The Now and the Future of 3D Printing in India

Technological advancements have definitely brought the world together and made our lives, businesses, & industries much more efficient. With the expansion of resources and commercialization of more & more industries, it has become the goal of companies to make their production processes as cost-efficient & quick as possible.

A noteworthy example of innovations that are making industrial manufacturing processes easier is 3D printers. Though this is a relatively new concept in India, the industry has gained considerable momentum internationally over the last few years. Budding entrepreneurs & tech innovators across India have been given a much-needed push through various government initiatives & substantial funding. The emergence of 3D printing in the country has also been instrumental in generating newer opportunities for designing, prototyping, and even mass production processes across numerous industries. 

Hence, with burgeoning requirements for 3D printers on account of their benefits like ease, expeditiousness, & versatility, coupled with extensive applications across different sectors like the healthcare, electronics, construction, automotive, & aerospace industries, a recent research report by MarkNtel Advisors has revealed that the India 3D Printer Market is set to experience around 25% CAGR between 2022 & 2027.

How are 3D Printers Transforming the Indian Construction Sector?

3D printers, in simple terms, are highly technologically advanced machines used for developing complex & customized products across different industries. They are slowly but surely gaining traction in India's construction industry, wherein both startup companies & big firms are adopting the technology, mainly to address & resolve the housing shortage problems in the country.

India's construction sector hasn't been too resilient in adopting advanced technologies until the Covid-19 pandemic hit us. Since then, the country has been observing a rapid adoption of 3D printers as more & more technology institutes & IITs, among others, are now massively investing in the technology.

The country hosts both local & international manufacturers of FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and Resin 3D printers. The fierce competition among these has led to numerous startups exploring a rather unique & intriguing technology, i.e., concrete 3D printing.

The recent developments associated with 3D printing in India's construction industry are remarkable but with future implications. The country depends on IITs for all the research on the feasibility of 3D printing and materials & cost savings achieved. Despite the immense potential, there still exists a need to explore the technology, its advantages, challenges, & its possible applications. Several startups are seeking government support for developing toilets in line with the country's "Swachh Bharat Mission," the approval & facilitation of which would boost the 3D printer industry across the construction sector of India.

On the other hand, with active efforts by the government toward digital manufacturing as a part of its digital economy outlook, concrete 3D printing is very likely to be instrumental in housing developments under PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana), which aims to build around 3 crore houses by 2024 in order to address the housing shortage issues in the country.

Concrete 3D printers are undoubtedly easier to manufacture than metal 3D printers but complex & costlier enough than FDM & Resin 3D printers. With the increasing competition in the steadily growing India 3D printing market, many startups that entered the industry just due to its popularity perhaps witness anonymity, and only those with a robust vision will sustain & gain in the future.

So, what’s next for the 3D Printer Industry in India?

The coming years are likely to generate lucrative prospects for numerous R&D activities in 3D printing technology across different industries in India. It will not only make industrial processes easier but more affordable, alongside various innovations & products, coupled with entrepreneurial ventures in efficient manufacturing and quality design & prototyping.

Hence, the increasing availability of high-quality digital technologies & manufacturing services is set to give rise to high precision & cost-effective products and production processes and, in turn, boost the India 3D Printer Market in the years ahead.