3D Printing Progress

Automotive, medical, and defense are amongst the most common application sectors for 3D printing and injection molding, and the TCT and Interplas events hosted at the NEC during the first week of June showcased a number of startups and well-established players. During their visit, IDTechEx had the chance to speak with a diverse range of companies and learn about the current landscapes of both 3D printing and injection molding, and where exactly the focus is for the respective industries.

Hip and knee replacement is the largest market segment in orthopedic implants. This article discusses the key determinants of the market value, including demographics (aging population) and pricing. The global market for hip and knee replacement implants will approach US$34 billion by 2036. The global market for hip and knee replacement implant will approach US$34 billion by 2036.

With in-mold electronics (IME) company, Kronos Mechatronics, having won the LOPEC 2026 Startup Award for Best Business Potential, the hype for printed electronic technologies can continue to flourish. In automotive applications, IME can combine smart aesthetics with functionality, while reducing the cost and weight associated with traditional wiring.

In-mold electronics (IME) is a manufacturing technology that prioritizes functionality and the seamless integration of electrical components into 3D structures, for a sophisticated and lightweight aesthetic. IDTechEx brings extensive knowledge of the market in their latest research report, "In-Mold Electronics 2025-2035: Forecasts, Technologies, Markets".

Functionality is at the heart of in-mold electronics - a technology concerned with creating seamlessly integrated electronic functions into hardware, particularly within automotive interiors. IDTechEx's report, "In-Mold Electronics 2025-2035: Forecasts, Technologies, Markets", explores the current landscape of in-mold electronics and where it can be expected to head over the next ten years.

3D printing as an industry is seeing increased attention for its versatility and convenience. The different avenues of this technology, including metal additive manufacturing, highlights the scope for diversity, bringing new materials and possibilities to a reliable and longstanding process.

The sleekening and thinning down of electronics is a trend that isn't expected to leave any time soon, as miniaturization, seamlessness, and ease of use continue to be driving factors behind the technological developments across a number of industries. IDTechEx's portfolio ofPrinted & Flexible Electronics Research Reports includes a vast array of research topics, including in-mold electronics, perovskite photovoltaics, conductive inks, and flexible batteries.

In-mold electronics (IME) can allow for surfaces or 3D structures to become functional, with embedded electrical components, to streamline and increase performance capabilities. IDTechEx's report, "In-Mold Electronics 2025-2035: Forecasts, Technologies, Markets", covers some of the main application areas for IME and its manufacturing processes, along with predictions for its uptake over the next decade.

3D printing methods have long been used for the creation of spare parts and prototypes amongst a number of sectors including automotives and R&D. Metal additive manufacturing is now emerging more rapidly within oil and gas, jewellery, and building and construction sectors on both a small and large scale.

With the broader 3D printing industry, which encompasses material subspecialities like polymers, ceramics, and electronics, metal additive manufacturing (AM) has particularly shown strength in recent years. As more users identify end-use applications for metal 3D-printed parts in sectors like aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, etc., it is clear that the industry is maturing beyond prototyping and tooling to penetrate high-value applications.