Analysis of 3D printing industry: key technologies, business models and value chains

Abstract

The objective of the study is to identify and understand the 3-D Printing industry and explore the business models on the rise. The project answers the following questions: 1. How is 3-D printing better/different from traditional manufacturing? What is the future of manufacturing in the 3-D printing horizon? 2. What are the current and emerging technologies of 3-D printing? 3. Mass production vs. mass customization—how is 3-D printing leading this transition? 4. How will 3-D printing empower a connected life—how will 3-D printing be used in home, work, and city environments? 5. When will 3-D printing go mainstream? What are the challenges in the commercialization of 3-D printing? 6. What is the value chain of the 3-D printing industry? What are the business models currently being followed in offering 3-D printing services? 7. Which industries are the top users of 3-D printing technology? Which are the key industries that will be disrupted or decimated as a result of 3-D printing? 8. How will 3-D printing affect the supply chain? What are the new models in logistics that are expected to emerge as a result of 3-D printing? 9. What are the future applications of 3-D printing? What are some of the futuristic products we will see from 3-D printing?