The recent high-profile media coverage on 3D printing has put the technology under spotlight across the world. The technology was introduced to the market in the 1980s but its high cost made it barely affordable for most. But today it is becoming an increasingly mature technology, and the changed business model and industrial chain have made it affordable for many.

The rapid rise of 3D printing has brought about revolutionary changes in the market. It is widely used in industrial manufacturing, scientific research, aeronautics and astronautics, defense and military industries, biomedical engineering, construction, cultural and creative industries, education, heritage preservation, food processing and the auto industry. Besides, it has also been given full play in industrial design, animation, education and medical services.

As the first country to start research and development into 3D printing, the United States deserves its leading position in the technology. It also deserves two of the world's leading 3D printing companies, Stratasys and 3D Systems.