A number of Japanese tech companies are poised to enter the 3D printer market, with Ricoh, Japan’s leading multinational precision instrument company already developing a 3D printer for car and machinery parts they aim to have in production by 2016. They hope to capitalize on demand for mass production of as well as prototyping. The printer is expected to be priced at from $46,900 to $187,670. Ricoh is targeting small and midsize parts makers as potential customers.

In the meantime, in efforts to get their feet wet in the 3D printer market, Ricoh will start offering prototyping services, and will be importing and selling 3D printers from global leaders Stratasys and 3D Systems. More details on Ricoh's entrance into the market can be found here: http://3dprint.com/14451/ricoh-3d-printers-japan