# Accessible 3D Printing 3D printing is beginning to emerge into the commercial marketplace. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Jan 26, 2015 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/accessible-3d-printing ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.2/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Accessible 3D Printing trend? **Accessible 3D Printing:** 3D printing offers much to the design world by way of greater precision, affordable manufacturing and efficient delivery. When it comes to designing and furnishing their homes, consumers are relishing in the possibilities of bespoke construction. Using 3D printed technology, brands are able to take advantage of an exciting design climate by offering experiential, functional pieces that work with consumers' specific aesthetic preferences. This shift not only signifies opportunity for design brands, but more importantly, an increasing consumer demand for affordable, customized goods. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 26 to Jan 27, 2015 - Published: Jan 26, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Accessible 3D Printing trend ### Accessible 3D Printing Software The emergence of 3D printing software, like Leopoly, that is easy to use and eliminates the need for special design skills, will disrupt traditional manufacturing methods. ### 3D Printing Labs The establishment of 3D printing labs like Israel's Fab Lab and Denmark's 3D Printhuset will make 3D printing technology accessible to more people, encouraging innovation and creativity. ### DIY 3D Printing Stations Partnerships between major retailers, like Staples, and 3D printing companies, like 3D Systems, that allow customers to use in-store 3D printing stations, will disrupt traditional production methods and make 3D printing more mainstream. ## What the Accessible 3D Printing trend means for industry ### For Manufacturing The advent of accessible 3D printing technology will challenge traditional manufacturing methods and offer new opportunities for cost-effective, customized production. ### For Education The increasing accessibility of 3D printing technology through labs and software will provide educators with innovative methods for teaching design and STEM-related skills. ### For Retail Partnerships between major retailers and 3D printing companies, and the emergence of 3D-printed products in stores, will transform the way consumers shop and create new opportunities for product personalization. ## Trend signals for Accessible 3D Printing Trend score 5.2 out of 10, from popularity 74%, activity 73%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 74% - Activity: 73% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Accessible 3D Printing trend 5 featured examples from Jan 26 to Jan 27, 2015. - [3D-Printed Hardware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printer-home-depot): This Partnership Shows Off Makerbot 3D-Printed Home Depot Tools & Hardware (Category: Business) Implication: The Home Depot-MakerBot partnership has the potential to disrupt traditional retail stores by enabling consumers to print their own tools and hardware at home. - [3D Printing Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printing-store): Staples Teams Up with 3D Systems to Offer 3D-Printing In-Store (Category: Tech) Implication: Office supply retailers like Staples are embracing in-store 3D printing as a way to offer unique services and attract customers looking for innovative solutions. - [3D Printing Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printing-shop): Copenhagen's 3D Printhuset Makes 3D Printing Accessible to All (Category: Business) Implication: The accessible 3D printing trend is disrupting the manufacturing industry by giving individuals the ability to create their own goods, potentially changing the traditional supply… - [Accessible 3D Printing Software](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leopoly): The Leopoly App Expands to Expands to Schools and Businesses (Category: Tech) Implication: The Leopoly app's expansion to businesses and schools creates opportunities for the 3D printing industry to reach new markets and customers. - [3D Printing Labs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fab-lab): Israel's Fab Lab Makes 3D Printing Accessible to the Public (Category: Tech) Implication: The advent of accessible 3D printing technology presents businesses a chance to invest in disruptive innovation and modernize production processes by leveraging 3D printing techno… ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - 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