, the company introduced a Material Development Kit and the world’s first 3D Open Materials and Applications Lab.

3. Medical Field Bolstered by 3D Printing Industry Leaders

Our third most read 3D printing news story of the year was this piece from late November when industry leaders Stratasys (NASDAQ:SSYS) and Materialise (NASDAQ:MTLS) separately announced ways they’re advancing 3D printing technologies in the medical industry.
As noted in the article, Stratasys unveiled BioMimics, an advanced capability to 3D print medical models of the human anatomy for physician and medical device testing, as well as educational purposes.
Materialise announced that it and Siemens Healthineers are teaming up to bring Materialise Mimics inPrint software to hospitals on a global scale.

4. BASF to Pursue 3D Printing Solutions

Next is this piece on German-based BASF SE (ETR:BAS), who announced in late July that it is officially making the leap from chemicals to 3D printing.
The article states that BASF would be launching a new company called BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmBH on September 1, 2017, which would focus on expanding its business with materials, systems solutions and other services on the 3D printing industry.

5. PTC’S Shares Fly Following Q4 and Fiscal 2017 Results

Closing out our most read 3D printing news stories of the year is this piece that came in late October on PTC (NASDAQ:PTC), whose shares responded favorably following the release of its Q4 and fiscal 2017 results.
As noted in the article, the company’s share price soared following its pledge that the company remains on track to reach $1.8 billion in total revenue by 2021.
Is there a 3D printing story that caught your eye in 2017? Let us know in the comments!
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Securities Disclosure: I, Jocelyn Aspa, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.