ROBO 3D, today announced the results of its annual Big 3D Printer Consumer survey, which this year indicates that 79% of the people surveyed will be purchasing a 3D printer. The survey was open to all 3D printer consumers in the U.S.
According to the survey of over 400 users, consumers are mainly interested in purchasing a single extruder 3D printer. Conversely, only 5% surveyed are interested in purchasing an industrial 3D printer.
These stats reinforce the 3D printer sector’s economic viability and potential to create a significant number of jobs in the years ahead. In fact, Wall Street analysts project the industry will have $1 billion in revenue by 2016, nearly double the revenue from 2013.
Findings from the 2014 survey include:
Key demographics are falling behind in the 3D printer industry
*Only 4% of the survey respondents were women
*Millennials are the least engaged age group in 3D printing, followed closely by baby boomers at *10% and 15% conversely.
*45% of the respondents have an income of up to $80,000.
Printers and Features Most Appealing to Consumers:
*22% said they would like the ability to print 3D items faster.
*16% would like more materials to print with.
*A full 24% would like more build volume with their printers.
*$500-$1000 is the range that the majority of consumers are willing to spend on a 3D printer.
Items Consumers are 3D Printing:
*46% of users are printing office items.
*65% are printing items for the home/household
*63% are printing parts for machinery
*80% are printing prototypes
The survey also indicates that the majority of consumers are purchasing 3D printer machines and accessories online, due to the lack of big box and other stores stocking 3D printing items. A full 70% purchase items online, virtually site unseen. Consumers are also looking to technology sites for information on the latest trends in 3D printing, mainly TechCrunch and Mashable.
“The survey is indicative of nationwide consumer trends in the 3D printing industry. To be truly mainstream, the industry as a whole needs to be appealing to both women and millennials.” said Braydon Moreno, CEO, ROBO 3D “The survey also showed us that the majority of consumers are not willing to spend more than $1000 on a 3D printer, which shows us that their is a market need for more lower priced units like the ROBO R1 we produce.”
The survey was fielded in May and the results have a +/-4.7% margin of error.
Source: 3D Printing Insider & Robo3D