Original title: European industrial 3D printing in its infancy and needs extensive collaboration, new EU report saysURL: LinkOriginally posted: Sep 28 2016Original publisher: Alec at 3ders.orgTL;DR:The European Union (EU) has released a comprehensive report on the 3D printing industry. The European Commission is interested in 3D printing in part for economic growth and job creation opportunities.Generally Western Europe has a significantly healthier 3D printing climate in patenting, services and investment than Eastern Europe.The mature 3D printing sectorsThe most ‘matured’ industrial applications are 3D printed surgical planning tools, hard and inert implants, injection molds and structural aircraft parts. However, barriers still remain (regulation, certification, unskilled labour and a lack of understanding product possible uses). Opportunities are to be found in multidisciplinary collaboration.Intermediary sectors3D car and food printing have reached prototyping and tooling stages and an interested market is visible. Inefficiency in automotive 3D printing is a barrier to final product and scalability. This in addition to a lack of knowledge and automotive conservatism are preventing large scale adoption. 3D food printing requires extensive study and regulation drawn up.Less mature and emerging areas3D textile, home accessory, spare machine parts, and construction printing are considered in their infancy.Construction 3D printing is faced with robotic limitations, material and regulatory challenges, and a very conservative and risk-avoiding culture that lacks awareness about 3D printing possibilities. The textile and footwear sectors are seen as lacking the necessary knowledge, including on materials and CAD software, while textile 3D printing is also unproven.So what needs to happen? Frankly, a lot.Finally, 3D printed home accessories are expected to continue to develop without or with little external interference, though Fab Labs could play a huge role in increasing the market.Barriers & Opportunities and target areasAre many, see link/s.Original 450 page EU report available here. http://ift.tt/2dCofRt