By EconomicOldenburger, via Wikimedia Commons
Las Vegas Strip
The 3D Printing Marketplace at International CES 2015 is set to be twice the size.
After the buzz and popularity of the inaugural TCT Magazine + Personalize-sponsored 3D Printing Techzone at International CES 2014 in January, organiser the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has announced next year's space dedicated to 3D printing will take up twice the floorspace.
The 3D Printing Marketplace is tipped to feature more than 30 industry-leading companies who will be showcasing the very latest advancements in consumer-facing 3D printing technology. Located in CES Tech West, which includes the Sands Expo, The Venetian and the Wynn/Encore exhibits, some of the big names already signed up to appear at next year's outing include 3D Systems. Stratasys, MakerBot, Autodesk, Materialise and XYZ Printing.
In the most recent US Consumer Electronics Sales and Forecast report published by the CEA, demand for desktop 3D printing systems is anticipated to soar to 67,000 units this year, earning the industry some $76 million (£45 million, €56 million), which is 43 per cent more than 2013. The dedicated 3D printing space at CES 2015 is anticipated to spread over more than 14,000 sq ft of exhibition space, which is up from 7,300 sq ft this year.
Karen Chupka, Senior Vice-President of International CES and Corporate Business Strategy at the CEA, stated: "With huge advancements in digital technology, 3D printers are moving toward more compact units that are more suitable for consumers and capable of printing a variety of consumer goods, from toys and electronics to clothing, shoes and even food.
"The vast expansion of the 3D printing footprint at the 2015 CES speaks to the category's potential to become a major disruptor in the global economy and confirms that CES is the platform to see the future of printing come to life."
CES this coming January will also feature conference sessions targeting 3D printing technology. More information will be available online this autumn.
The Tech West corner of the vast conference, which takes over Las Vegas for a week of January, also features companies at the forefront of lifestyle technologies such as fitness equipment and health technology, sensors and the Internet of Things, as well as leading startups and other high-growth technologies with the power to change how consumers work, live and play.
The 3D Printing Marketplace is one of 20 technology-specific marketplaces that will serve to highlight innovation across these areas. Companies interested in learning more about exhibiting are encouraged to contact Aurelie Cornett.
As with previous years, CES's mission in 2015 is to bring together consumer technology businesses and showcase the absolute cutting edge in technology. The event runs from January 6th-9th in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Registration for the 2015 CES will open on Tuesday July 8th. For more information on the 2015 CES, visit CESweb.org.
