Professional 3D Printing in Central Europe

PROFESSIONAL
3D PRINTING
IN CENTRAL EUROPE
“
Every day we see new possibilities that professional 3D printing brings
to companies across every sector. It supports industrial mass
production, research projects, product and medical device
development and multidisciplinary education at all school levels. There
are many myths and conjectures about the use of 3D printing in
companies, however, our international survey aims to reveal how
businesses in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania
really perceive and use 3D printing.
The survey shows a number of trends and confirmations that where

businesses have bet on additive manufacturing, they have been more
than satisfied with the results. They know that 3D printing is not a toy
or an expensive hobby, but a handy and versatile tool that pays off -
and, if deployed well, pays back very quickly. 3D printing has
expanded significantly in Hungarian companies and schools over the
last few years. I have reason to believe that we are contributing to this
in a big way.
Gyorgy Simo, CEO FreeDee Kft. & Admasys International Kft.
3D printing technology supplier
”
CONTENT
The additive manufacture market and its expected development 4
Use of 3D printing in companies 9
Internal vs. external use of 3D printing 14
Application of 3D printing in companies 17
3D printer types and technologies used 22
How companies perceive 3D printing technology 27
Advantages of 3D printing 33
Satisfaction with 3D printing 36
SUMMARY 39
About the survey 40
Project contracting authorities 45
Project implementer 47
Resources 48
THE ADDITIVE
MANUFACTURING MARKET
AND ITS EXPECTED
DEVELOPMENT
The global size of the additive manufacture market / 3D printing
reached € 11 billion in 2020. In the next 4 years, the size of this
market is expected to reach € 35 billion. The average annual growth
rate in the 3D printing market is about 33%.
The current market leader is the USA, but significant growth in Asia is
expected in the future.
Global size of the additive manufacturing / 3D printing Geographical distribution of the additive
market and its expected development (EUR billion) manufacturing / 3D printing market
7%
35
US
21%
22 Europe
11 38%
11 mld. EUR Asia
Others
34%
Source: Internal estimate according to Mordor Intelligence, 2020;
2020 2022 2024 AMFG Thyssenkrupp, 2019
Source: Statista, 2021
Expected average growth rate of 3D

printing market is + 33%
The US is the market leader, but Asia

will enroll the strongest growth
(AMFG, Statista, Mordor Intelligence)
5
Geographical distribution of the additive manufacturing / 3D printing market and its expected future
development
The size of the 3D

printing market:
EUR 11 billion (2020),
EUR 34.7 billion (2024)
Regional growth
High
Medium
Low
Expected Ø annual growth rate in the market

of additive manufacturing / 3D printing is + 33%
Source: Mordor Intelligence, 2020
6
Expected growth of the additive manufacturing /
3D printing market (billion EUR) The European market for additive
World and Europe manufacturing reaches the size of EUR
World Europe
3.7 billion, in 2024 its size will double
45,00
40,00
34,68
35,00
30,00 28,18
CZE, SVK, HUN a ROU
25,00 21,68
20,00 16,36 make up 7% of the European market
15,00 11,05 and 2% of the world market
10,00 6,29 7,23
3,74 4,59 5,53
5,00
0,00
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 It is expected that the size of the market
Source: Internal estimate according to Statista, 2021; Mordor Intelligence, 2020; AMFG Thyssenkrupp, 2019 in Czech Republic and Slovakia will
increase by 70% by 2024, Hungary will
Expected growth of the additive manufacturing record a 50% increase and Romania 30%
/ 3D printing market (billion EUR)
CZE, SVK, HUN a ROU
0,50 CZE SVK HUN ROU
0,45
0,40
0,35
0,30
0,25
0,20 0,14
0,16 0,18
0,11 0,13
0,15
0,10 0,07 0,08 0,08 0,09
0,06
0,06 0,07 0,07
0,05 0,05 0,06
0,06 0,06
0,04 0,04 0,05
0,00
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Source: Internal estimate according to Statista, 2021; Mordor Intelligence, 2020; AMFG Thyssenkrupp, 2019
7
The number of patent applications for the use of additive technology, 3D printing *
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Celkem %
Healthcare 246 223 266 294 393 423 546 720 907 4 018 44%
Energy 38 41 59 103 120 288 428 488 436 2 001 22%
Transport 27 24 24 54 57 101 181 215 278 961 11%
Industry 58 23 44 40 50 81 124 148 163 731 8%
Electronics 42 28 25 25 40 71 84 107 137 559 6%
Construction 26 15 9 18 21 55 58 83 111 396 4%
Consumer goods 5 7 18 9 18 43 64 86 97 347 4%
Food industry 3 7 4 5 10 7 17 29 23 105 1%
Total 445 368 449 548 709 1 069 1 502 1 876 2 152 9 118 100%
Source: European Patent Office, EPO, 2020, highlighted year-on-year growth of more than 50% over the previous year
* A patent is a legal protection of inventions guaranteeing the patent owner the exclusive right to industrial use of the invention. The European patent application represents high-quality patent protection for inventors in up to
44 countries. The number of patent applications for innovations and inventions in the field of additive manufacturing technology to the EPO increased between 2015 and 2018 at an average annual rate of 36%, which is 10
times more than the increase for all patent applications of the Office together for the same period. This development confirms the digital transformation of the economy and the related growth of additive manufacturing,
which is part of the wider, rapid rise of digital technologies in general.
The largest industries for patent 47% of patent applications for the use
applications for the use of 3D printing of professional additive technology
are healthcare, energy and transport come from European countries
The use of additive technology is 19% of all patent applications for the
experiencing rapid growth in other use of 3D printing are generated by
industries as well Germany
8
USE OF 3D PRINTING
IN COMPANIES
In 2020, on average, 5% of European companies with 10 or more
employees used additive manufacturing / 3D printing. Denmark has the
largest share of 3D printing users in Europe (9%).
In the Czech Republic, on average, 6% of companies used 3D printing,

in Slovakia 4%, in Hungary 3% and in Romania 2%. The use of 3D
printing is especially in the Czech Republic comparable to the Western
European countries.
The use of 3D printing is significantly higher in companies with more

than 250 employees.
% of 3D printing usage by companies with 10 or more employees
27 EU Member States The European market
9% Denmark for additive manufacturing
8% Malta amounts to EUR 3.7 billion
7% Germany
7% Finland
6% Belgium By size, Germany is the European
6% Czech Republic leader in 3D printing (EUR 1.1 billion)
6% Cyprus
6% Netherlands
6% Sweden
5% EU 27
5% Spain
Denmark has the highest share in the
5% Croatia use of 3D printing by companies
5% Italy with 10 or more employees in Europe
5% Austria
5% Slovenia
4% France
4% Luxembourg In terms of the use of 3D printing in
4% Portugal companies, the Czech Republic ranked
4% Slovakia 6th, Slovakia 18th, Hungary 21st and
3% Bulgaria
3% Lithuania Romania 23rd from the 27 European
3% Hungary Member States
3% Poland
2% Romania
2% Latvia
2% Ireland
2% Estonia
2% Greece
Source: Eurostat, 2020
10
% of 3D printing usage by companies % of use of 3D printing by companies
with 10 or more employees in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania
EU, CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU; without the financial sector By number of employees, excluding financial sector
2018 2020 2018 2020
Europe (EU 27) 3% 4%

4%
Europe (EU 27)
5% Czech Republic 3% 4%
Small companies
Slovakia 2% 3%
4% 10 - 49 employees
Czech Republic
6% Hungary 2% 3%
Romania 2% 1%
3%
Slovakia
4% Europe (EU 27) 7% 9%
2% Czech Republic 6% 10%

Hungary Medium-sized
3% companies Slovakia 4% 5%
50 - 249 employees
2% Hungary 3% 5%
Romania
2% Romania 3% 3%
Source: Eurostat, 2018, 2020
Europe (EU 27) 14% 17%
Czech Republic 17% 26%
Large companies
Large companies use 3D printing much more over 250 employees
Slovakia 12% 18%
Hungary 10% 15%
3D printing usage in mid-sized and large Romania 5% 6%
companies in CZ is above EU average Source: Eurostat, 2018, 2020
11
How often do companies use 3D printing? 70% of companies use their 3D printers regularly
Survey among users of 3D printing in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU Most of the surveyed companies that use 3D printing use it regularly.
46% of companies use 3D printers daily, 34% several times a week.
4% 3%
Since printing of 3D prints can take several days, it is evident that the
14% Daily
use of 3D printing in companies is quite intensive.
A few times a week
46% A few times a month
Irregularly
“
I don't know
34%
Source: Market research in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU, 2021

When you plan to buy a 3D printing machine, you need to know
how often you will use it. There is probably no sense in buying
an expensive machine that will operate only few hours in a
month. In such a case I would recommend to print at an external
supplier.
Gábor Zai, Technoplast Group Kft
”
Plastic processing and metalworking specialists, Hungary
12
How do you plan to use 3D printing The surveyed
in your company next year? companies plan to use 3D printing more
Survey among users of 3D printing in the CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU
The statistics estimated growth of 3D printing is also confirmed by the
1% 6%
Significantly more respondents' outlook for the future - 72% plan to use 3D printing in the
A little bit more company more in the next year.
20%
In the same extent
42% Significant growth can be expected especially for Hungarian and
Little less
Romanian companies and the largest companies (see the next page).
Significantly less
I don't know
30%
13
INTERNAL VS.
EXTERNAL USE
OF 3D PRINTING
Around a half of 3D printing users outsorce 3D printing and do not
have their own 3D printer.
In the Czech Republic, the outsorcing is less common while in

Slovakia, Hungary and Romania is comparable to the European
average.
The main reason for outsourcing 3D printing at the surveyed

companies is the need to try 3D printing before they possibly buy their
own printer. The second main reason is limited frequency of 3D
printing.
Internal and external 3D printing usage by companies
with 10 or more employees
Europe (EU 27); without the financial sector
4% 2018: Using 3D printing

2018: They use their own 3D
2%
printing
2% 2018: They use external 3D printing
5% 2020: Use of 3D printing

2020: They use their own 3D
2,5%
printing
2,5% 2020: They use external 3D printing
Source: Eurostat, 2018, 2020 internal estimate
World comparison
The proportion of 3D printing outsourcing in Europe is in line with the
global trend. In the European Union, about half of users outsource 3D
printing, and 4 out of 10 companies worldwide outsource. However, the
ratio of outsourcing is slightly decreasing - 4 years ago, the ratio of own
and external solutions worldwide was 50:50 (EY, 2019).
Outsourcing of professional Do you consider buying 3D printer to your company?
3D printing in companies Companies that outsource 3D printing or plan to use 3D printing
Before buying their own printer, the surveyed companies first want to try Survey among users of 3D printing in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU
3D printing with an external company. A frequent reason for outsourcing Definitely yes Rather yes Rather no Definitely no I don't know
is also the marginal use of 3D printing, when buying their own machine
is not worth it.
36% 57% 7% They outsource 3D printing
Why do you use an external supplier for 3D printing

and do not have your own 3D printer? They don't use 3D printing yet,
22% 52% 13% 13%
but they're considering it
Companies that use external 3D printers
Survey among users of 3D printing in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU
First we want to try 3D printing
57%
technology externally
We use 3D printing only very

57% Only a minimum of companies
marginally
want to stay with outsourcing
We didn't want to invest in our own
29%
3D printer 93% of surveyed companies that outsource 3D printing plan to purchase
their own 3D printer. Companies that do not yet use 3D printing, in
We don't have designers for 3D contrast, are more likely to consider outsourcing this technology first.
14%
models
7% Other reason
16
APPLICATION
OF 3D PRINTING
IN COMPANIES
Companies in Europe most often use 3D printing for prototypes or
models for internal use in the production process. The primary use of
3D printing is development, testing, prototyping and production
support, however, a quarter of surveyed companies primarily explore
how they can improve various areas in the company through 3D
printing.
3D printing application in companies 3D printing applications in companies
with 10 or more employees in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU
Europe (EU 27); companies using 3D printing; without the financial sector Companies using 3D printing with 10 or more employees
2018 2020
2018 2020 Prototypes or models for internal use in
73% 80%
the production process
67% Prototypes or models for internal Prototypes or models for sale 28% 32%
64% use in the production process Czech
Other products for internal use in the
Republic 52% 60%
production process
39% Other products for sale 16% 27%
Prototypes or models for sale Other uses 3% 3%
37%
Prototypes or models for internal use in
60% 68%
32% Other products for internal use in Prototypes or models for sale 35% 31%
36% the production process Slovakia Other products for internal use in the
23% 36%
production process
20% Other products for sale 9% 12%
Other products for sale Other uses 22% 15%
21%
65% 78%
15% Prototypes or models for sale 47% 39%
Other uses
16% Hungary Other products for internal use in the
48% 44%
production process
Other products for sale 32% 22%
Other uses 10% 0%
49% 54%
Prototypes or models for sale 27% 36%
Romania Other products for internal use in the
30% 25%
production process
Other products for sale 34% 15%
Other uses 28% 4%
18
What types of prints do you print / plan to print Small models and prototypes
on the 3D printer?
Two thirds of the surveyed companies currently use a 3D printer to print
Survey of the use of 3D printing in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU
small models and prototypes, 57% print functional and end parts. Those
3D printing users Those who plan to start using 3D printing who are just planning to use 3D printing consider printing functional and
end parts rather than prototypes.
63%
Small models and prototypes
37%
57%
Functional and end parts
56%
33%
“
Strength and special prints
23%
26% Besides prototypes, fully functional, end components are

Extra large prints increasingly printed in companies. It is confirmed that today's
13%
possibilities of 3D printers and advanced materials go far beyond
the mere production of fragile parts for Research and
1% Development purposes. This trend continues to strengthen.
Nothing specific, so far we are just
trying / planning to try 3D printing
9% Tomáš Soóky, Group CEO Admasys International
”
Source: Market research in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU
19
What types of prints are you printing or planning to print on a 3D printer?
Companies that use or plan to use 3D printers; according to the country and turnover of the company
Turnover up to Turnover up to Turnover over

Czech Republic Slovakia Hungary Romania Total
EUR 4 million EUR 20 million EUR 20 million
Functional and end parts 43% 58% 64% 57% 65% 43% 62% 56%
Small models and prototypes 59% 46% 44% 48% 53% 50% 49% 49%
Strength and special prints 14% 19% 32% 43% 26% 30% 36% 28%
Extra large prints 5% 4% 36% 28% 12% 15% 28% 19%

Nothing specific, so far we are just trying /
7% 8% 2% 4% 7% 2% 9% 5%
wanting to try 3D printing
I don‘t know 7% 6% 6% 0% 2% 0% 3% 5%
Source: Market research in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU, 2021, above-average values highlighted
In Hungary and Romania, the printing of extra

large, high-strength and special prints is more
frequent
20
The main purposes of using 3D printers in companies The primary use of 3D printing is development,
Survey among users of 3D printing in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU testing, prototyping and production support
Main purpose Secondary use
About half of the respondents use 3D printing for development, testing,
Research, development, testing, innovation and prototyping. 47% of companies also provide production
49% 27% product innovation, prototyping,
test samples support and print functional and spare parts through 3D printing.
Production of functional and

47% 27%
spare parts, production support
A quarter of companies primarily explore
Exploring how we can improve
how they can improve various areas in the
28% 44% various areas in the company company through 3D printing
through 3D printing
28% of respondents say they primarily research how 3D printing could
Testing whether 3D printing is
33% 36% improve various areas in the company's operations. We can say that
usable for us in the future at all
companies are advanced users who are not satisfied with the current
possibilities, but are looking for ways to further improve.
“
27% 38% Ensuring the flow of production
28% 29% Small series production

The increasingly affordable 3D printing of high-end materials -
from "cosmic" metal alloys to durable composites and ultra
18% 28% Mass production polymers - has opened up the use of additive manufacturing in
new areas. Companies can easily print spare parts for the
production line as well as a fully functional part for the machine
16% 22% Other purpose being sold. All under their own roof, faster and cheaper than
before.
Tomáš Soóky, Group CEO Admasys International
”
21
3D PRINTER TYPES
AND TECHNOLOGIES
USED
The surveyed companies most often use desktop professional 3D
printers for small prints or professional 3D printers for mid-size prints.
Future purchases for corporate 3D printing are moving from hobby
printers to professional machines.
The world's most widely used materials for 3D printing are plastics and
polymers - in 2021, 90% of companies used them. The use of glass,
but also ceramics as a material for 3D printing has doubled since 2019.
According to the survey, plastic composites and thermoplastics are

most often used in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania.
What types of 3D printers do you use / plan to use in Surveyed companies mostly have 3D printers for
your company? small or medium prints
Survey among users of 3D printing in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU
Users of 3D printers most often use desktop professional 3D printers for
25% small prints. One-fifth of respondents use production 3D printers for
Hobby printer, basic 3D printer (purchase
12% price up to approx. 1 600 EUR) large prints, in general, these are mainly companies with a turnover of
over EUR 20 million.
54% Desktop professional 3D printer for small Future purchases for corporate 3D printing are
40% prints (price approx. 1 600 -10 000 EUR)
moving from hobby printers to professional
machines
32% Professional 3D printer for medium prints
(price approx. 10 000 - 40 000 EUR) Companies that plan to buy their first 3D printer won't chose hobby
32%
printers that often. These types of machines will probably be purchased
less often for business purposes for the benefit of professional
22%
“
Professional (production) 3D printer for equipment.
16% large prints (price over EUR 40 000)

If a company considers buying 3D printer, I would recommend
them to really clarify what they need, what are their requirements
for the production. Only then they would be able to choose
proper technology that would suit their needs. Many enterprises
can make mistake when they do not think about this well and
buy unsuitable machine.
”
23
What types of 3D printers do you use or plan to use in your company?
Companies that use or plan to use 3D printers; according to the company's turnover

Total
EUR 4 million EUR 20 million EUR 20 million
Hobby printer, basic 3D printer 22% 16% 23% 19%
Desktop professional 3D printer for small
44% 53% 48% 48%
prints
Professional 3D printer for medium prints 31% 30% 34% 32%
Professional (production) 3D printer for
8% 21% 26% 19%
large prints
The larger the business, the more often use of

professional 3D printers
24
What 3D printing technologies do you use / plan to use?
Survey of the use of 3D printing in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU
Current 3D printing users Those who plan to start using 3D printing

59% Plastic composites
40% (FFF + CFF)
56% Thermoplastics
36% (FFF / FDM)
36% Powder thermoplastics

21% (SLS)
28%
Metals
43%
25% Resin
25% (SLA/DLP)
3%
Other technology
11%
Interviewed users of 3D printers most often use the technology of plastic

composites (FFF + CFF) or thermoplastics (FFF / FDM). Respondents
who plan to use 3D printers, on the other hand, want to use metals and
plastic composites (FFF + CFF) most often.
25
What 3D printing technologies do you use or plan to use?
Only companies that use or plan to use 3D printers; according to the country and turnover of the company

Czech Republic Slovakia Hungary Romania Total
EUR 4 million EUR 19.5 million EUR 19.5 million
Plastic composites (FFF+CFF) 44% 36% 56% 57% 42% 60% 52% 48%
Thermoplastics (FFF/FDM) 41% 38% 50% 49% 51% 49% 46% 45%
Metals 30% 32% 42% 40% 30% 27% 44% 36%
Powder thermoplastics (SLS) 16% 20% 34% 40% 21% 29% 35% 28%
Resin (SLA/DLP) 25% 15% 34% 25% 25% 27% 28% 25%
Other technology 7% 11% 4% 7% 11% 1% 9% 7%
Generally, the most widely used technologies for 3D printing are plastic Smaller and medium-sized surveyed companies more often use or plan
composites. The surveyed companies from Hungary use metals more to use plastic composites and thermoplastics. Large enterprises, on the
often than other countries, while Romania uses plastic thermoplastics. other hand, are more likely to use or plan to use metals and powdered
thermoplastics.
26
HOW COMPANIES
PERCEIVE 3D PRINTING
TECHNOLOGY
Professional 3D printing in companies is perceived as a promising and
fast-growing field.
According to the respondents, the 3D printing technology is at a great

level and the perceived advantage is undoubtedly the possible saving
of time and money.
The positive view is confirmed by the fact that most respondents think
that 3D printing will be used by most companies in a few years.
How people in businesses perceive professional 3D printing? Professional 3D printing is perceived
Survey of the use of 3D printing in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU as a fast -growing field
3D printing users Non users In the most companies (whether users or non-users), 3D printing
69% technology is perceived as a perspective, fast growing field, a tool for
A fast growing field
58% those that want to follow the trends and innovate. Only few think that 3D
60% A tool for those who want to keep printing is kind of a fad that will soon dissapear from the market.
40% up with the times and innovate
Those who use 3D printing say that it is quite easy to use and affordable.
30% Today quite simple, anyone can
On the other hand, the non-users think that 3D printing is expensive and
18% use it
not so easy. The results show that the worries of non-users are quite
29% baseles.
Today it is affordable for everyone
12%
14%
Non-users are afraid of high investments. However,
Expensive matter
33% these fears are unfounded - the users say that the
16%
return on investment is very fast.
“
A toy for enthusiasts
10%
11% Too complicated for a common

12% user
I am sure that 3D printing has a big potential and great
5% A fad that will soon disappear possibilities of use for enterprises. We started to use this
3% from the market technology in 2020 and now I can not image working without it.
I would definitely recommend other enterprises to try it.
”
Peter Posvanc, Adlo s.r.o.
Security doors manufacturer, Slovakia
28
Perception of professional and industrial 3D printing
According to the position of the respondents; survey of the use of 3D printing in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU
Company Research / Design / Production

Other Total
management Innovation department
A fast growing field 72% 74% 56% 64% 65%
A tool for those who want to keep up with the times
68% 61% 40% 64% 53%
and innovate
Today quite simple, anyone can use it 32% 25% 23% 45% 26%
Today it is affordable for everyone 28% 27% 17% 27% 23%
Expensive matter 16% 20% 24% 9% 21%
A toy for enthusiasts 24% 16% 10% 9% 14%
Too complicated for a common user 16% 10% 11% 9% 11%
A fad that will soon disappear from the market 16% 1% 4% 0% 4%
Compared to other job positions, company leaders more often see 3D It is interesting that people working in production department are not so
printing as a way to innovations. On the other hand, they often say that it fond of 3D printing as other job positions. They perceive the positives in
is a „toy“ and some also see it as a fad that will soon dissapear from the a below-average percentages.
market.
29
Opinion: 3D printing usage will grow
Most companies will use 3D printing in a few years 82% of those who use 3D printing technology predict that it will be used
Survey of the use of 3D printing in the CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU by the most of the companies within a few years. Non-users are much
I completely agree I rather agree more sceptical, but almost half of them say the same.
Halfway I rather disagree
I completely disagree I don't know
52% 30% 15% 2% 3D printing users
11% 37% 35% 12%

Non-users of 3D
printing
Source: Market research in the CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU, 2021
“ The research results are not surprising for me. We can see
a great growth in the usage of 3D printing in companies and I am
sure that this trend will continue also in the future.
Tomáš Soóky, Group CEO Admasys International
”
30
Opinion: There is no doubt about the level of development
Today, 3D printing is at a great level of 3D printing today
Survey of the use of 3D printing in the CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU
75% of 3D printing users say that the level of this technology is very
I agree I rather agree high. Those who do not use 3D printing are not so convinced, however,
Halfway I rather disagree only 14% say the oposite.
I completely disagree I don't know
13% 27% 38%

2%
12% 7%
Non-users of 3D
printing
“ 22 years ago we were probably the first company in Hungary
that used 3D printer. When I compare these ancient times to
nowdays, I can see huge progress. Both in the technology and in
the services provided by the suppliers. I can say that 3D printing
is at a great level today.
”
31
Opinion: 3D printing saves companies time and money
3D printing can save companies time and money Most users (84%) of 3D printing confirm that this technology can save
Survey of the use of 3D printing in the CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU companies time and money.
And despite that they do not have their own experience, also those
I agree I rather agree
Halfway I rather disagree who do not use 3D printing think that there could be financial and time
I completely disagree I don't know savings when using 3D print.
18% 48% 22% 7%4%

Non-users of 3D
printing
“ 3D printing certainly pays off. Both in terms of the cost of the
printed part itself and saves on machine hours. We are able to
produce spare parts in case of production line breakdown so the
downtime is much shorter and the costs are lower.
Martin Stričko, Zentiva
”
Pharmaceutical company, Czech Republic
32
ADVANTAGES
OF 3D PRINTING
Immediate printing of products according to current needs and tailor-

made printing are the main advantages of 3D printing mentioned in the
market research. The interviewed companies also mentioned
shortening the implementation time and cost savings as additional
benefits.
What do you think are the benefits Immediate printing of products as needed and
of professional 3D printing? tailor-made products are among the main
Survey of the use of 3D printing in the CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU advantages of 3D printing
Possibility to produce a product
65% In the survey, the companies also mentioned the shortening of
immediately according to current needs
implementation time and cost savings as an advantage of 3D printing.
Even geometrically more complex and
56%
tailor-made products can be printed
People in different job positions perceive the benefits of 3D printing
49% Shortening the implementation time slightly differently. The company management especially appreciates the
possibility of delivering tailor-made products to more customers. People
41% Cost savings from research and development especially emphasize the printing of
more difficult products or the reduction of product weight. And shortening
36% Fast iteration (product tuning) of production time is considered to be the biggest advantage by the
people working in production departments.
“
Possibility of tailor-made products for
36%
more customers
30% Product weight reduction

The main advantage for us is that 3D printing is faster and
Simplifying the assembly of printed cheaper than other ways of production. And in case of some
30%
products specific complex parts, 3D print is the only way how to produce it
at all. Producing it in an alternative way is unimaginable.
25% Solving supply chain problems
”
I can't think of anything, I don't know Plastic processing and metalworking specialists, Hungary
2%
what the benefits of 3D printing are
0% 3D printing has no benefits

34
Opinion of 3D printing users:
To what extent can 3D printing help in different areas?
“
Survey among users of 3D printing in the CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU
Significant help Partial help

Average help Minimal or no help
A good example of 3D printing help in our company is, for
example, that we try to adapt medicine bottles so that they open
56% 29% 10% 5% Accelerate innovations easily, even for an old grandmother. The shape itself and the
ergonomics of how it is held in the hand are important. We can
develop it, print it and test it ourselves, which is a great
53% 22% 19% 6% Increasing competitiveness advantage for 3D printing.
”
Shortening the delivery time
44% 32% 19% 4%
(product, part, component)
Reduction of unit costs
“
39% 31% 18% 12%
(product, part, components)
34% 30% 27% 9% Increase in sales

I think that using 3D printing really pays off. It saves money and
Source: Market research in the CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU, 2021 time. The printed parts are cheaper and 3D printing definitely
speeds up the production.
Martin Hudec, Akebono Brake Slovakia
”
Most users of 3D printers confirm that 3D printing helps accelerate Brake manufacturer, Slovakia
innovation and increases the company's competitiveness. Overall,
respondents agreed that 3D printing helps businesses in several areas
35
SATISFACTION WITH
3D PRINTING
Users of 3D printing are very satisfied with this technology and its
possibilities and would recommend it to other companies as well. In
general, it can be said that satisfaction grows with the professionalism
of the machines used - companies that use production and
professional printers are even more satisfied than users of hobby
printers.
How satisfied are you with the technology and Would you recommend the use of 3D printing to
possibilities of 3D printing in your company? companies similar to yours?
Survey among users of 3D printing in the CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU Survey among users of 3D printing in the CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU
1% 9% 1%
13% Completely satisfied Definitely recommended
22%
Rather satisfied Rather recommended
86% Half and half

90% would
Half and half
are satisfied recommend it
62%
Rather dissatisfied 68% Rather not recommended
24%
Completely dissatisfied Definitely not recommended
Source: Market research in the CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU, 2021 Source: Market research in the CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU, 2021
Companies are satisfied with the use of 3D

printing and 90% of respondents would
recommend 3D printing to others “ We are very satisfied both with the technology itself and with our
specific 3D printers. I would definitely recommend other
companies to try it.
”
37
Satisfaction with 3D printing according to used type of 3D printer
% of those who rated their satisfaction as 7-10 points out of 10
Hobby printer, basic 3D printer

78%
users
Desktop professional 3D printer for

89%
small prints users
Professional 3D printer for medium

96%
prints users
Professional (production) 3D printer

100%
for large prints users
Source: Market research in the CZE, SVK, HUN an ROU, 2021
Companies that use professional 3D printers are

more satisfied than those who use hobby printers.
38
SUMMARY
In Europe, 17% of companies with more than 250 employees and 5%
of companies with more than 10 employees currently use professional
or industrial 3D printing. The usage of 3D printing in companies with
more than 10 employees is 6 % in the Czech Republic, 4 % in
Slovakia, 3 % in Hungary and 2 % in Romania. Businesses in Europe
most often use 3D printing for prototypes or models for internal use in
the production process.
The pandemic situation, when companies faced a shortage of

materials or components, helped to speed up the use of 3D technology
in companies. In the global market for additive production (3D printing),
significant growth is expected in the coming years, with an annual
growth rate of 33%.
The rapid growth of this technology is also confirmed by the surveyed

companies within the market research. According to them, professional
3D printing is a promising field with technology at an excellent level.
Companies appreciate the possibility of immediate printing as needed
and custom printing of products. On the contrary, it is bothered by the
complex choice of materials and the limited offer of printers and
materials for 3D printing. One-fifth of companies surveyed for the use
of 3D printing lack process settings, but also management support.
Companies are very satisfied with the use of 3D printing and 90% of
respondents would recommend 3D printing to others.
ABOUT THE SURVEY
In an online market survey conducted in August 2021, we addressed
respondents from companies with more than 50 employees from the
Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. The survey was
focused on the perception, current and future state of the professional
and industrial 3D printing market.
223 respondents answered the questionnaire, of which 42% use 3D

printing in their company.
This chapter describes the characteristics of users and non-users of

3D printing surveyed in the market research.
Gender
WHO ARE THE SURVEYED USERS OF 3D PRINTING? Respondents from companies that use 3D printers
Survey among users of 3D printing in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU, 2021
69% 31%
Economic activity The role in the company

Respondents from companies that use 3D printers Respondents from companies that use 3D printers
Employee with 1 - 5 subordinates
An employee with multiple subordinates 83% Research / Design / Innovation
Entrepreneur / self-employed with employees
78% Production / Preparation
41% 51% 9% 19% Owner / Director / Managing Director
22% Other role
Education
Respondents from companies that use 3D printers
Primary Secondary Tertiary
4% 26% 70%
41
FIRMOGRAPHY OF SURVEYED 3D PRINTING USERS
Survey among users of 3D printing in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU, 2021
Company turnover in 2020 The company's attitude to innovations

Companies that use 3D printers Companies that use 3D printers
Up to EUR 2 million Up to EUR 4 million We are open to new technologies and

2% 4%
Up to EUR 20 million Up to EUR 40 million 3% trends
Over EUR 40 million I don't know, I don't want to say 13% Rather, we like to try new things
4% 10% 30% 23% 15% 18% Rather, we adhere to best practices

tried in the past
We definitely follow old best practices
77%
I don't know, I can't judge
42
Gender
WHO ARE SURVEYED NON-USERS OF 3D PRINTING? Respondents from companies that do not use 3D printers
Survey of the use of 3D printing in the CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU, 2021
80% 20%
Economic activity The role in the company

Respondents from companies that do not use 3D printers Respondents from companies that do not use 3D printers
Employee with 1 - 5 subordinates
An employee with multiple subordinates 79% Production / Preparation
Entrepreneur / self-employed with employees
53% Research / Design / Innovation
46% 52% 2% 5% Owner / Director / Managing Director
6% Other role
Education
Respondents from companies that do not use 3D printers
Primary Secondary Tertiary
6% 35% 58%
43
FIRMOGRAPHY OF SURVEYED
3D PRINTING NON-USERS
Structure of interviewed non-users of 3D printing
in the CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU, 2021
Company turnover in 2020 The company's attitude to innovations

Companies that do not use 3D printers Companies that do not use 3D printers
Up to EUR 2 million Up to EUR 4 million We are open to new
2% 3%
Up to EUR 20 million Up to EUR 40 million technologies and trends
Over EUR 40 million I don't know, I don't want to say 22% Rather, we like to try new
things
8% 18% 18% 15% 16% 24% 43% Rather, we adhere to best
practices
We definitely follow best
practices
30% I don't know, I can't judge
44
PROJECT CONTRACTING
AUTHORITY – INTERNATIONAL
Admasys International offers proven, valued, and thoroughly tested 3D printers,
3D scanners, materials, and accessories. The best in the given categories. With a powerful
combination of hardware, software, and materials helping you to innovate faster every day.
Our services bring high added value to your business – from the first site scan and solution
selection process to training and technical support, our experts are on hand, every step
of the way. We have dozens of case studies across the industry how we helped
our customers gain a strong competitive advantage.
Our certified specialists have years of experience, dedicated to 3D technologies.

Our 3D printing Academy, workshops and regular training programs for designers, Czech Rep.: 3Dwiser s.r.o.
operators and managers will help increase profitability whilst creating and inspiring minds Slovakia: ADMASYS SK s.r.o.
for this attractive technology. Hungary: FreeDee Printing
Solution Kft.
Admasys International clients include, for example:

PROJECT CONTRACTING
AUTHORITY – HUNGARY
FreeDee is a leading supplier and distributor of reliable, professional 3D printing,
3D scanning, and post-processing technologies in Hungary. Providing a full range of
additive manufacturing services from consulting and 3D printing on demand to training and
technical support. Its customers come from all sectors, from designers, schools and
universities, laboratories, design offices and architectural studios to the largest industrial
enterprises, including automotive companies.
FreeDee helps with optimal deployment and scaling of additive manufacturing with a rapid
return on investment. It draws on the expertise of its own team of specialists as well as
direct cooperation with Hungarian and foreign manufacturers of printers and printing
FreeDee Kft.
materials. In Budapest, the company operates a unique Application Centre of 3D printing
1134 Budapest, Angyalföldi út 5/b
with the most varied range of 3D printers on the market. The company is part of the info@freedee.hu | www.freedee.hu
Admasys International group.
FreeDee clients include, for example:

PROJECT IMPLEMENTER
B-inside is a market research and consulting agency specializing in
B2B markets. Our people have been operating in B2B markets for
more than 15 years. Most project managers also worked on the client
side, so we know how to deliver results aimed at addressing needs
and improving business results.
Why do clients choose us?

• We have the most experienced B2B research team in the Czech
Republic.
• We do 100% B2B - we have a different view.
• We achieve twice the response rate compared to the standard.
• We can interview even the most difficult respondents. B-inside s.r.o.
• We also research very specific fields. Šmeralova 12, Praha 7 | Vavrečkova 5262, Zlín
• We connect research and business and thus maximize the usability info@b-inside.cz | www.b-inside.cz
of surveys.
B-inside clients include, for example:

RESOURCES
• 3D Printing Market (2018-26) | Industry Trends, Growth, Size - Mordor Intelligence [online]. © Mordor Intelligence 2020.
Available from: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/3d-printing-market
• 3D Printing Technology Trends . A Survey of Additive Manufacturing Decision-Makers 2021 [pdf]. © Jabil 2021.
Available from: https://www.jabil.com/dam/jcr:82f12c7a-7475-42a0-a64f-0f4a625587d8/jabil-2021-3d-printing-tech-trends-report.pdf
• 40+ 3D Printing Industry Stats You Should Know [online]. © AMFG Thyssenkrupp 2020.
Available from: https://amfg.ai/2020/01/14/40-3d-printing-industry-stats-you-should-know-2020-redirect/
• Additive Manufacturing Around the World: What is the State of 3D Printing Adoption in North America and Europe? [online]. © AMFG Thyssenkrupp 2020.
Available from: https://amfg.ai/2019/11/07/additive-manufacturing-around-the-world-what-is-the-state-of-3d-printing-adoption-in-north-america-and-europe/
• Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing - Statistics & Facts | Statista. The Statistics Portal for Market Data, Market Research and Market Studies [online]. © Statista 2021.
Available from: https://www.statista.com/topics/1969/additive-manufacturing-and-3d-printing/
• AM Around the World: How Mature is 3D Printing in the Asia-Pacific Region? [online]. © AMFG Thyssenkrupp 2020.
Available from: https://amfg.ai/2019/11/20/am-around-the-world-how-mature-is-3d-printing-in-the-asia-pacific-region/
• EPO - Europe is a global hub for innovation in 3D printing. EPO [online]. © European Patent Office 2020.
Available from: https://www.epo.org/news-events/news/2020/20200713.html or study Patents and additive manufacturing Trends in 3D printing technologies [pdf].
• Eurostat: 3D printing and robotics, 2018 and 2020 [online] © Eurostat

Available from: https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=isoc_eb_p3d&lang=en
• Global 3D printing industry market size | Statista. The Statistics Portal for Market Data, Market Research and Market Studies [online]. © Statista 2021.
Available from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/315386/global-market-for-3d-printers/
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PROFESSIONAL

The survey shows a number of trends and confirmations that where

Use of 3D printing in companies 9

Internal vs. external use of 3D printing 14

Application of 3D printing in companies 17

3D printer types and technologies used 22

How companies perceive 3D printing technology 27

Satisfaction with 3D printing 36

About the survey 40

Project contracting authorities 45

11 mld. EUR Asia

Expected average growth rate of 3D

The US is the market leader, but Asia

The size of the 3D

Expected Ø annual growth rate in the market

Source: Mordor Intelligence, 2020

Energy 38 41 59 103 120 288 428 488 436 2 001 22%

Transport 27 24 24 54 57 101 181 215 278 961 11%

Industry 58 23 44 40 50 81 124 148 163 731 8%

Electronics 42 28 25 25 40 71 84 107 137 559 6%

Construction 26 15 9 18 21 55 58 83 111 396 4%

Consumer goods 5 7 18 9 18 43 64 86 97 347 4%

Food industry 3 7 4 5 10 7 17 29 23 105 1%

In the Czech Republic, on average, 6% of companies used 3D printing,

The use of 3D printing is significantly higher in companies with more

2018 2020 2018 2020

Europe (EU 27) 3% 4%

2% Czech Republic 6% 10%

3D printing usage in mid-sized and large Romania 5% 6%

companies in CZ is above EU average Source: Eurostat, 2018, 2020

Source: Market research in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU, 2021

In the Czech Republic, the outsorcing is less common while in

The main reason for outsourcing 3D printing at the surveyed

4% 2018: Using 3D printing

5% 2020: Use of 3D printing

Source: Eurostat, 2018, 2020 internal estimate

Why do you use an external supplier for 3D printing

We use 3D printing only very

Source: Market research in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU, 2021

26% Besides prototypes, fully functional, end components are

Turnover up to Turnover up to Turnover over

Extra large prints 5% 4% 36% 28% 12% 15% 28% 19%

In Hungary and Romania, the printing of extra

Production of functional and

28% 29% Small series production

According to the survey, plastic composites and thermoplastics are

Source: Market research in CZE, SVK, HUN and ROU, 2021

Gábor Zai, Technoplast Group Kft

Turnover up to Turnover up to Turnover over

The larger the business, the more often use of

Current 3D printing users Those who plan to start using 3D printing

36% Powder thermoplastics

Interviewed users of 3D printers most often use the technology of plastic

Turnover up to Turnover up to Turnover over

Metals 30% 32% 42% 40% 30% 27% 44% 36%

Other technology 7% 11% 4% 7% 11% 1% 9% 7%

According to the respondents, the 3D printing technology is at a great

11% Too complicated for a common

Company Research / Design / Production

Today it is affordable for everyone 28% 27% 17% 27% 23%

Expensive matter 16% 20% 24% 9% 21%

A toy for enthusiasts 24% 16% 10% 9% 14%

Too complicated for a common user 16% 10% 11% 9% 11%