3D Printing Market Insights and Forecasts 2023: The Year the Hype Premium Drained Out
Content in this Article
3D Printing 2023 matters when a change affects cost, lead time, quality or customer requirements. This report turns broad signals into small tests a product team can evaluate before scaling.
- Define function, environment, quantity and risk before selecting a material or process.
- Treat typical values as comparison points; confirm the exact grade and supplier capability before release.
- Use a first article or pilot lot to verify dimensions, function and records before scaling.
Define the decision
Document function, environment, quantity and risk so every option is compared against the same requirement.
3D Printing 2023 evaluation flow
Define requirements, narrow the material and process, then verify with a consistent acceptance method.
- 1Requirements
Function, environment, quantity and risk
- 2Options
Material, process, design controls and finishing
- 3Acceptance
Dimensions, functional tests and production records
Compare the practical options
Compare material, process, design controls and finishing together—not unit price alone.
Industry Adoption Split Into Three Speeds
2023 was the year the adoption curve visibly separated into leading, following, and stalled industries. Medical, aerospace, and select consumer verticals pulled ahead; automotive and construction stayed on the demonstration side of the line.
Validate before scaling
Before scaling, verify dimensions, function and records with one controlled method across representative lots.
Materials Broadened Faster Than Hardware
The 2023 materials story beat the hardware story on revenue. High-performance polymers moved from qualified to production-baseline, multi-material resins enabled single-print assemblies at Carbon and Stratasys, and ceramics began to ship in semiconductor tool chambers.
Pre-RFQ review: recommended practice and common mistakes
| Recommended practice | Common mistake |
|---|---|
| Document function, environment, quantity and risk | Select from a material name or machine specification alone |
| Review material, process, design controls and finishing together | Address manufacturing limits only after design freeze |
| Inspect critical dimensions and function on the first article | Scale production from visual approval alone |
| Keep material, revision and inspection records | Reuse old results after a material or process change |
- Function, environment, quantity and risk are documented
- Material, process, design controls and finishing are reviewed with the supplier
- Critical dimensions, appearance and functional acceptance are on the drawing or RFQ
- First-article or pilot-lot verification is planned
- Material, process and revision changes trigger a new review
FAQ, further reading and sources
What should be defined first for 3D Printing 2023?
Start with function, environment, quantity and acceptance criteria. These inputs narrow the practical options faster than naming a machine or material first.
Can typical values in this article be released directly on a drawing?
No. Use them for early comparison, then confirm the exact grade, supplier capability and first-article result.
When is the process ready to scale?
Scale only after material, process, finishing and inspection are controlled and repeatable across representative lots.
Next, explore 3D printing services, CNC machining, materials, and the related reports linked on this page.
