---
title: The complete metal 3D printing guide
description: Metal 3D printing is much more complex and specific than regular 3D printing. Thermal constraints, technologies, design rules and many other subjects are covered by this complete metal 3D printing guide.
---

![Aluminum AISi7Mg0,6 02](https://info.sculpteo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Aluminum%20AISi7Mg0%2c6%2002.jpeg?width=2073&name=Aluminum%20AISi7Mg0%2c6%2002.jpeg "Aluminum AISi7Mg0,6 02")

![State_2018_-_Cover_IEttINU](https://info.sculpteo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/State_2018_-_Cover_IEttINU.jpeg?width=964&name=State_2018_-_Cover_IEttINU.jpeg "State_2018_-_Cover_IEttINU")

# The State of 3D Printing 2018

### The data you need to understand the 3D printing world and build your 3D printing strategy

- [Discover the ebook](https://info.sculpteo.com/the-state-of-3d-printing-2018#tab-01)
- [Overview](https://info.sculpteo.com/the-state-of-3d-printing-2018#tab-02)
- [What you will learn?](https://info.sculpteo.com/the-state-of-3d-printing-2018#tab-03)
- [Stay updated](https://info.sculpteo.com/the-state-of-3d-printing-2018#tab-04)

![Alumide 04](https://info.sculpteo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alumide%2004.jpg?width=620&name=Alumide%2004.jpg "Alumide 04")

The findings from this annual study show very positive trends for the whole additive manufacturing industry. Indeed, we can see that investment in 3D printing exploded, with companies who truly trust this technology and see the positive results it brings. They use additive manufacturing for multiple purposes, from prototyping to production. Regarding 3D printing materials, plastics are still the most used ones, but the use of metals is strongly increasing.

![Nylon Glass Filled 03](https://info.sculpteo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Nylon%20Glass%20Filled%2003.jpg?width=620&name=Nylon%20Glass%20Filled%2003.jpg "Nylon Glass Filled 03")

Every year, at Sculpteo, we conduct a survey over 1000 professionals from the 3D printing market. They all come from various industries that use additive manufacturing, from industrial goods to consumer goods, from aeronautics to healthcare. We asked them several questions regarding their use of 3D printing, and how it impacts their businesses.

![Cyanate Ester 03](https://info.sculpteo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cyanate%20Ester%2003.jpg?width=621&name=Cyanate%20Ester%2003.jpg "Cyanate Ester 03")

In this additive manufacturing study, you will learn about multiple topics related to the 3D printing market. We asked why companies invest in 3D printing, and the results of these investments, how businesses use 3D printing technologies and materials, how expertise in additive manufacturing is evolving inside companies and much more!

![john-schnobrich-520023-unsplash](https://info.sculpteo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ebooks%20images/john-schnobrich-520023-unsplash.jpg?width=384&name=john-schnobrich-520023-unsplash.jpg "john-schnobrich-520023-unsplash")

##### **Discover Additive Manufacturing technologies with us**

To help you learn more about Metal 3D Printing and other 3D technologies, we keep creating various resources for you. For instance, do you know that we have a [3D printing blog](https://www.sculpteo.com/blog/)? Our blog posts cover different subjects surrounding the 3D printing business. You can [subscribe to our ](https://www.sculpteo.com/en/newsletter_subscribe/)[weekly newsletter](https://www.sculpteo.com/en/newsletter_subscribe/) and receive all the news about Sculpteo and 3D printing.

## Get the Free Report: The State of 3D Printing 2018