3D Printing Industry to be worth $8.4 Billion by 2020

While the prediction is only a prediction based on some statistical evidence, I could definitely see this happening in the next 20 years. 3D Printing is growing so fast in the past 1-2 years. I can only imagine it growing at an even faster rate once the printers begin printing in multiple materials and colors.

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3D Printing Market Forecasted For Explosive Growth To 8.4 Billion By 2020

According to a report from MarketsandMarkets, the 3D printing industry is poised for huge growth in the next several years. By 2020, the industry should hit upwards of $8.4 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of a healthy 23%.
Of note is that much of that growth will come from the healthcare and aerospace industries, as opposed to hobbyists, makers, and the like, and although the Americas currently leads the world, Europe is slated to surpass it in terms of revenue by 2020. The APAC region will see a lot of growth, as well.

http://hothardware.com/newsimages/Item28238/mkj.jpg
Growth will come from hobbyists and makers with printers like the MakerBot Replicator 2, but the bulk will come from other fields

Factors contributing to the 3D printing industry’s growth include advanced in technology, the ability to shrink to-market time frames, expiring patents, and heavy government investment. Further, the industry will push into more materials such as polymers, metals and alloys, ceramics, sand, and even living tissue.

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Read the entire article at: http://hothardware.com/News/3D-Print...llion-By-2020/

I think this is a major underestimation. Heck $8.4 billion is nothing when you consider the possibilities. If they can 3D Print human organs by 2020, that in itself would amount to $8.4 billion. I would be surprised if 3D Printing isn't a $30 billion+ industry by 2018. I don't think people realize just how fast this market is growing.