The global 3D printing market is set to double in the next four years to reach $US35 billion in 2020, according to a survey by researcher International Data Corporation (IDC).
While 3D printers and materials will represent nearly half the total worldwide revenues throughout the forecast, software and related services will also experience significant growth.
"As the market for printers, materials and services matures, IDC expects new 3D printing capabilities to enable a next-wave of customer innovation in discrete manufacturing, product design, and life sciences," said Christopher Chute, vice president, Customer Insights, IDC.
But revenues from consumer 3D printing will grow modestly as this market has already matured, said the report.
The use cases that will generate the largest revenues for 3D printing in 2016 are Automotive Design and Aerospace and Defense Parts Printing. Dental Printing has also emerged as a strong opportunity in 2016.
Meanwhile, an Italian-based 3D developer WASP (The World's Advanced Saving Project) has unveiled the 'world’s largest' 3D printer (pictured), which can build full-size buildings out of mud and clay. The massive Big Delta printer stands 12 metres tall.
Founder Massimo Moretti says he launched WASP to build "zero-mile" homes, using materials found in the surrounding area, with the goal to “create a means for affordable fabrication of homes and provide these means to the locals in poverty stricken areas.”