Econolyst
Direct metal laser sintering
3D printing and additive manufacturing consultancy Econolyst has launched a research initiative dedicated to investigating the supply and demand for 3D printing service bureaus.
The company, which has 20 years of experience in its field, has sought the widest possible participation in its research, looking for survey-based feedback from Service Bureaus around the world and from the broad range of current and potential users of their services - spanning sectors ranging from architecture and design, to construction, automotive, healthcare and myriad others.
The purpose of the research is to determine to what extent the current needs of each sector are met, how the 3D printing industry is evolving and where the next waves of demand will come from.
Among the questions the research initiative homes to answer are 'Do we still need service bureaus?'; 'Will access to more affordable desktop technologies alter the services we will want to buy in the future'; 'Will more intelligent online quoting portals pull users away from their favourite suppliers?' and 'Will part suppliers look to other value-added services such as design, part finishing or Direct Part Manufacture to maintain market share?'.
To pay back participants for their time in completing the CB Survey, they will receive a White Paper detailing insights from both providers and the user communities they seek to serve. Furthermore, one lucky participant will receive an iPad mini in a prize draw.
The survey is available here and will run until October 10th 2013 and will be followed by the prize draw for the iPad mini. The White Paper will be sent to participants before the end of the year.
