3D Printer seeks killer app

     While 3D printer sales will experience healthy growth over the next for years, consumer machine remain a technology in search of a purpose.

    3D, printers materials and services in the U.S grew by almost 29% in 2015 compared to the year before, representing over $2 billion market. And 3D printers shipments are expected to experience a compound growth rate(CAGR) of more than 16% through 2020, according to IDC's U.S. 3D printer Forecast, 2016-2020.

the largest technology segment within the 3D printing market is fused filament fabrication or fused deposition modeling (FDM/FFF). last year they made up over 70% of the 3D printers shipped in the U.S

<h1>The killer app </h1>

"it is a bit cliche, but the killer app that would drive 3D printer in the consumer space has not materialized yet," said Tim Greene, research director for IDC's Hardcopy Solution. "Already the 3D printer mix in the U.S has changed over the last 12 to 24 months. While there are still a lot of shipments into the DIY/consumers market, tremendous growth remains in the segment with a more professional and manufacturing orientation. they are yet to find their pot next to the inkjet printer in the home.