Over the previous decade, Europe has emerged as a frontrunner on this planet of 3D printing, with patent functions on this know-how skyrocketing. In keeping with information from the European Patent Workplace (EPO), additive manufacturing has skilled eight occasions quicker development than the typical of all applied sciences.

The EPO, liable for analyzing and granting European patents, reveals that patent households associated to 3D printing grew at an astonishing common price of 26.3% per 12 months from 2013 to 2020. This development price is a formidable eight occasions larger than the typical throughout all know-how sectors throughout the identical interval.

Europe, together with the USA, leads the worldwide race for 3D printing innovation. Collectively, they account for over 70% of all worldwide patent households in 3D printing since 2001, with Europe claiming a considerable 32.9% share. Germany is the outstanding participant in Europe, contributing 41% of the continent’s share, adopted by France at 12%.

“With this examine, we’re taking a world perspective on the 3D printing revolution utilizing worldwide patent information to report on the scope and implications of this know-how development,” mentioned EPO President António Campinos.

“Europe secured 4 of the highest ten spots for analysis establishments in additive manufacturing innovation. This bodes properly for the longer term since technical progress on this area typically stems from the cutting-edge analysis in these establishments.”

One noteworthy development is the diversification of the 3D printing market, with a surge of startups alongside established engineering firms. Whereas 3D printing has functions throughout quite a few industries, practically 20% of all patents between 2001 and 2020 had been within the well being and medical sector, emphasizing its worth in creating patient-specific implants and anatomical fashions.

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