FRAMINGHAM, MA – Global spending on 3D printing will grow at a 27% CAGR from nearly $11 billion in 2015 to $26.7 billion in 2019, says International Data Corp.

"3D printing has been a mainstay in specialized discrete manufacturing markets like automotive and aerospace for many years. However, in just the past three years, lower-priced 3D printers and affordable materials have dramatically widened the market for 3D printing to now enable consumer, education, healthcare and additional manufacturing markets,” said Christopher Chute, vice president, Consumer Insights and Analysis Group. “That said, 3D printing availability doesn't translate similarly across industries. Vendors and service providers need to understand how differences in use cases, materials cost, and end customer expectation are uniquely shaping each market.”

IDC expects key regions and vertical industries to drive the high rate of growth and provide a transformative effect on how previously mass-produced goods can now be customized for individual needs and requirements.

While emerging markets will represent a growth opportunity, IDC expects Asia/Pacific, the US, and Western Europe will grow their aggregate share of global spending from 59.2% in 2014 to 70% by 2019, as China in particular becomes a leading market for 3D printing hardware and services.