[New] In summary, over the next decade, 3D printing will evolve from an advanced manufacturing technology into a key infrastructure for the digital manufacturing era, providing more efficient, flexible, and sustainable production methods while playing a central role in global industrial upgrading.
3D Printing Industry
[New] Over the next decade, additive manufacturing will evolve into a mainstream industrial production technology.
3D Printing Industry
[New] Over the next five to ten years, additive manufacturing will evolve from a specialized technology into a standard industrial capability, fully integrated into global manufacturing ecosystems, machine shops, and supply chains.
3D Printing Industry
[New] The next 5-10 years will see additive manufacturing settle into its role as normal, industrial manufacturing in clearly defined lanes rather than a universal solution.
3D Printing Industry
[New] Over the next decade, the value in additive manufacturing will shift toward intelligent digital infrastructures: systems that connect quoting, build prep, production, compliance, and traceability into a single automated flow.
3D Printing Industry
[New] Over the next 5-10 years, additive manufacturing will increasingly become a core component of global manufacturing infrastructure, integrated alongside traditional processes rather than positioned as a disruptive alternative.
3D Printing Industry
[New] Over the next 5 to 10 years, 3D printing will become a core component of the broader manufacturing stack, operating as an indispensable part of efficient production beyond prototyping and small batch production.
3D Printing Industry
[New] In ten years, additive manufacturing will be an integral part of the school curriculum, introducing children to simple production possibilities.
3D Printing Industry
[New] The global increase in defence spending could be seen as an opportunity for additive manufacturing, as it is becoming increasingly strategic.
3D Printing Industry
[New] The rise of China as a world leader in additive manufacturing system producers was clearly noticeable and will keep growing with large systems for more serial production.
3D Printing Industry
[New] Within the next decade, additive manufacturing will move from novel to normal to essential.
3D Printing Industry
[New] Over the next decade, additive manufacturing will transition into qualified, large-scale industrial production, driven by process-based certification.
3D Printing Industry
[New] In 2026, expect indie developers to use AI for prototyping, cloud gaming for global reach, and niche monetization formats that keep creativity sustainable.
Aimcontrollers
Supported by advancements in 3D-printing ecosystems, bio-engineered textiles, and AI-fit technology, the global footwear industry is expected to witness continued innovation and competitive evolution throughout the forecast period.
Cognitive Market Research
With industries seeking lightweight structures, complex geometries, faster production cycles, and localized manufacturing, 3D printing providers will continue to play a pivotal role in reshaping global manufacturing value chains.
SNS Insider
In 2026, AI's growth will depend as much on manufacturing flexibility as on algorithms, and additive manufacturing is already embedded in that reality.
Fabbaloo
Even NASA is exploring autonomous 3D printing facilities on the Moon, to construct habitats and landing pads from local regolith - an extreme example of how AI-driven, location-agnostic production could reshape the future of industry.
Electronic Specifier
As more industries rely on tight-tolerance, miniature extrusions, rapid prototyping will become a foundational competitive advantage in 2026.
Profile Precision Extrusions
In 2026, 3D printing is expected to become a mainstream solution, enabling airlines to manufacture critical components on demand and reduce their reliance on conventional supply chains.
eplaneai
Advanced manufacturing technologies command significant investment attention, with 3D printing expenditure alone exceeding $51 billion globally by 2030.
Dynamic Design
Last updated: 22 February 2026
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